The Six Word Novel

by Cindy Beck



As writers, we’re sometimes prone to descriptive sentences which too often need trimming, and there’s a great warm-up exercise to help with that. It’s called the “six word novel,” and the idea behind it is for the writer to create a story in just six words.

Not long ago, I asked my husband, Russ, a question as he sat in his recliner watching football with Corky Porky Pie, the dog. The only response I got was a grunt. I’m thinking the fact that the TV was turned up to level 40 on the volume might have had something to do with it. I hate to say it, but he’s almost deaf in one ear and can’t hear out of the other—a condition that I’m certain is the result of playing his stereo at full blast as a teenager. So, to express it in six words:

Music Loud
Time Fades
Hearing Aids!

Got the idea? Good. Here are a few more to get you in the groove.

First date
Home late
Wedding date

Magician fired—nothing up his sleeve!

Much Money
Stocks Fall
Soup Kitchen

Cat scratches baby. Cries. Fur coat.

Dog bone
Chew Chew
Bone gone

Sale:
Log cabin with bloodstained floor.

Computer on
Program freezes
Computer gone

Sale: Scuba tank with shark bite.


Now that you have the idea, give it a try. It’s a great way to get the creative juices flowing while having a little fun.

--

JUST A QUICK NOTE:
For those of you who are tracking what's happening with our book, Mormon Mishaps and Mischief, Nichole and I just received the proofs from our Cedar Fort editor, Heidi Doxey. We're so excited to be working with her, and looking forward to the book's release in December. Cedar Fort tells us the book will be in the CFI warehouse at the beginning of December and in the bookstores by the middle of the month. Think what a great Christmas gift Mormon Mishaps and Mischief will make for Aunt Persnickety and Uncle Lunkhead ... or anyone else on your Christmas list!

----