We were recently writing a series of six-word stories for a project that is for folks that are passionate about coffee and espresso and thought others may enjoy our process. Creating a six-word story is a challenge of brevity and depth, where you aim to evoke emotion or tell a complete tale in just half a dozen words. Here’s a simple process to help you craft your own:

Theme or Concept: The first step is to decide on a central idea or emotion you want to convey. This could be inspired by a personal experience, a current event, a particular emotion, or even a random thought. By starting with a clear theme, you anchor your story and give it direction.

Brainstorm: Spend a few minutes jotting down words or phrases that come to mind related to your chosen theme. Don’t censor yourself; just let the ideas flow. You might think of character situations, emotions, or potential plot twists. This step will serve as the foundation upon which you’ll craft your story. We use these little notebooks to capture those worths and story ideas when on the go.

Craft a Sentence: Now, using the words and ideas from your brainstorming session, craft a simple sentence or statement. This doesn’t have to be perfect; think of it as a rough draft. At this point, you’re trying to shape the narrative.

Edit for Brevity: This step is about refining. Review the sentence you’ve crafted and look for ways to cut down words without losing the story’s essence. Remember, every word needs to earn its place in a six-word story. It’s all about conciseness and precision.

Impact: Your story, despite its brevity, should evoke emotion or thought in the reader. Whether it’s surprise, sadness, joy, or intrigue, the impact is what makes your story memorable. Ask yourself: Does my story make me feel something? Does it leave an impression?

Review & Refine: After you’ve edited for brevity and ensured impact, read your story out loud. This can help you catch any awkward phrasing. Additionally, consider the rhythm and flow. Just like a longer story, a six-word narrative should have a certain cadence that makes it compelling to read.

Get Feedback: Sharing your story with others can offer valuable insights. Friends, family, or fellow writers can provide perspectives you might not have considered. Their reactions, questions, and feedback can help you refine your story even further.

Repeat: Writing is a skill honed over time. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t resonate as deeply as you’d like. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at distilling complex ideas and emotions into just six words. Write multiple stories, play with different themes, and challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.

Remember, the beauty of a six-word story lies in its simplicity and depth. It’s about saying a lot with a little and letting readers fill in the blanks with their own interpretations and emotions.

In case your curious, here is a few we put together:

Freshly brewed; memories stirred, heart awakened.
Espresso sips, two strangers become friends.
Midnight coffee, our secret whispered conversations.
Cold outside, warm coffee embraces me.
Forgotten espresso, she remembered her first love.
Rainy days, coffee warmth, world fades.
His proposal hidden beneath frothy latte.
Coffee spilled, fate’s way of introducing.
Aged beans, fresh love, life brewed.
Empty cafe, two cups, one story.

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