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Six Word Stories #2
Stories, Memoirs, Poems and Jokes All Written in Only Six Words
Six Word Story is a collection of stories, jokes, memoirs, and poems, all written in only six words.
Find horror, romance, thriller, hilarity, and tragedy all bundled in a few tiny words.
This collection of micro-fiction gives readers a chance to get an instant dose of story.
Six Word Story by Doug Weller includes the winner of the 2020 Six Word Wonder Contest, with over 1000 stories were entered. As well as publication, the winner receives a $50 prize as the Six Word Wonder 2020.
This is the follow-up book to Six Word Wonder by Doug Weller. Over 500 six word stories to surprise, entertain, and amuse.
@SixWordWonder has over 10,000 followers. You can find out more at dougweller.net
Here are a few six word stories to spark your interest:
- Undertaker paused when he heard tapping
- Today, I remembered I had dementia.
- Slowly completed father's bucket list.
- Dear diary, he's outside the door. . .
These stories and many more are played out over ten movements in Six Word Story.
Find horror, romance, thriller, hilarity, and tragedy all bundled in a few tiny words.
This collection of micro-fiction gives readers a chance to get an instant dose of story.
Six Word Story by Doug Weller includes the winner of the 2020 Six Word Wonder Contest, with over 1000 stories were entered. As well as publication, the winner receives a $50 prize as the Six Word Wonder 2020.
This is the follow-up book to Six Word Wonder by Doug Weller. Over 500 six word stories to surprise, entertain, and amuse.
@SixWordWonder has over 10,000 followers. You can find out more at dougweller.net
Here are a few six word stories to spark your interest:
- Undertaker paused when he heard tapping
- Today, I remembered I had dementia.
- Slowly completed father's bucket list.
- Dear diary, he's outside the door. . .
These stories and many more are played out over ten movements in Six Word Story.
- GenresFictionShort Stories
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2021
81 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Doug Weller
9 books26 followersDoug Weller is a story writer and creator of the Six Word Wonder
Learn more at https://dougweller.net
Learn more at https://dougweller.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 26, 2021
4★
“Under floorboards. Staying quiet. Footsteps above.”
Okay, that’s not a whole story, but it’s certainly the first chapter of one. This is the second in a book of six-word stories, and it includes some the author selected from those sent in by readers for the 2020 competition. He does credit them in the book. I've selected a few. (I don't know who wrote what).
Some are scary, like that one, while some could be a proposed rom-com script.
“Attempted sobriety. Tiny drink. Woke married!”
Some are sad, like the famous six-word story the author refers to that so many of us know. It is often attributed to Ernest Hemingway, but I don’t know if anyone knows for sure.
“For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn.”
This is one along those lines:
“Proud mother. Heroic son. Folded flag.”
How about this one - the colonial history of so many countries?
“Boat docked. Explorers thrilled. Locals killed.”
It’s tempting to think up an answering one, isn’t it? But instead, I’ll give something along completely different lines. It tickled me because it reminded me of a famous incident in Australian politics a few years ago.
Tony Abbot became the Prime Minister of Australia, but while he was Health Minister, (2005 or so) the story broke that, in his youth, he had fathered a child who was adopted out. He stayed in touch with the child’s mother, and when the identity was revealed of the child, we learned he was now a young man working as a sound recordist in Parliament and had often worked in or around Tony Abbott.
Poignant, yes? Yes, until another of the mother’s boyfriends saw the young man’s photo in the news and recognised the resemblance to his own four kids! Guess what? DNA testing showed he was right. The mother really wanted Abbott to be the father, but, such is life.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/abbot...
The six-word story that prompted my memory:
“School reunion. Her son resembled me.”
This is fun, and there’s a 2021 competition.
“This is the place for you to enter your six word stories, memoirs, poems, and jokes, with the chance of winning $100, and being named the Six Word Wonder 2021!”
https://www.dougweller.net/six-word-w...
[The address in my preview copy was wrong, so I hope it’s been fixed in the real book!]
