six-word story

I just got back from both of my shows at the flynn in burlington vt, and it was really exciting! Babbit, Squeejay and I were hanging out backstage a lot of the time, just talking and getting to know eachother when we suddenly spot this minkish weird thing being held to the ropes and ballast's for the curtain. I remember thinking 'what the hell is that, and why is it there... ' and I don't think we will ever find it out....
I also wanted to take a chance to say that Young Writer's Project has done so much for me, and espically making this possible, was AMAZING!
I would definitely do it again! I am also looking forward to doing something like this again..

The Young Writers Project collaborated with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and the Vermont Midi Project to have a young composer -- Joshua Morris, a 15-year-old from St. Albans -- create six, one-minute compositions for six selections from our bevy (2,000!) of six-word short stories that were created last spring.

Here is what the collaboration -- 6 Pieces in 6 Words in 6 Minutes -- sounds like. This was recorded at rehearsal the night before the two concerts at the Flynn Center in Burlington. There were about 2,000 people at the two concerts. Unfortunately Bailey, Camille and Misha could not make it so gg filled in. (He hopes he did you justice!) Introducing the segment is David Ludwig, the incredible composer in residence at the VSO.

Listen to what can come from six words! (WARNING: David and I have already cooked up a plan for the coming year that will involve connecting writers with composers!)

The stories...

Before the light hit the earth. -- Bailey Walker, North Country Union High School

People finally stopped reading the newspapers. -- Camille Sage Bower, Mt. Mansfield Union High School.

The aliens transported the cow away. -- Emily Patch, Rutland High School

Her ghost restlessly haunts the castle. -- Amie Schiller, Brattleboro Union High School.

I knew I should have walked. -- Chris Smith, graduate, Spaulding High School.

No sir, it's a bird shop. -- Misha Kydd, Mt. Mansfield Union High School.

For more about the YWP six-word story project, click here.

A 30-second spot appeared Friday Dec. 5 on WCAX and Joshua said "I really never dreamed I'd be getting to do something like this. I started composing about three years ago, so yeah, it's really a wonderful experience." David Ludwig: "To give them the opportunity to write for a professional orchestra like the Vermont Symphony is something we really think is an investment in the future of music."

Yet somehow, it works out okay.

Swearing at my own damn transparency.

My SENT folder is ruthlessly honest.

I should have left this dead.

Dead body: free identity with disposal.

Inspired by the announcement regarding six-word stories, I decided to create some of my own:

He chose the name for himself.
She was one who enjoyed ambiguity.
Ah -vengeance is a simple truth.

The challenge: Create a story using only six words. This is commonly known as the Hemingway Challenge; Ernest Hemingway said he could write a complete short story in six words. His story: "For sale: Baby shoes. Never used." ...
As you can tell, we've had GREAT response. Keep them coming. We soon will be selecting the best for publication. AND we have already selected six of them for a very special on stage project that will happen in December. More later. Add your Six-word Stories as comments below.