Make It Short

Legend has it that Earnest Hemingway once made a bet that he could write a complete story in only six words.

His winning tale —

For Sale: Baby Shoes, Never Worn.

While it is most likely that the legend itself is actually a work of fiction, you can bet your bottom dollar that the six-word story is a terrific writing exercise.

And it’s a great way to get published, too—

The online magazine Smith asks readers to post clever six-word memoirs here.

So give it a whirl, and your story might end up in their next compilation.

Here are few fun examples to inspire you—

The miserable childhood leads to royalties.

~ Frank McCourt

Fifteen years since last professional haircut.

~Dave Eggers

 Well, I thought it was funny.

~Stephen Colbert

Couldn't cope so I wrote songs.

~Aimee Mann

And this one’s mine—

Grew taller. But, alas, never matured.

PROMPT: What’s your six-word story? For some inspiration, pick up a copy of Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure edited by Rachel Fershleiser and Larry Smith. Then enter your super six-word tale today!