Hemingway Drafts

Legend has it that when challenged to write a short story in just six words, Ernest Hemingway quickly came back with that well-known stunner that is widely acknowledged as one of the first examples of Flash Fiction. Recently unearthed documents, however, reveal that Hemingway actually slaved over multiple drafts of the short before unveiling it. Now, for the first time anywhere, Failbetter is proud to share these early drafts, which we believe give an unprecedented glimpse into Hemingway’s mind and creative process.

For sale, baby shoes I found.

Who buys their kid used shoes?

Damn kid was born sans feet.

I’m selling my dead kids shoes.

For sale: baby shoes, slightly burned.

Shit, these baby shoes are haunted!