Via Sarah Brown, I was just reminded of "To Cut a Long Story Short" from the fiction section of the UK's Guardian Unlimited. Once upon a time, Ernest Hemingway said his best work was a six-word story: "For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn." The Guardian challenged contemporary authors to write a similar story. I'm with Sarah that this is the best they printed:
"Thought love must fade: but no."
George Saunders
Although I'm also a fan of this one:
"Mind what gap?" ... ... ...
Hilary Mantel
It reminds me of AOL's new attempt at what they call "Ficlets", which is actually kind of cool...and also this crazy idea I had recently to write a progressive short story in text messages. I think of these things when I'm in the shower, you see - how to channel annoying yet addictive technology for good instead of just another way to maybe wreck your car while illegally multitasking. I just need a co-author with unlimited service.
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