Introducing Six-Word Stories on Steemit

This is NOT an original idea.

My first encounter with six-word stories was via LiveJournal. I may have contributed a time or two...I don't recall, but it was nothing I committed to on a regular basis.

Then, I found them on Twitter...so freaking perfect for that platform.

In Researching for This Article...

I found that it's a truly far-reaching idea:

I love it, and I've never forgotten during my time on the Internet.

I even attempted to bring a version of it to Steemit, but it didn't really gain any momentum. Grant it, I only posted 12 consecutive days, but I decided those 13-Word Stories would make better writing prompts. Instead, I should bring the original concept.

History

The concept of the six-word story allegedly originates with Ernest Hemingway.

As the legend goes, Hemingway bet a table of writers $10 each that he could write a complete story in just 6 words. Once everyone has placed their bets, he scrawls the following on a napkin and accepts his winnings:

For sale: baby shoes, never worn

This is unsubstantiated, but it's a nice story, right?

Even ol' HuffPo is furthering that anecdote.

But These Stories Are Great, Aren't They?

There is something about the 6-word length that is magical and mathematical. It separates the true artist from the chaff.

Writing is, by nature, a wordy art. It's quite easy to ramble on and on in type and not really say anything at all...much like talking. However, one gift of a true writer is brevity. The ability to convey the most information in the fewest words.

Thus, the six-word story is an art form.

Unimpressed?

What about these six-word memoirs? What is your life story is just six words?

I was a fool to deviate from the six-word model in the name of being "different". Although, I do respect the journey and I'm thankful to have developed a daily writing prompt as a result.

Will You Participate?

I will putting out a daily post using the tag "sixwordstories". I will check it daily, and if I see any interest, I will curate a post and share the rewards with the authors.

I started to write that I didn't care if you participated or not, but I really do. I'd love to get something like this rolling here on Steemit. Even so, I'm going to participate whether you do or not.

I long to hear from you in the comments.

Thanks for reading. 💙

I hope you will consider following me and keeping a lookout for my posts including my six-word stories!

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