Sunday
Sunday Hint Fiction: Tell A Story in 25 Words
Robert Swartwood coined the term hint fiction: a story of 25 words or fewer that suggests a larger, more complex story. Scheduled for this November, W. W. Norton & Company will publish Hint Fiction: An Anthology of Stories in 25 Words or Fewer. Here are some examples that clock in at exactly 25 words. So why not spend your Sunday writing some hint fiction!
Or Even Longer
Together they throw the dirt, listen to its plunk against wood, a sound so unlike anything else in the world, one you could remember forever.
Nothing Hurts Anymore
Seth’s energy paths are blocked to his spleen and stomach and large intestine. The acupuncturist places the needles in his tiny body. Seth sees Jesus.
The Test In Front Of Him
It’s that nothing stands out, each detail equal. What to focus upon? Moths in the classroom screen. Leaf-blowers. His teacher’s smile flying like birds, south.
My Son’s Fifth Grade Journal
This boy catches balls, divides fractions, won’t die if he drinks milk, grabs flags off the other team’s players. My dad loves this other boy.
Or Even Longer
Together they throw the dirt, listen to its plunk against wood, a sound so unlike anything else in the world, one you could remember forever.
Nothing Hurts Anymore
Seth’s energy paths are blocked to his spleen and stomach and large intestine. The acupuncturist places the needles in his tiny body. Seth sees Jesus.
The Test In Front Of Him
It’s that nothing stands out, each detail equal. What to focus upon? Moths in the classroom screen. Leaf-blowers. His teacher’s smile flying like birds, south.
My Son’s Fifth Grade Journal
This boy catches balls, divides fractions, won’t die if he drinks milk, grabs flags off the other team’s players. My dad loves this other boy.
For further reading, check out FlashFiction.Net’s suggested readings of flash fiction and prose poetry collections, anthologies, and craft books, by clicking here.
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posted on 1 Aug 2010, 6:04 PM
Hello.
Tried a few hint pieces. Tough but enjoyable, a lot like making a logline, but I like the hinting aspect. If a hint was the first line in a book, I'd be intrigued.
posted on 3 Aug 2010, 9:23 PM
I, too, like the way that hint fiction relies on implication, Kelly. It's kind of fun to imply something rather than explain it. I prefer it, actually.
posted on 1 Dec 2010, 12:20 PM
i love this shit!
posted on 1 Dec 2010, 12:21 PM
HINT FICTION
The end......