THE SIX-WORD NOVEL

My sister has issued a challenge. She reminded me that Ernest Hemmingway has such a way with words (while some others of us, on the other hand…with…way…words…not…have…) that he could write a novel in only six words. In case you haven’t heard Hemminghway’s six-word novel, it reads thusly:

FOR SALE. BABY SHOES. NEVER WORN.

Yes, that brings us some ideas, some emotions, does it not? So Terry has challenged me to write a novel in six words. At first it seemed a daunting task, one to which I certainly had to give a good deal of thought, but after that good deal of thought I have indeed come up with several very short “Novels.”

First, I want to tell you Russ’ six-word novel:

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.

And, of course the sequel:

‘COS YOU JUST…MIGHT…GET IT.

Now, here is mine:

THINK IT’S OVER, SWEETHEART? THINK AGAIN.

And here’s another one:

HE WAS BETTER THAN THE BEST.

See, the first one’s probably a story of crime and revenge, and I’ll be the second one is a love story.

But this is too easy! Six is too many words! How about five?

THAT SUMMER WAS PURE DELIGHT.

Another love story? But not my four-word novel:

THE DECEPTION IS COMPLETE.

Actually, that’s not original. I’m reading the Bloody Jack series, and that’s a line that seems to keep coming up. But it’s so jam-packed with emotion and intrigue, I couldn’t help using it.

Now, how about three words?

SINGS. DANCES. DIES.

Hmm…wonder what that’s all about?

Two words?

NEVER AGAIN.

And now the ultimate challenge, the one word novel. Here it is:

HELP!

Okay, I’m done.

How about you? Anyone willing to take up the challenge? I’d love to read some more six-word novels!