Tuesday, January 31, 2012

6-word stories


Getting the post out on time this week!

Six-word stories (or, sometimes we just need to think small)

Ernest Hemingway's shortest story consisted only of six words:

"For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn."

Not too long ago, Wired magazine challenged several science fiction writers to do the same...tell a complete story in only six words. I've only included three below as examples, but you can visit the website for dozens of examples. Notice that most of them are more than one sentence:

Automobile warranty expires. So does engine.
- Stan Lee

Machine. Unexpectedly, I’d invented a time
- Alan Moore

Longed for him. Got him. Shit.
- Margaret Atwood


Sometimes these are fun to write on their own, other times this works as a new way to look at an old character or event. Remember, sometimes it isn't MORE words that you need, but fewer.

Your challenge? Write a six-word story, of course. Feeling adventurous? Post your best in the comments section.

If you find these workshops useful, please consider dropping a donation my way. It helps keep me writing!


">


No comments: