LIFE SENTENCES:The Six-Word

Memoir

University of Texas @ Tyler

APSI Summer 2010

Legend has it, Ernest Hemingway was challenged to write a short story in only six words. His response?

For sale:baby shoes,

never worn.

The results are at times devastating, poignant, and hilarious. Each six-word memoir can jumpstart classroom discussion. Each is a nugget for a larger story, and universal themes abound.

SIX TIPS FOR GREAT SIX-WORD MEMOIRSby Rachel Fershleiser

1. Be specific.

2. Be honest.

3. Forget the thesaurus.

4. Use your own speaking voice.

SIX TIPS FOR GREAT SIX-WORD MEMOIRSby Rachel Fershleiser

5. Experiment with structure. Two three-word sentences. Three two-word sentences. One statement or six separate ones. Repetition can be powerful and punctuation is our friend.

SIX TIPS FOR GREAT SIX-WORD MEMOIRSby Rachel Fershleiser

6. Stop trying so hard. Write carelessly; edit carefully. Throw a million ideas down and then decide. These aren't epic novels or Supreme Court decisions. Just start scribbling and see what catches your eye. In our experience, peoples' first instincts are usually the best.

Life: Dream big! Revise. Edit. Repeat.Becky Alfaro

I only tell truth in journals.Rachel W.

Living my dream; please send money.Brittney L.

I stopped reading between the lines.Alex F.

I always imagine clowns without makeup.Jordan H.

Dreams too big for this town. . .Megan M.

You still smell like my childhood.Chris L.

I lost more than my innocence.Mark L.

Tired of being the smart kid.Karen J.

A house without pets isn't home.Jennifer Swedoski

Finally learned “weird” is a compliment.David F.

Roots are shallow, wings are broken. Lori V.

Not enough room in the margins.HeathT.

Doneness counts, but not done yet. Sandra Effinger

Doneness counts, but not done yet. Sandra Effinger

Focused Six-Word Memoirs

• SMITH: Memoir of the Day• NPR: Story about SMITH Project• AARP: Cheating Death• AARP: Memorable Meals• AARP: Best Advice Ever• AARP: Our Siblings, Ourselves• National Constitution Center: Six Word Inaugural

So, your assignment:• Create 2 PP slides• 1 is a 6-word memoir for yourself. It must have a

relevant graphic (photo, art, etc.) that enhances the meaning of the words.

• The second must be a 6-word memoir for the person about whom you read in the autobiography or biography. It, too, must have a relevant graphic for enhancement.

• Save as a 97-2003 compatible presentation.• Email to Ms. Savage by 11:59 pm on Monday,

October 12th.