What is a six-word story?
A six-word story is a complete narrative told in exactly six words. It may be tiny, but it should imply that something happened, changed or is about to go spectacularly wrong.
The short definition
A six-word story gives the reader enough information to imagine a larger narrative. It usually contains a character or point of view, a situation and some form of tension, surprise or change. The reader supplies what the writer deliberately leaves out.
“Wrong number. Right voice. We talked.”
A mistake creates a meeting, then the final two words reveal a choice.
What makes it a story?
Six related words are not automatically a story. “Rain, window, coffee, blanket, book, peace” creates a mood, but nothing changes. A story normally contains movement: before and after, expectation and reversal, question and consequence, or desire and obstacle.
Does it have to be a sentence?
No. Fragments, dialogue and unusual punctuation can work beautifully. Grammar is a tool, not an entrance exam. The line must still make sense and reward the reader.
Stories, memoirs, poems and jokes
Six-word memoirs present a true life or moment. Six-word poems may prioritize image, sound or feeling. Six-word jokes aim for a punchline. All can overlap, and all belong in the wider six-word form. Our guide to literary forms places the six-word story beside flash fiction, short stories, haiku, couplets and limericks.
A phrase names something. A story changes something.
See the definition in action.
Compare explained examples, learn how to write your own, or check the exact word-counting rules.
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