Thanks to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for the entertaining preview copy.
“Under floorboards. Staying quiet. Footsteps above.”
Okay, that’s not a whole story, but it’s certainly the first chapter of one. This is the second in a book of six-word stories, and it includes some the author selected from those sent in by readers for the 2020 competition. He does credit them in the book. I've selected a few. (I don't know who wrote what).
Some are scary, like that one, while some could be a proposed rom-com script.
“Attempted sobriety. Tiny drink. Woke married!”
Some are sad, like the famous six-word story the author refers to that so many of us know. It is often attributed to Ernest Hemingway, but I don’t know if anyone knows for sure.
“For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn.”
This is one along those lines:
“Proud mother. Heroic son. Folded flag.”
How about this one - the colonial history of so many countries?
“Boat docked. Explorers thrilled. Locals killed.”
It’s tempting to think up an answering one, isn’t it? But instead, I’ll give something along completely different lines. It tickled me because it reminded me of a famous incident in Australian politics a few years ago.
Tony Abbot became the Prime Minister of Australia, but while he was Health Minister, (2005 or so) the story broke that, in his youth, he had fathered a child who was adopted out. He stayed in touch with the child’s mother, and when the identity was revealed of the child, we learned he was now a young man working as a sound recordist in Parliament and had often worked in or around Tony Abbott.
Poignant, yes? Yes, until another of the mother’s boyfriends saw the young man’s photo in the news and recognised the resemblance to his own four kids! Guess what? DNA testing showed he was right. The mother really wanted Abbott to be the father, but, such is life.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/abbot...
The six-word story that prompted my memory:
“School reunion. Her son resembled me.”
This is fun, and there’s a 2021 competition.
“This is the place for you to enter your six word stories, memoirs, poems, and jokes, with the chance of winning $100, and being named the Six Word Wonder 2021!”
https://www.dougweller.net/six-word-w...
[The address in my preview copy was wrong, so I hope it’s been fixed in the real book!]
Thanks to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for the entertaining preview copy.
January 22, 2021
I think I went into this expecting too much because this wasn't what I made it out to be in my head. Granted there were a few stories that were witty and others that hit a little too close to home but for the most part, they were pretty average. I can't put into words what I was expecting that I didn't get with these 6-word stories. All I can say is that I wanted more and didn't get it. I know that isn't helpful to anyone so I'll just leave it at that. Overall, this book passed the time quite nicely and it did somewhat entertain me during the time that I spent reading it.
* I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
* I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
January 21, 2021
Having read and enjoyed Six Word Wonder it was a no-brainer to seek out Doug Weller’s latest instalment of this creative and clever means of communicating in just six words.
Six Word Story takes the craft onwards and upwards. Having encouraged others to practice their own skills and being having sent hundreds of the public’s own finds or original turns of phrase. The book is a compilation of these and the author’s own research.
These sound bites are great to read and some I find really hit the spot. This however is a book to read over again for a few days as this addition reading allows the deeper meanings resonate as well.
I also like the background notes on this magical form of literature and the guidance on doing it for yourself.
Interesting the world of Politics seems to favour three word catchphrases. ‘Get Brexit Done’
“Brexit done for haulers, sandwiches nicked.”
“Brexit done for fisherfolk shared catch.”
You should try it quite rewarding and therapeutic.
This is may honest review having been provided with an ARC with the understanding I would review the book. If I was asked to review it in just six words I might fail that requirement.
‘Free book offered for honest review’
‘Read book, no words to describe...’
From the book I will share a couple of favourites.
“Brown-nosing got Rudolph a demotion.”
“Called marriage hotline. All operators engaged.”
“Infectious smile. Gave her a fever.”
Hope you can see why I like this book and I trust you’ll enjoy it too.
Six Word Story takes the craft onwards and upwards. Having encouraged others to practice their own skills and being having sent hundreds of the public’s own finds or original turns of phrase. The book is a compilation of these and the author’s own research.
These sound bites are great to read and some I find really hit the spot. This however is a book to read over again for a few days as this addition reading allows the deeper meanings resonate as well.
