I’m still thinking about 6-word stories, which I discussed in my last post. I found this amusing video of author Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) giving a reading for Six-Word Memoirs on Love & Heartbreak. He talks about being asked to come up with a 6-word story to describe every one of his romantic relationships just an hour before a radio interview. Handler rose to the challenge, and shares his quickly composed stories here:
I love how his tiny stories form a larger picture of his relationship history. And it got me thinking about creating numerous groups of 6-word memoirs on specific topics. I can imagine a small book filled with these, each chapter giving a concise remembrance of a part of the author’s life.
These little morsels pack a punch, because they include a lot of information in a condensed package (an entire relationship in six words). I think this could be a fun creative exercise. Easy, even, if done in tiny bites. So I’m planning to make this an occasional project for myself, something I work on when I need a little “no pressure” creative moment.
Here are the mini-memoir topics I’ve come up with for my project so far. Feel free to use them if they inspire you:
- Stories people/family members tell about your childhood.
- Childhood triumphs.
- Childhood challenges.
- Each family member.
- Every pet.
- Every place you’ve lived—house, apartment, town, city, country.
- Every significant romantic relationship.
- Every significant friend.
- Every significant enemy.
- Moments of growth.
- Failures.
- Successes.
- Every job—paid or unpaid.
- Who you wanted to be but turned out not to be.
- Unexpected twists and turns in life.
- Holiday memories.
- Meaningful keepsakes/objects you’ve owned.
- Every car owned and where it’s taken you.
- Vacations.
- People you miss.
- People who influenced you—in both good ways and bad.
- People you’ve influenced—in both good ways and bad.
- Teachers, good and bad.
- Betrayals.
- Joyful moments.
- How other people see you.
- Hidden moments of your life.
I’m sure the list could go on and on. I’d love to hear any other ideas.
Copyright @ Sandy Ackers, Strangling My Muse: Struggling to Live a Creative Life in a Stressful World, http://www.stranglingmymuse.com
Strangling My Muse 
Darn – I wish I had read your post before I met my friend at a cafe for some “creative” time. I just stared at a blank page and scribbled. Another good idea Sandy!
Thanks, Rochelle!
–Sandy
I love it Sandy – lots of inspiration there!
Thanks!