LONG STORY SHORT

"Everyone has a story." 
                 ~Larry Smith

Many years ago a magazine feature caught my attention. It was about writing a story, maybe a memoir, in just six words. It sounded like a fun challenge. I jotted a few. The article encouraged readers to submit their creations online. So I did. Over time I forgot about it. Until last week. I was reading an online literacy newsletter I enjoy, even beyond my teaching years. The feature article piqued my interest, so then I clicked on the author's blog. Reading her musings, I spotted "Six Word Memoirs" she'd written in January. I dove in...which lead to further investigation and research.

I discovered there is a website on six word memoirs, and another on six word stories. I found YouTube videos. I learned that there are books with fun titles, such as Not Quite What I Was Planning, which was the first book that grew from Larry Smith's "Six Word Memoir" project. I downloaded it on my Kindle.

Teachers have picked up on the Six Word Memoirs to help students focus the essence of their writing. Lesson plans have been created. I wondered how it would have worked with my 2nd grade students. In a video, Larry Smith told how his nephew's 3rd grade class was very successful. I say 2nd graders could do it!

Always interested in all things writing, I got a fresh piece of paper and started thinking... First life topic that popped into my head was my mother's years with dementia and Alzheimer's before she passed away at 83, compounded by a dear friend who is on that path now. So, I wrote:
              - Remembers everything. Remembers something. Remembers nothing.
              - Alzheimer's - wretched disease. Steals life slowly.

To quote Larry Smith, "Everyone has a story. What's yours?"

I'd love to read your Six Words Memoirs. Post yours here on my blog in the comments, or on FB.