The art of brevity

That alcoholic genius of the written word Hemmingway, was once challenged that he couldn't write a story in six words. He did; this was the result - "For sale: Baby's shoes-never worn."

Wonderful example of brevity and emotion. There is a web site that promotes this idea and I have posted a couple of things on it. Here goes :

Billboard- “Forbidden: Post no dreams here”

My leg belonged to someone else

Of course the idea is to give a story- as in make the reader think that a tale has been written in six words. Most of those that posted forgot this and chose Confusciusisms instead. "He who hits head goes ow" etc... Wise soundbites aside, the aim was to be brief and be a tale teller. This is at the heart of writing. So speaks the modern trend of writing at least. But what that does is force a writer to become grey- just like everyone else.

To write is to be rejected. I say this not as trite flippancy, but through experience. Agents, editors publishers they will reject the best, the worst and the rest. Why? Because, like any worker, most hate their job and wish they were somewhere and someone else. I have been rejected through email, letter, though thankfully not phone, yet. But it all comes with practice, a thick skin and a thicker head (My wife can attest to the latter.)

So the art of brevity should be applied to six words or sixty thousand words. But how does that enable style to shine? One oft repeated argument of editors and agents is that if you sort out the basics the rest will fall into place. So, I endeavour to do just that. As brief as possible. Just so.

If you fancy having a try at six word stories just google it or reply below.