A few years ago on my blog, I held a writing contest. The goal was to write a complete story in 25 words or less. I wrote two entries as examples, and the winner wound up getting some free books or something like that. A while later, a writer named Robert Swartwood told me he’d signed a book deal for a hint fiction anthology. I believe he coined the phrase hint fiction, to describe a story written in—you guessed it—25 words or less. He asked me for a story, and I gave him two. Here are the four I’ve written.

REFLECTIONS ON REFLECTIONS

Is my hair okay? I can never tell. Is that why you won’t invite me in for a bite?

X-JUNKIE

The adrenaline really kicked in when Parker realized he’d forgotten to pack his parachute.

DONOR

Miller watched the TV from his hospital bed, fingers crossed, as the brakes on his son’s racecar failed. When he was pronounced dead, Miller smiled.

CHUCK

Flight attendant Sherri was always quick to offer airsick bags. Reverse-bulimia, though a disgusting disease, was bearable when the meals were fresh.