I also like the background notes on this magical form of literature and the guidance on doing it for yourself.
Interesting the world of Politics seems to favour three word catchphrases. ‘Get Brexit Done’
“Brexit done for haulers, sandwiches nicked.”
“Brexit done for fisherfolk shared catch.”
You should try it quite rewarding and therapeutic.
This is may honest review having been provided with an ARC with the understanding I would review the book. If I was asked to review it in just six words I might fail that requirement.
‘Free book offered for honest review’
‘Read book, no words to describe...’
From the book I will share a couple of favourites.
“Brown-nosing got Rudolph a demotion.”
“Called marriage hotline. All operators engaged.”
“Infectious smile. Gave her a fever.”
Hope you can see why I like this book and I trust you’ll enjoy it too.
March 6, 2021
I so appreciate Mr. Doug Weller. Six Word Story is a delight. Some stories are silly and some serious and heartfelt. I was surprised how easily I was able to laugh or be moved to stop and reflect on what I had read. Sometimes, six simple words are not that simple. Would recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 23, 2021
Six Word Story by Doug Weller is a unique, quick read loaded with many stories all with only six words.
I like dipping into different genres and types of writing once in a while. This book was a unique take on short stories and was very much enjoyable. Some of these stories will hit you the right way and you'll be laughing or grinning or impressed while others may leave you wondering what the point was or why it's there. That's the thing with six word stories - some are going to resonate with you better than others. It will all depend on your experience and what you want to get out of the book.
The first short story about the undertaker grabbed me while the fairy tale one didn't. That's how this type of fiction goes. Regardless, if you go in ready for an interesting, little stories to make you think then you've got the right mindset. This almost feels like a school exercise (in a good way!) that is designed to have you wondering how the story might be finished.
Overall, I really enjoyed this selection of stories! They made me think and they inspired me a lot to have my mind be more creative.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I like dipping into different genres and types of writing once in a while. This book was a unique take on short stories and was very much enjoyable. Some of these stories will hit you the right way and you'll be laughing or grinning or impressed while others may leave you wondering what the point was or why it's there. That's the thing with six word stories - some are going to resonate with you better than others. It will all depend on your experience and what you want to get out of the book.
The first short story about the undertaker grabbed me while the fairy tale one didn't. That's how this type of fiction goes. Regardless, if you go in ready for an interesting, little stories to make you think then you've got the right mindset. This almost feels like a school exercise (in a good way!) that is designed to have you wondering how the story might be finished.
Overall, I really enjoyed this selection of stories! They made me think and they inspired me a lot to have my mind be more creative.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
January 30, 2021
Six Word Story is the second collection of very short stories made by twenty-five contributors to this interesting project, assembled by British author, Doug Weller. Some are spooky, some are thought-provoking, some are poignant, most are clever and imaginative, and by definition all are, of course, succinct. There’s plenty of humour within these covers, much of it quite black.
Favourites for this reader are:
BMX Bandit became Mobility Scooter Man.
[Sentence removed by the Truth Department]
Cats can speak, but choose silence.
‘Wait, you’re pregnant how?’ asked Joseph.
“Keen on tattoos,” the mortician noted.
Left the veterinarians Pet carrier empty.
School reunion. Her son resembled me.
Poacher outsmarted ranger. But not elephant.
Gardener quits. Throws in the trowel.
Distraught child. Missing goldfish. Purring cat.
Roof left down today, Mr Kennedy?
Her last words went to voicemail.
From that sample it’s easy to see that they range across genres: stories, memoirs and jokes, and everything from romance, to horror, right through to philosophy and poetry. Probably the best-known six-word-story is “For Sale: Baby Shoes. Never Worn.” and in case this one inspires readers to try for themselves, Weller includes tips on how to create these little gems. This is a short read, but entertaining and well worth the time required.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hebe Publications
Favourites for this reader are:
BMX Bandit became Mobility Scooter Man.
