According to literary legend, Ernest Hemingway once wrote a story with just six words. “For sale: baby shoes. Never used.” That’s it. You, the reader, fill in the blanks. Whether Hemingway wrote this or not isn’t all that important. What is important is that life in all its complexity can sometimes, just sometimes, be summed up so briefly.
Today, Smith Magazine, creator of the six-word memoir project, is taking the writing community by storm with its take on the baby shoe piece. And in looking at their website, you’ll find endless six-word stories.
“Dated realtor…possessed only curb appeal.”
“Made wrong turn. Crushed heart. Recalculating. ”
” His cancer advances. My hope retreats.”
“Making entrance easier than finding exit.”
“Never really finished anything, except cake.”
“Must I date the entire haystack?!”
“Miscommunication gives Ben and Jerry’s business.”
“Finally uttered those three little words.”
Who knew that six words could be such a fascinating read? Now that I’m in my mid-50s, my six-word memoir is far different from ones I would have written earlier, maybe because I’m willing to open more doors, but just as willing to close them when needed. I’m more willing to make a path and stumble rather than follow one that isn’t right for me. And I’m more willing to voice my opinion today, but smart enough to know when silence is better. I like the person I’ve grown to be.
Who am I at 56? My six-word story sums it up. “My transportation: a leap of faith.”
“Everyone has a story. What’s yours?”
Thanks for your support - supporting caregivers and those with Alzheimer's is so important!
I'm not going to have an affair. I'm getting divorced. I wouldn't have an affair. I feel guilty talking.
“Time for me, time to move, time to live!”
Nicely worded, Donna!
Hi Marian – You’ve hit on one of my great passions: microfiction/flash fiction. (I recently won the top humor prize in the Univ. of Maine’s Binnacle flash fiction contest – a story in 150 words or less.)
In keeping with your title of “my story” it would have to be: “Will write for food . . . and love.” That about sums it up!
Lisa, Congratulations to you! I love flash fiction as well… and your six words are just plain great!
Damn the torpedoes- jumpin in again!
Boz, I have only two words for you… adore this!
Disenfranchised foster youth earns beloved family.
Fran, your story has a happy ending!
tough climb—challenging—fulfilling—fun—-successs!
Shira ~ so positive!
thanks Marion! here is another one–Life Is Grand-Eat Dessert First!!!!!!
Where the hell are my keys?
I second that… very cute, Marcie! I can relate!
Oh yes! This is my daily mantra.
Marcie, cute!
I’m enjoying all the stories that you are creating…and living…please keep sending them! I love responding to each one.
I am learning to love myself!
Thank you for this. Wise words.
love this!
Empty Nest. Freedom. It’s my turn.
Charlotte, wonderful… new adventures!
Having my adult daughter move out after 8 years was almost like a divorce…but now I have my own life to re-create. What a gift. She’s building her life at 30 and I’m building mine at 61.
Life is short; make your decisions.
Amen to that, Pam!
Don’t ever stop…..making a difference.
wonderful–right on!
I couldn’t agree more, Alicia!
Thank you Marian! I am a 66 year old college Freshman because I wrote aboout my life and won a schollarship. I am passionate about the subject of verbal abuse (working like a Trojan for over 15 years to get the message out there)….adnd just presented at the Michigan Counseling Association on the subject; I shall never be quiet until I am on national tv!!
Good on you Alicia! No one is ever too old to begin making her dream come true!
Old out. New in. Now what?
Alicia — Good for you! Danny 31 — Life is definitely full of possibilities…
Dancing between my ideals and reality.
Karen, it’s a dance we all need to take.