Our annual Six Word Story competition is a challenge in concise storytelling. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s famous six word story “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 867 young writers from 24 schools taking part. 70 entries were considered in the national competition.
Judged by a panel from Penguin Random House, the stories chosen were a mix of chilling, funny and clever. We are delighted to be able to share our winner, national finalists and special mentions.
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. Those awarded Special Mention also receive a selection of Penguin Random House books, a certificate and a notebook.
And the winner is…
Our powerful winning entry comes from Bakshish Khera from Eden Park High School in London. The judges said: “I loved the drama of this story – it really grabs you immediately. In just six short words, the writer had me hooked and I wanted to know what had happened between the two people in the story. “
National Finalists
2nd place
Life was boring, so they pretended.
Angelica Mamon, Holland Park School, London
The Judges said: “This is a fantastic story that could be read in so many ways. It cleverly references the power of imagination and how it can take us out of our everyday lives. It made me want to know more about the characters’ lives and what they chose to pretend instead.“
3rd place
Bunny jumped in hat. Hat disappeared.
Tayibah Abdul, Beckfoot Oakbank, West Yorkshire
The judges commented: “The writer has used a familiar image and turned it on its head brilliantly! The writer is skilfully playing with the reader’s expectations of what could happen when a bunny jumps into a hat. It’s funny, mysterious and memorable – loved it!“
Special Mentions
The judges felt that five other entries deserved a special mention. In no particular order:
“But it’s true!” His nose grew.
Malika Kabanda, Cranford Community College, London
A temporary bandage. A permanent wound.
Cristiano Thompson, Leeds East Academy
Dirty look turns to crime scene.
Leon Nguyen, Abbey Manor College, London
Daisies, tulips, sunflowers, daffodils, dahlias, plastic.
Amelia Fryer, The Ruth Gorse Academy, Leeds
“Mission control? The helmet doesn’t…fit.”
Zayn Merchant Dar, Holland Park School, London
We’d like to thank everyone who entered, along with the teachers, writers and Penguin Random House who supported 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.
Six Word Stories auction raises over £16,000
