avatarL Burton

Summary

The author, inspired by a ten-word story challenge, reflects on the value of simplicity and presence while writing and photographing, finding creativity and peace in a moment of connection with nature.

Abstract

The article discusses the author's experience with the ten-word story challenge, a creative exercise that resonates with their appreciation for brevity in writing, akin to the six-word memoirs they previously engaged with. While capturing images at a lake for a different challenge, the author serendipitously photographs ducks, which evokes a sense of tranquility and focus, reminding them to appreciate the present moment. This peaceful encounter with nature rejuvenates the author's writing process, prompting them to organize their thoughts and prepare for upcoming articles. The author expresses gratitude to Ellie Jacobson for the continuous inspiration and invites readers to join them in writing their own short memoirs on the Six Word Memoirs platform.

Opinions

  • The author values concise writing, as evidenced by their participation in both the ten-word story and six-word memoir challenges.
  • Nature is seen as a source of inspiration and a means to regain clarity and creativity in writing.
  • The author believes in the importance of being present and recognizing the beauty and significance of one's immediate surroundings.
  • The act of writing and reflecting on life through short narratives is considered a meaningful way to connect with oneself and others.
  • The author appreciates the role of challenges and community, particularly Ellie Jacobson's initiative, in fostering personal growth and artistic expression.

A Ten Word Story

Sometimes less is more

Ducks at a nearby lake — L Burton

Nature reminds me to get my ducks in a row.

I love to write short pieces, so when Ellie Jacobson tagged me for the ten-word challenge, I accepted the challenge.

It reminded me of the six-word memoirs I found out about through Diana C. sometime last year. I hadn’t written any in a while, but this inspired a few new ones. Whenever I get an idea for one, I write it in a notebook and then post them at Six Word Memoirs if you’d like to connect there and write your own.

I took this picture last week at the lake while looking around the beach area for a photo op for a different challenge. The best photos turned out to be far away from all the noise and people — one of them being these ducks. The water was still and quiet; the tree offered a bit of shade from the blazing hot sun.

At that moment, it was just me and the ducks and it reminded me that while we’re busy looking for, well…whatever we might be looking for, it’s important to stop and take in what’s right in front of us and appreciate it.

That peacefulness allowed me to come back to my writing refreshed and ready to line up some articles.

Thanks to Ellie Jacobson at Flint & Steel for always inspiring me.

Flint And Steel
10wordstory
Nature
Writing Challenge
Life
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