This is NOT an original idea.
My first encounter with six-word stories was via LiveJournal. I may have contributed a time or two...I don't recall, but it was nothing I committed to on a regular basis.
Then, I found them on Twitter...so freaking perfect for that platform.
In Researching for This Article...
I found that it's a truly far-reaching idea:
- https://www.reddit.com/r/sixwordstories/
- https://twitter.com/itssixwordstory
- https://www.pinterest.com/explore/six-word-story/
I love it, and I've never forgotten during my time on the Internet.
I even attempted to bring a version of it to Steemit, but it didn't really gain any momentum. Grant it, I only posted 12 consecutive days, but I decided those 13-Word Stories would make better writing prompts. Instead, I should bring the original concept.
History
The concept of the six-word story allegedly originates with Ernest Hemingway.
As the legend goes, Hemingway bet a table of writers $10 each that he could write a complete story in just 6 words. Once everyone has placed their bets, he scrawls the following on a napkin and accepts his winnings:
For sale: baby shoes, never worn
This is unsubstantiated, but it's a nice story, right?
Even ol' HuffPo is furthering that anecdote.
But These Stories Are Great, Aren't They?
There is something about the 6-word length that is magical and mathematical. It separates the true artist from the chaff.
Writing is, by nature, a wordy art. It's quite easy to ramble on and on in type and not really say anything at all...much like talking. However, one gift of a true writer is brevity. The ability to convey the most information in the fewest words.
Thus, the six-word story is an art form.
Unimpressed?
What about these six-word memoirs? What is your life story is just six words?
I was a fool to deviate from the six-word model in the name of being "different". Although, I do respect the journey and I'm thankful to have developed a daily writing prompt as a result.
Will You Participate?
I will putting out a daily post using the tag "sixwordstories". I will check it daily, and if I see any interest, I will curate a post and share the rewards with the authors.
I started to write that I didn't care if you participated or not, but I really do. I'd love to get something like this rolling here on Steemit. Even so, I'm going to participate whether you do or not.
I long to hear from you in the comments.
Thanks for reading. 💙
I hope you will consider following me and keeping a lookout for my posts including my six-word stories!