Story in six words

Her belongings packed, he felt relief.


Legend has it, Ernest Hemingway was in a pub drinking with a rowdy group of writing peers. He is said to have boasted he would be able to tell a story in as little as six words. The group guffawed and placed their bets as Hemingway set to work. Before long, he presented them with his story. They passed the small piece of prose around the group before wordlessly paying up. No discussion or debate needed. The story…

For sale: baby shoes. Never worn.


I think editing is a craft of its own, and I like the playful challenge of condensing a concept down whilst maintaining an emotional connection, the spark of a backstory.

Have you ever thought of writing a story in six words? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Do let me know if you like this, I’m enjoying exploring different things and am finding my feet. Please do share if you have a friend who might enjoy the challenge of a writing a story in six words…

Responses

  1. Ten ways to feel good for free – Living Intentionally avatar

    […] tale in no more than six words. His offering:For sale: baby shoes. Never worn. 
Here’s my attempt.🌿 Barefoot battery powerWalk to your nearest patch of grass (it could be your own garden), take […]

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  2. Lou avatar

    Only six words!😅 Sixty would be tricky for me, six hundred is more in my comfort zone. So a new challenge, I’ll get back to you! I loved yours btw, very emotive x

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Molly Sayers avatar

      Yes, please do! It’s a really fun exercise, and an interesting discipline. I originally had the pronouns swapped, but I felt like that might lead the reader in a certain direction. This way felt a little more open and ambiguous; it caught me emotionally when I first made the swap…!

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