1. Hint Fiction – What Is It?  A story of 25 words or fewer that suggests a larger, more complex story.

2. Hint Fiction – What Is It Not?  It’s not an attempt at writing a full story.  It’s not simply what would be the first line or two of a longer story.  It’s not a poem.  It should not be completely straightforward.

3. A Little More Explanation  The best examples…  have multiple possible meanings that can be discovered when you think and talk about the story more.  use each word skillfully – nothing is wasted.  many times use a title to add to the story, perhaps giving a clue to the meaning or adding to the possible ambiguity.

4. Why Are We Studying It?  Hemingway is a man of few words. He is known for his brevity in his writing and the need to have to look beneath the surface in order to truly understand his stories.

5. The Original “Hint Fiction”  Legend had it that Hemingway was in a bar and challenged by fellow writers to come up with the shortest story possible. Here is what he came up with:  For sale: baby shoes, never worn.

6. How To Read Hint Fiction  You MUST infer, read into the story, consider alternate interpretations within the hint fiction story.  Should be easy, right? Let’s give it a try. On a separate piece of paper, respond to the following ‘Hint Fiction’ stories. Explain your interpretations of the following Hint Fiction stories. In other words, basically explain what you think the story is all about.

7. “Pregnancy Test” by Jennifer Haddock  A drop of pee. An unanswered prayer. The second pink line draws one childhood to an end as another begins.

8. “The Day After” by Brian Crawford  He started to put the cover back on the pool but stopped. What was the point? He had needed it yesterday.

9. “Blind Date” by Max Barry  She walks in and heads turn. I’m stunned. This is my setup? She looks sixteen. Course, it’s hard to tell, through the scope.

10. “House Hunting” by Gary A. Braunbeck  The fence is tall. Good. The mother is typical white trash, too loud. But the kids…they seem frightened and quiet. Good. Easier that way.

11. “Ransom” by Stuart Dybek  Broke and desperate, I kidnapped myself. Ransom notes were sent to interested parties.. Later, I sent hair and fingernails, too. They insisted on an ear.

12. “Visiting Hours” by Katrina Robinson  She placed her hand over his and pressed the pen to paper. The signature looked shaky, but it should be enough.

13. “Houston, We Have a Problem” by J Matthew Zoss  I’m sorry, but there’s not enough air in here for everyone. I’ll tell them you were a hero.

14. “Progress” Joe Schreiber  After seventeen days she finally broke down and called him “Daddy”.

15. “Golden Years” by Edith Pearlman  She: Macular. He: Parkinson’s. She pushing, he directing, they get down the ramp, across the grass, through the gate. The wheels roll riverwards.

16. Your Own Story!!  See how simple this is?! For homework, you must write your own Hint Fiction story. It will be read by others. It must conform to the 25 word limit. Review the notes on what a good hint fiction story does and does not do. Have fun and be creative!