Hint fiction is a very short story of 25 words or less that suggests a larger story through ambiguity and inference. It is not meant to be a full story or the opening lines of a longer story. Effective hint fiction leaves room for multiple interpretations and requires readers to think deeply about what is not directly stated. Studying hint fiction can help understand authors like Hemingway who wrote using brevity, ambiguity, and leaving meaning unstated. Some examples of student-written hint fiction are provided to demonstrate the form.

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 ExplanationThe 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 possibly adding to the possible ambiguity.

4. Why Are We Studying It?Hemingway (the author we’re studying next), 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 FictionYou MUST infer, read into the story, consider alternate interpretations within the hint fiction story.Should be easy, right? Let’s give it a try. Respond to the following Hint Fiction stories.

7. “Pregnancy Test”by Jennifer HaddockA 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 CrawfordHe 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 BarryShe 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. BraunbeckThe 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. “Visiting Hours”by Katrina RobinsonShe placed her hand over his and pressed the pen to paper. The signature looked shaky, but it should be enough.

12. “Working for Mom”by Sarah P. MillerIt was filed under Business Receipts, but what kind of meeting took place in the champagne suite? She reminded herself: assistant first, daughter second.

13. Ransomby Stuart DykekBroke and desperate. I kidnapped myself. Ransom notes were sent to interested parties. Later I sent hair and fingernails, too. They insisted on an ear.

14. Assimilationby Frank ByrnsMy name is Phuc. People call me John.Note: “Phuc” is pronounced “Fook”, rhymes with “Book”.

15. Your Own Story!!See how simple this is?! For homework tonight, you must write your own Hint Fiction story. It will be read by others. It must be on a separate piece of paper than today’s story responses. Have fun and be creative!`