Legendary American author Ernest Hemingway was known for his economical use of words and won a bet by writing the above six-word story.

This was the inspiration for the shortest short story competition, Six of the Best, a challenge to write a great tale in just six words being held for the second year by Armidale War Memorial Library.  

Last year’s inaugural event attracted more than 350 submissions and entries are now open for this year.

Armidale Library manager Ian Greenhalgh said he encouraged everyone to try their hand at being storytellers and masters or mistresses of brevity.

“Everyone has an interesting story to tell and we hope many of them come to light for Six of the Best,” he said. 

“Like many great games, the task of writing such a short story makes it both easy to get involved but also a great challenge to master. Each word must be carefully chosen to create a compelling tale.”

Entries close on September 28 and winners will be announced on October 15.

Visit yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au/six-of-the-best to enter and for further information.