"LAAC/LRAC 6 Word Short Story Winners Announced" …

              "LAAC/LRAC 6 Word Short Story Winners Announced"
               The 6 Word Short Story Challenge was based on a bet made to Earnest
Hemingway. He was once challenged to write a complete story in six words. Here is what
he wrote:
"For sale: baby shoes, never used."

        Some people say it was written to settle a bar bet. Others say it was a personal
challenge directed at other famous authors. But it proves that it is possible to create a
short story with just six words. The response to the LAAC/LRAC challenge was exciting.
The entries ran the gamut from clever, to deeply touching. LAAC and LRAC would like
to thank all who entered and to our judges for making the tough choices of who wrote the
best 6 word short story.


Minnesota Best 6 Word Short Story:
Kenny Rogers ruined my life again.
John Zdrazil, Elbow Lake

North Dakota Best 6 Word Short Story:
That poor woman has five daughters.
Kay Beckermann, Becky Kulloman, Dawn Jauch, Ruth Severson, Fargo

Minnesota Honorable Mention:
. . . going . . . going. . . gone. Forgive us, Grandfather
Harold Huber, Ottertail

He conceded I was his daughter.
Pauline Drechsel, Fergus Falls

She wore red. He liked that.
Lori Linder, Alexandria

Found python. Cancel reward for beagle.
Ona Langerud, Moorhead

Even so, Kate placed two settings.
Christina Welgraven, Fergus Falls

Her family gone, the garden flourished
Ken Bosak, Underwood

This information is a day late.
Mary Walter, Fergus Falls

Photo in pawnshop locket overwhelmed her.
Melva Johnson, Fergus Falls
For rent: Closet under the stairs.
Tammy Ragan, Wheaton

Twisted fingers weaving rags into rugs.
Anne M. Dunn, Ogema

Sign outside cemetery: "No children allowed"
Pamela Kennedy, Moorhead

She laughed. The stick turned blue.
June Dordal, Moorhead

Jack sighed, and untied the clown.
 Benjamin Wheeler, Morris

He never would pass the salt.
Stella Riley Bender, Osakis

North Dakota Honorable Mention:

I fought back. He still won.
I knew when to look away.
Candi Pierce, West Fargo

Ultrasound monitor confirms tiny heartbeat vanished.
Breast, beautiful breast, lump and all.
Stephen Wilson , Fargo

Blind since birth, centenarian now sees.
Twelve-day blizzard, Dakota strangely silent.
Timothy J. Kloberdanz, Fargo

We sidestepped blame, but not sin.
JF Krabbenhoft, Amenia


Complete list of all entries in no particular order.
Minnesota entries:
1a. . . . going . . . going. . . gone. Forgive us, Grandfather
1b. Dancing sunflowers-glimpsed through iron bars
1c. "busy" signal-crumpled note- empty vial
Harold Huber, Ottertail

2a. Lost in vacant lot: my mind.
2b. Flames rise, water conquers, fireman's revenge.
2c. Criminal vehicular homicide, court, life sentence.
Kimberly Roering, Alexandria

3a. In a flash I saw heaven.
3b. There she stood, alone and free.
3c. Panic gripped him, as he waited.
Marla K. Wischnack, Pelican Rapids

4a. I entered, I chose, I lived.
4b. Too soon they die; life weeps.
4c. For rent: Closet under the stairs.
Tammy Ragan, Wheaton

5a. I love. He loves. We're together.
5b. Colorado skiing? Minnesota woman? Chose Minnesota.
5c. Cats and dog parade together mornings.
Pamela S. Johnson, Fergus Falls

6a. Dear Bill, I won. Goodbye, Hillary
6b. She wore red. He liked that.
6c. She didn't deserve his transparent apathy.
Lori Linder, Alexandria

7a. Keep your eyes on the window.
7b. Joyous group howls were heard again.
7c. "Don't wait for me," she cried.
Shirley Hunkins, Breckenridge

8a. This knowledge makes the news bearable.
8b. I never expected that from her.
8c. This alone makes the pain worthwhile.
Tara Bitzan, Farwell

9a. She didn't sue. She enslaved him.
9b. Found python. Cancel reward for beagle.
9c. Aloft, parasailer watched pilot jump overboard.
Ona Langerud, Moorhead

