Two Hemingways, Two Challenges: Which Contest is Right for You?

One author. Two contests. Endless ways to say more with less.

Ernest Hemingway once said, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” And today, young writers across the world are doing just that—through two student contests that honor Hemingway’s iconic, pared-down style.

Both contests are inspired by Hemingway’s bold prose and unshakable clarity. But they offer two very different formats, depending on what kind of writer you are—and how much story you can squeeze into a sentence (or 300 words).

Let’s take a look.

1. The Legacy Hemingway Contest

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(legacycontests.com/ernesthemingwaycontest)

This contest is part of the Legacy Writing Contests series, which invites students ages 13–18 to step into the literary shoes of iconic writers. The Hemingway Contest challenges you to:

Write a complete story in 300 words or fewer.

The rules are simple: say less. Feel more. Let what’s unsaid carry weight.

Entries are judged by a panel of educators and writers, and winners receive digital awards, publication opportunities, and a spot among our quarterly Legacy Authors.

It’s a perfect fit for:

• Writers who want to practice compression and subtlety

• Those interested in mastering tone, voice, and implication

• Students who want to build up toward longer-form contests

Think of it as a literary iceberg: 90% of your story remains beneath the surface—but it’s still there, felt in every choice you make.

2. The Hemingway Six-Word Story Contest

(hemingwaycontest.com)

If 300 words sounds like a luxury, try six.

This separate competition—run by an independent editorial panel at HemingwayContest.com—challenges writers of all ages to submit exactly six words that tell a story. No more, no less.

It’s fast. It’s focused. And it’s surprisingly emotional.

Each entry is judged blind, with top submissions earning Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards every quarter. Past winners have turned everything from heartbreak to hilarity into miniature masterpieces.

Best for:

• Writers who love microfiction, wordplay, or flash writing

• Students looking to sharpen their word choice and precision

• Anyone with five minutes and one bold idea

Deadlines

Both contests run quarterly, with seasonal deadlines:

March 31 • June 30 • September 30 • December 31

So, sharpen your pencil. Choose your words carefully. And remember: sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones told with silence in between.

 Which One Should You Enter?

Why not both?

These contests aren’t in competition—they’re companions. The six-word version is a spark; the 300-word version is a flame. Both challenge you to write boldly with less, just as Hemingway did.

If you’ve got a story itching to be told, choose your format, pick your contest, and trust your voice. Whether you whisper or roar, what matters is that you say something true.