[Sentence removed by the Truth Department]
Cats can speak, but choose silence.
‘Wait, you’re pregnant how?’ asked Joseph.
“Keen on tattoos,” the mortician noted.
Left the veterinarians Pet carrier empty.
School reunion. Her son resembled me.
Poacher outsmarted ranger. But not elephant.
Gardener quits. Throws in the trowel.
Distraught child. Missing goldfish. Purring cat.
Roof left down today, Mr Kennedy?
Her last words went to voicemail.
From that sample it’s easy to see that they range across genres: stories, memoirs and jokes, and everything from romance, to horror, right through to philosophy and poetry. Probably the best-known six-word-story is “For Sale: Baby Shoes. Never Worn.” and in case this one inspires readers to try for themselves, Weller includes tips on how to create these little gems. This is a short read, but entertaining and well worth the time required.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hebe Publications
February 2, 2021
To be honest, this book got old for me really fast. I love Hemingway's original 6 word story and I love succinct writing like haikus where you have to pack a lot of meaning into a few words so I thought this would be right up my alley. I kept feeling like it would be better as a Twitter feed where you saw one a day or something. Many of "stories" (sentences) were instantly forgettable, and the format made it a lot like sitting down to read a book of quotes. As another reviewer mentioned, many felt like filler. That said, it is a fun project and others are likely to enjoy the books.
My 6 word review: Too much monotony for six words.
I read a temporary ARC of this book for review.
My 6 word review: Too much monotony for six words.
I read a temporary ARC of this book for review.
January 21, 2021
Six Word Story by Doug Weller provides an example of 'micro-fiction', a form of literary expression that aspires to tell a complete story in only six words. Explored within this flash fiction are a wide range of topics, each evoking some type of emotional response, from humour to sentimentality, and everything in between. The ability to craft a complete narrative in so few words requires a genuine love of language, and is nothing short of enviable when it truly hits its mark. Recommended as a quick and enjoyable read if you are looking to move outside of your literary comfort zone.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Hebe Publications, and author Doug Weller for providing an ARC of this title.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Hebe Publications, and author Doug Weller for providing an ARC of this title.
January 9, 2021
I received a free copy to honestly review this book.
I found it delightful and filled with creative endeavors to produce pathos, sadness, joy, elation, and a longer range of emotions. To restrict one's writing message to six words is to take on a challenge of focus, clarity, and strategy. It was motivational for me to read this and want to try my hand at creating six word stories as well. The cleverness of many of the stories still resonate in my mind.
I found it delightful and filled with creative endeavors to produce pathos, sadness, joy, elation, and a longer range of emotions. To restrict one's writing message to six words is to take on a challenge of focus, clarity, and strategy. It was motivational for me to read this and want to try my hand at creating six word stories as well. The cleverness of many of the stories still resonate in my mind.
January 22, 2021
I give this brilliant little book 5 stars!
I found entries dripping with black humour: (Elderly man suffocates mother. Becomes King), the absurdly funny: (Lab accident: Now I'm a goat), and the haunting and unsettling: (His flesh creeped into her life).
Definitely a winner.
I received a free book in exchange for an honest review.
I found entries dripping with black humour: (Elderly man suffocates mother. Becomes King), the absurdly funny: (Lab accident: Now I'm a goat), and the haunting and unsettling: (His flesh creeped into her life).
Definitely a winner.
I received a free book in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2021
A brilliant and entertaining compilation of rich, diverse miniature stories. A great concept, highly readable; made me laugh, pause and think a little differently. Note: I received a free book in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2021
I received a free pdf of this book in exchange for an impartial review. I didn't know what I was getting into, how much can you convey in just six words???
I learned you can convey quite a lot actually. The stories were entertaining and constantly amazed me how much can be packed into just six words. It was well worth the read, and I will be returning to these stories again and again when I have just a few moments and need some distraction. Also, when I'm feeling blocked in my own writing, just a few of these stories should jog something loose.
Every page contained one surprise, if not more.
Thank you, Doug.