10a. Lost, selfless woman." Fall selfish man.
10b. Writers essay "Eschew Obfuscation" rejected again.
10c. "Opening for Prodigals." Father accepts everyone.
Steve Parker, Alexandria

11a. Clutching the telegram, she sobbed, "Roger".
11b. Love sprang eternal and died quickly.
11c. Clickity-clack, the body didn't hear.
Erling H. Kolke, Audubon

12a. Nine months. Push! Push! Eighteen years. . .
12b. Twelve inches. Snow shovel. . Back pain!
12c. John;Tim; Third time, the charm?!
Connie Fields, Alexandria

13a. Her life was consumed by moments.
13b. Dear lad, too soon at rest.
13c. Twisted fingers weaving rags into rugs.
Anne M. Dunn, Ogema

14a. Car for sale, cheap; DUI plates.
14b. Donating new bath towels; his/hers
14c. Gardener needed: No poison ivy allergies.
Janna M. Gerold, Dent

15a. Jesus died. Buddha lived. World saved.
15b. Buddah, Jesus, Mohammed. Listen-similar messages.
15c. Moses, Marx, Freud. Gospels of salvation.
Dave Pretty, Moorhead

16a. If only the brakes hadn't failed.
16b. Unfortunately, they made the wrong diagnosis.
16c. Apparently the fire was not contained.
Jon B. Olson, Fergus Falls

17a. They say they will but won't.
17b. Eggs were laid, chick never hatched.
17c. Do others like they do you.
Pat Smith, Elbow Lake

18a. The Government was divided, negotiations failed.
18b. Potential was evident, opportunity was denied.
18c. What he wrote, haunted him forever!
Jim Beyerink, Elbow Lake

19a. She died, by bed, her diary.
19b. The uniform, so proud, he served.
19c. Fifty year, true love, they shared.
Dorothy M Clark Fiala, Browns Valley

20a. I leave everything to my cat.
20b. Rhett and Scarlett sparred. Atlanta burned.
20c. His epitaph read: born, lived, died.
Sheri Holm, Fergus Falls
21a. Here lies a Soldier come Home.
Eileen Viergutz, Alexandria

22a. Sergeant McKenna flew home, neatly wrapped.
22b.Even so, Kate placed two settings.
22c. Soberly, the oncologist replied, "Six months."
Christina Welgraven, Fergus Falls

23a. Midnight, phone rings, panic, wrong number.
23b. Sign outside cemetery: "No children allowed"
23c. Warm breeze rustles bare trees. Spring.
Pamela Kennedy, Moorhead

24a. "Marry me." "No. I love another."
24b. Icy street. Slippery shoes. Emergency room.
24c. She laughed. The stick turned blue.
June Dordal, Moorhead

25a. Succumbed to Meth. Succumbed from Meth.
Karen Goodhart, Browns Valley

26a. Please forgive me. I forgive you.
26b. Pull up! Pull it up dammit!
26c. Private discussions. No transcripts. No oaths.
Jim Christianson, Pelican Rapids

27a. Ability for Loving-Dies. . The End
Albert Bertrand Whitcombe, Fergus Falls

28a. Reality: His most promising, endless nightmare.
28b. Animal rights activist: intentionally hits cats.
28c. Broccoli: good, gross, or merely green.
Kasie Jean Rust, Glenwood

29a. Nothing mattered that night-absolutely nothing.
29b. So quietly she cried. No one understood.
29c. The biopsy report showed inoperable cancer.
Glorianne Swenson, Fergus Falls

30a. I do! You don't! We split!
30b. Bean ball; big brawl! Game called.
30c. Hello Dolly! I beg your Pardon! (a musical)
Luke Anderson, Battle Lake

31a. He conceded I was his daughter.
Pauline Drechsel, Fergus Falls

32a. Ice cracked. Safely home. Changed pants.
32b. Cherries. I.O 3rd time. Fiancé's car.
32c. 3 a.m. Awake. Stupid writing contest.
David Schonberg, Alexandria

33a. Powerful word: choice. Baby, no voice.
Jean Schonberg, Alexandria

34a. Patent polished perfection, he dines alone.
34b. Only one remained in the nest.
34c. Copyright 2007-John Lennon, imagine that.
White Wolf, Erhard

35a. Shuddering, she found release at last.
Marjorie Bussman, Underwood

36 a. Snow storm. Car skidded. Walked home.
36b. Fish took bait. Fillet for supper.
36c. Bush recommends. Democrats reject. Another war.
Richard Grenell, Ashby

