Fall 2019 Six-Word Story Contest: Free Writing Contest

11/06/2019: Submissions for this contest are now closed. Click here to view the results and see the winners! You can also sign up with us (it’s free!) to hear about more contests in the future.

I’m hosting a free writing contest, and you are invited to enter! 

(See the last six-word story contest here.)

Below are a few quick details on how to enter this free writing contest! We’ll cover six-word stories, submission instructions, a few rules, and the available prizes.

1. What is it?

A six-word story is what it sounds like: a story told in exactly six words, no more, no less. 

Ernest Hemingway was the first to try this creative medium with this story: 

For sale: baby shoes, never worn.

It’s a pretty sad one. But six-word stories can also be humorous, dramatic, suspenseful—whatever you want them to be. The idea is to hint at a story in exactly six words.

2. How do I enter?

Submissions open on October 1, and since this is a free contest, sending your story in is easy:

• Email me your story (or stories) at [email protected].
• Specify that you are entering the 2019 Six-Word Story Contest.
• Submit as many times as you’d like from Tuesday, October 1 to Tuesday, October 15 at 11:59p.m.

By emailing your story and entering this contest, you are giving Writing Life permission to feature your entries on our website.

3. What are the rules?

• Six words; no more, no less. (See what I did there?)
• Have fun.
• Tell everyone you know about it.
• No profanity, innuendo, or inappropriate content. Entries that do not match this requirement will be automatically disqualified and will not be judged.
• There is no age limit! This is a great opportunity for students, classes, homeschool groups, and more.

4. What can I win?

• First place will receive the book Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller (paperback) OR a $10.00 Amazon gift card. (This is an amazing book, by the way! Completely life-changing for anyone in the business and writing realms.)
• Second place will receive a $5.00 Starbucks gift card OR a $5.00 Amazon gift card.
• Third place will be announced along with our winners, and two runners-up will have their names and entries posted on our website.

There you have it! This is an easy and free writing contest. Get ready to submit your stories on October 1, and be sure to tell your friends, family, students, and coworkers about it.

Can’t wait to read your submissions!