~ Duane L Herrmann, Kansas Poet Laureate Nominee, internationally published, award winning poet and historian - and sci fi novelist.
I learned you can convey quite a lot actually. The stories were entertaining and constantly amazed me how much can be packed into just six words. It was well worth the read, and I will be returning to these stories again and again when I have just a few moments and need some distraction. Also, when I'm feeling blocked in my own writing, just a few of these stories should jog something loose.
Every page contained one surprise, if not more.
Thank you, Doug.
~ Duane L Herrmann, Kansas Poet Laureate Nominee, internationally published, award winning poet and historian - and sci fi novelist.
January 16, 2021
All the family loved it. Would make a Great coffee table book. Laughed and cried. Great gift for anyone.
January 21, 2021
I don't have much to say about this one. Some of the stories were nice, made you stop and think for a second, but quite a lot were pretty cringey, like "Pregnancy status - positive. Boyfriend status - negative". I don't remember a lot, but there were much worse...
A big thank you to Hebe Publications and NetGalley for providing me with an early version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A big thank you to Hebe Publications and NetGalley for providing me with an early version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2021
I received a free book in exchange for an honest review...and my honest opinion is that I loved it! Nanotales are challenging but fun to write and even more fun to read. Doug Weller's "6 Word Story" is a perfect book to read yourself or to give as a gift, especially to friends or family who are time-poor but love the written word.
My advice though, is to take your time reading these little gems.
Some are clever and witty, some are dark, some poignant, some silly or comic, and lots are intriguing and thought-provoking—they set your imagination into overdrive and make you think about the backstory. I highly recommend this book. Congratulations to Doug Weller who has, once again, proven the power of words!
My advice though, is to take your time reading these little gems.
Some are clever and witty, some are dark, some poignant, some silly or comic, and lots are intriguing and thought-provoking—they set your imagination into overdrive and make you think about the backstory. I highly recommend this book. Congratulations to Doug Weller who has, once again, proven the power of words!
January 6, 2021
Thank you to the author for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for my honest review. Six Word Story by Doug Weller is even better than his previous book, Six Word Wonder, if that is possible and I highly recommend it. I actually read this book twice in one sitting and then went back to read some of my favorites again. It is amazing what can be captured in just six words. Some are tales of horror, while others are just plain scary. Some stories are full of sadness while others are laugh out loud funny. It is hard to pick a favorite, but I think "Last words: Is this thing loaded?" is definitely a contender. If you are a writer, pick this book up; you might learn something. If you are a reader, pick this book up; you will definitely love it.
January 5, 2021
I received a free book in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes less is more and that is exactly what you get with “Six Word Story”. The fact that such imagery can be evoked in six words is a breath of fresh air to avid readers. I enjoyed the book very much!
Sometimes less is more and that is exactly what you get with “Six Word Story”. The fact that such imagery can be evoked in six words is a breath of fresh air to avid readers. I enjoyed the book very much!
January 31, 2021
I never knew there were actually 6 word stories. Came across this book and decided to read it. I actually liked it. Some made me laugh, a lot of that's stories are very thought provoking. Some I did not understand until I read them 6 times or more. It's a very interesting book. I cannot wait til I read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2021
Free book exchanged for honest review.
A delightful collection of short stories.
Each restricted by only six words.
And finally my name in print!
(This is hard - well done Doug.)
A delightful collection of short stories.
Each restricted by only six words.
And finally my name in print!
(This is hard - well done Doug.)
February 1, 2021
Read. Laugh. Read. Think. Read. Reread.
This book was a welcome change from my usual lean towards fiction and mystery. It’s a collection of six word stories submitted to and collated by the author. I loved the idea of seeing how much a person can convey in just six words. It turns out to be a lot. Aside from being enjoyable and quick reading, I think this would make a great educational experience in the classroom setting. The format inspires creativity and pushes the writer to scrutinize word choice. It is also the kind of book you could have sitting around on a table as a conversation starter for a party.
