MEMOIR WRITING
Memoirist Writing Prompt: Six Word Chapter Stories
Your Life Story: In Six Word Chapters
This week, I wrote a memoir in six-word chapters.
I was surprised by the response and the collective feedback by other writers who thought it would be something they’d also like to try — much like our 100-word memoirs.
Honestly, I’m not sure what drove me to that particular format. Sometimes I just like to try different things as means to express myself, explore my writing, etc. One of my personal challenges as a writer is that I can be overly descriptive. Not in a good way. In an— enough with the descriptions already, and get to the point kind of way. I’ve talked about this in writing posts. It’s like when a coach can give good strategies but when they’re on the court themselves, they kind of suck at it.
The truth is, no matter how good of a writer you are, there is always something you need to work on. There is no measure of greatness. Always room for improvement. And, yeah, I’m probably talking out of my ass — but y’all know what I’m getting at.
Full disclosure: I’m not from anywhere near the south. I just like saying “y’all.”
Editorial thought: Is this politically incorrect? Holy crap. I think it might be. I can’t keep track. ANY.WAY.
The six-word chapter idea serves the same purpose as the 100-word memoir.
It helps you tell a story with as few words as possible. And as a writer, you still need to be creative and figure out a way to make the story flow, make sense, have emotion, and deliver your message. It’s more poetic in nature. But, the more I personally do these types of exercises, the more I find it easier to convey my messages more concisely with the same emotion I intend.
So.
Interested in a new prompt? See my story as an example.
There are no rules. Use as many chapters as you want or need. But each chapter should have six words. And as an additional prompt, let’s make it your life story. Tag: Six Word Chapters.
Here is mine:
Have fun with it. Can’t wait to read them!
If you haven’t signed up for Medium yet, just do it. It’s fun. It doesn’t cost more than one coffee at Starbucks a month. You can read all you want and be a cool kid like us. I could ask you for a tip. But I’m not.