Our annual Six Word Story competition is a challenge in concise storytelling. Inspired by the famous six word story attributed to Ernest Hemingway “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” we ask our young writers to captivate us in just six words – a real skill and testament to their creativity in this flash fiction challenge.
Participation was high once again, with 949 young writers from 26 schools taking part. 70 entries were considered in the national competition.
Judged by Emilie Grol, Rebecca Hodson, and Katie Russell from Penguin Random House, the stories chosen were a mix of witty, emotive and clever. The judges were hugely impressed by the entries, their general comments can be viewed below.
The winner and national finalists will each receive a book bundle from Penguin Random House, printed postcards of their story, a notebook and a certificate. The winner also receives a personalised notebook. Highly Commended entries also receive a selection of Penguin Random House books, a certificate and a notebook. We are delighted to be able to share this year’s winner, national finalists and highly commended entries.
And the winner is…
Our intriguing winning entry ‘Maze is glass, somehow I’m lost.’ was written by Amal Badmus from St Saviour’s and St Olave’s School in London. The judges said:
”We thought a glass maze was such a clever and unique metaphor for feeling confused about where you’re going in life, even when you can see the path you’re supposed to take ahead. We felt this tapped into a universal experience but would especially resonate with younger readers as they’re facing unique and unprecedented challenges that will impact their futures in unknown ways. This short story is our winner because it packs a punch and really made us think – which is so impressive to do with just six words. Well done, Amal!”
National Finalists
2nd place
Let him cook, whole house burnt.
Praise Ariyo, Co-op Academy Grange
Praise delivered an intriguing piece. We loved how deadpan this entry was. It really made us laugh because it’s in a voice that’s quite different to the other entries. It uses the internet saying, ‘let him cook’ – meaning trust the process – but turns it on its head, joking that not all people should be left to their own devices. Even though the first part was almost overly familiar, by adding a new, funny twist, it ends up being completely original. We love that this entry has its own unique voice and brings us into the language used by young people today. Well done!
Judges
3rd place
Judged cover. Book swallowed me whole.
Sara Madan, Holland Park School, London
When we first read this, we thought the imagery of a book swallowing you whole was striking, immediately conjuring fantastical images. However, as we reflected further on the six words, their vivid nature revealed deeper connotations: the importance of avoiding judgement and allowing one’s opinions to be challenged and changed. Amazing work!
Judges
Highly Commended
The judges awarded Highly Commended to the following five entries. In no particular order:
I was introduced to mother again.
by Giya Banwait, Landau Forte College, Derby
Loved you fast, lost you slow.
Lauren Cook, Hull College
Shadow more daring than the object.
Dorothy Birchall, Hampstead School, London
Silence feeds the monster. Speak up.
Noku Mupama, Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent
The world collapsed, they danced closer.
Remas Benjama, Trinity Church of England High School, Manchester
We’d like to thank everyone who entered, along with the teachers, writers and Penguin Random House for supporting the competition.
A reminder that First Story’s 100-Word Story Competition is now open, and we would very much encourage students from First Story partner schools to enter.
East Midlands Connect at Nottingham Trent University
