It Is Really Up To You

Once asked to write a full story in six words, legend has it that novelist Ernest Hemingway responded: "For Sale: baby shoes, never worn." In this spirit, Smith Magazine challenged writers to explore a new way to tell stories when they published a novel called Not Quite What I was Planning: Six Word Memoirs from Writers Famous and Obscure.

Every page is packed full of six word phrases that strive to tell the story of your life—some part of it or all of it—in exactly six words. Smith Magazine believes six word memoirs are a powerful tool to catalyze conversation, spark imagination or simply break the ice. Whether they are happy, sad, or just plain silly, writing and reading six word memoirs offers hours of entertainment.

Here's some of my favorites:

Her dreams kept her reality warm.

I still make coffee for two.

A crush on John Kransinski. Unrequited.

Springing forward and I'm already behind.

Some cross-eyed kid, forgotten then found.

Grandma's candy jar was always full.

Sounded much better in my head.

Most powerful words: thanks and sorry. 

Too much vanilla, not enough chocolate.

My second grade teacher was right.

You could spend a lifetime brainstorming.
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So this weekend when you have a little free time, give six a try—and make your words count.

by Ellie Mix ('20)