37a. The building's destroyed, the casket's empty.
37b. 45 Years later, she still remembers.
37c. The plane fell, I felt relieved.
Jerry Begley, Battle Lake

38a. "Care to share my apple, Adam?"
38b. Woman, man and it all began.
38c. Bet you can't eat just ten
Dr. James J. Buckley, Fergus Falls

39a. Dad's tractor seat is empty now.
 Glen Larson, Pelican Rapids



40a. Born to Die, to Live Forever.
Gunhild Johnson, Evansville

41a. woman afraid without her man dies
NOTE: no punctuation on purpose -- leaves it open for interpretation
41b. Mother's misdeeds unpunished. Daughter pays heavily.
41c. Coffee is my cup of tea!
Julie T. Zuehlke, Alexandria
42a. Woops! Let's not do that again.
42b. Don't worry. We can apologize later.
42c. That's how Nessie saved my life.
Tom Gard, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

43a. Love letters kindling a warm fire.
43b. Darling, you're prescribed for a reason.
Laurel Gard, Fergus Falls

44a. She mused. Habits changed her desire.
44b. He cancelled his subscription. Life changed.
44c. Music tamed the audience. Silence remained.
Mary M. Loreno, Fergus Falls

45a. Heart attack, airlift, surgery, lifestyle change.
45b. Swirling winds blew; uncontrollable sobbing followed.
45c. We met; possessions no longer mattered.
Sally K. Williams, Pelican Rapids

46a. Kenny Rogers ruined my life again.
John Zdrazil, Elbow Lake

47a. Her tear stirred the rogue's heart.
47b. Tick, stop, went the biological clock.
47c. The land of never enough perished.
Kristy Olsgaard, Moorhead

48a. Woman, you wrecked the oldtimer again!
48b. Imagine what could have been?
48c. Why did I trust him?
Rien Wijnsma, Pelican Rapids


49a. Dear John, I'm leaving you. Mary
49b. One dark night, the Doberman died.
Joan Jarvis Ellison, Pelican Rapids

50a. When he let go, she lived
50b. Her family gone, the garden flourished
50c. Bound by love, their spirit died
Ken Bosak, Underwood

51a. Child Prodigy, Musical Success, Pauper's Grave
51b. Abused Child, Lonely Life, Newbury Award
51c. Never Sorry, Always Selfish, Isolated Life
Gay Ekberg, Herman
52a. World amuck; peace descends in raindrops.
52b. Reality denied, I learned to dream.
52c. Strong body; productive life; lack memory.
Jan A. Smith, Clitherall

53a. After the divorce: Re-mate or Cremate?
53b. Hard work; early retirement; lake home.
53c. Coming home; hugs and kisses; happiness.
Bruce J. Smith, Clitherall

54a. "Doctor?" "Yes, nurse?" "Where's his brain?"
54b. Jack sighed, and untied the clown.
54c. Fountain of Youth discovered: everybody's bored.
 Benjamin Wheeler, Morris

55a. Fifty years together, now alone again.
55b. Lovers in love-until he lied.
55c. Forever, they said, forsaking all others.
Rosemary Griffin, Fergus Falls

56a. So clean even the cobwebs glistened.
56b. Somewhere my love but never here.
56c. Dry, powdery fields pleading for rain.
Shirley Dowzak, Fergus Falls

57a. Farm lost; house destroyed; home gone.
57b. Brick, wainscoting, winding stair, quality, wasted.
57c. Dawn; sunlighted windows; despair, demolition, death.
Arlene L. Delp, Pelican Rapids

58a. Tsunami!! UHhh, see you in heaven.
58b. I do. No, I don't.
Esther Allen Peterson, Battle Lake

59a. He never would pass the salt.
59b. My first mistake was saying yes.
59c. "I'm pregnant," my teenage daughter said.
Stella Riley Bender, Osakis

60a. Help wanted. Invisible children. Act now!
60b. Soon be it here, we're one.
60c. Little ones get voice, what then?
David Qual, Alexandria

61a. Six years. Why didn't she call?
61b. Confounded chemistry, ruined. Cohabitation, never again.
61c. Perfervid and perfunctory, a paradoxical partnership.
Linda Wolfe, Fergus Falls

62a. On a tombstone: Tak fer alt
62b. Marry Mary, I thought. I did.
Lynn Haagenson, Fergus Falls

63a. This information is a day late.
63b. There's someplace else he'd rather be.
63c. The best-friend-suicide ache.
Mary Walter, Fergus Falls

64a. Waiting quietly he thought, "what if/"
64b. I would, but I feel inadequate.
DeVaughn Kolke, Audubon

65a. Mother, Father drown: six children survive.
65b. She left, never to return again.
65c. Boat capsized; father, two sons missing.
Gloria J. Bergherr, Alexandria

66a. He never once said, "I'm sorry."
66b. "You have miscarried," the doctor answered.
66c. Amidst the wreckage, his wife died.
Jace Hennagir, Perham

67a. Then there was no more, nothingness
67b. Sunrise again. Show me another day.
67c. In the beginning it wasn't old.
Dustin Anderson, Perham

68a. "I can't say no to you."
68b. "Am I good enough for you?"
68c. "I lay bleeding, screaming for you."
Stephie Truesdell, Perham

69a. The end
69b. Hey! What? Drugs are bad? OK!
69c. I run from apricots!
Guy Smith, Perham

70a. "He gave his life for mine."
70b. "And then the weasels ate him."
70c. "See Spot run, Spot runs fast."
Steven Haspel, Richville
71a. Run away! Before. It's too late.
71b. Spring melt revealed the decapitated body.
71c. Photo in pawnshop locket overwhelmed her.
Melva Johnson, Fergus Falls

72a. Angelic hands placed; upon bowed heads.
William Batten, Moorhead

73a. Id. You did What! Goodbye!!
73b. Born awhile ago. Lived long. Forgotten.
73c. Love lost. Memories. Hello again.
Sherrie Berg, Barnesville

74a. No arms, no legs, no war!
74b. He killed her spirit once again.
74c. She kissed him tenderly goodbye-forever.
Donna Chalmers, Alexandria

75a. She left me for another! Yipee!
75b. Love conquers harte. Hare conquers nothing!
75c. Fleet of foot won the race!
Howard D. Seiple, New York Mills

76a. Shaken baby. Mother refused lie detector.
Paulette Davis, Barnesville

77a. Woman, you wrecked the oldtimer again!
77b. Imagine what could have been?
77c. Why did I trust him?
Rien Wijnsma, Pelican Rapids

North Dakota entries:
1a. That poor woman has five daughters

Kay Beckermann, Becky Kulloman, Dawn Jauch, Ruth Severson
Fargo, ND 5

2a."Which" ones were the poisonous mushrooms?
2b. But, his letter arrived too late.
2c. It happens whenever it gets dark.
Anne M. Lind, Fargo

3a. "Is this all there is?" "Yes."
3b. I came. I saw. I left.
3c. For sale: Wedding dress: used twice.
Connie Hickman, Fargo

4a. I knew when to look away.
4b. I said no. He didn't listen.
4c. I fought back. He still won.
Candi Pierce, West Fargo

5a. Seeing her ring, his mistress winced.
5b. We sidestepped blame, but not sin.
5c. Like sex, revenge was her amusement.
JF Krabbenhoft, Amenia, North Dakota

6a. High heels?! Run fast! I win.
Jessica Rau, Fargo

7a. Phone rings, almost 3:00 am, "Hello, Mrs....
7b. Ultrasound monitor confirms tiny heartbeat vanished.
7c.Breast, beautiful breast, lump and all.
Stephen Wilson, , Fargo

8a. She dropped it and walked away.
8b. "Love you!" He died. She cried.
8c. With those words, she walked away.
Lisa Farnham, Fargo,

9a.One night was all we had.
9b. Water flooded in, swamping the boat.
9c. Earth was deserted, except for him.
Sara Lindberg, Fargo

10a. Blind since birth, centenarian now sees.
10b. Twelve-day blizzard, Dakota strangely silent.
10c. They left. I stayed--and wept.
Timothy J. Kloberdanz, Fargo

11a. They exited separate, embryonic bound forever.
11b. Hot sand aroused memories from youth.
11c. Alarms drove everyone into the downpour.
Patricia Majersky Frantz, Fargo

12a. Forty Second President. Nations First Gentleman.
12b. A fast cat. Slow mouse. Delicious.
12c. Paris pigeons feed a hungry Hemingway.
Edwin O. Olson, West Fargo