Among these six word stories, some are powerful, some funny, some depressing, some mysterious. Some of them I read several times and didn’t quite understand. My only criticism is that some six word stories were coupled with others that were unrelated, making it seem like a twelve word story. It took me some time to realize there was some kind of stylistic presentation going on with some of them in this way. Maybe if an author submitted more than one story they were put together? Or maybe I just missed something obvious about those ones.
I received a free book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Doug Weller for this sneak preview. I think I need to find the original Six Word Wonder now to see where it all began!
This book was a welcome change from my usual lean towards fiction and mystery. It’s a collection of six word stories submitted to and collated by the author. I loved the idea of seeing how much a person can convey in just six words. It turns out to be a lot. Aside from being enjoyable and quick reading, I think this would make a great educational experience in the classroom setting. The format inspires creativity and pushes the writer to scrutinize word choice. It is also the kind of book you could have sitting around on a table as a conversation starter for a party.
Among these six word stories, some are powerful, some funny, some depressing, some mysterious. Some of them I read several times and didn’t quite understand. My only criticism is that some six word stories were coupled with others that were unrelated, making it seem like a twelve word story. It took me some time to realize there was some kind of stylistic presentation going on with some of them in this way. Maybe if an author submitted more than one story they were put together? Or maybe I just missed something obvious about those ones.
I received a free book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Doug Weller for this sneak preview. I think I need to find the original Six Word Wonder now to see where it all began!
April 13, 2021
A very lightweight compilation that provoked interest and amusement. I love the way the author provides instructions for how to write similar stories; could easily be used in a creative writing course.
January 27, 2021
I was already familiar with six word stories before picking up and reading this title because of all the six word story challenges on Twitter. However, what I expected wasn't exactly what I read. I expected highly polished stories that gave you everything in so few words. Many of these stories were simply a play on the famous "Baby Shoes," and they didn't necessarily live up to the impact that particular story has on those who read it.
There were a few I liked, but most of the content did feel like filler. I do however appreciate the content being broken up occasionally with talk about the history and tips on crafting these stories.
*Book provided by NetGalley
There were a few I liked, but most of the content did feel like filler. I do however appreciate the content being broken up occasionally with talk about the history and tips on crafting these stories.
*Book provided by NetGalley
February 16, 2021
I love the "micro-fiction" format and have bought several print books that were topically curated (six words on romance, on death, on one's own epitaph, etc.) --so I eagerly requested this advance readers copy from NetGalley.
Was a bit disappointed. It seemed so scant -- in both quantity and quality. The content reminded me of a parlor game, where people spew out the first phrases that fit the format. It seldom felt as if there was any polishing or deep thought involved.
The publisher's blurb says there are more than 500 entries here, but it seemed like such a quick, insubstantial read to me that I actually counted the stories (I know, too much), and I got a count of 271, for what it's worth. The books I already own are quite thick and have 700 or more stories, just for comparison
I had mixed feelings about the commentary that was interspersed among sections of stories. One of the author's comments referenced the iconic six-word story often attributed to Hemingway: "For Sale. Baby shoes. Never Worn." The author, Doug Weller, draws a parallel between the "baby shoes" structure and the title of Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea."
"Note that, similar to Baby Shoes, every word in the title is one syllable long," Heller wrote. Of course, both baby and never are two-syllable words.
In fact quite a few of the entries in this book were take-offs on the Hemingway theme: For Sale: Baby sheep. Never Shorn. For Sale: used parachute. Never opened. For sale: healthy kidney. Slightly used. And so on. I think there were 8 or 10 variants.
If you fault me for giving such a close reading to a manuscript that was meant to me merely fun, I cop to that. Thanks to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for an ARC.
Was a bit disappointed. It seemed so scant -- in both quantity and quality. The content reminded me of a parlor game, where people spew out the first phrases that fit the format. It seldom felt as if there was any polishing or deep thought involved.
The publisher's blurb says there are more than 500 entries here, but it seemed like such a quick, insubstantial read to me that I actually counted the stories (I know, too much), and I got a count of 271, for what it's worth. The books I already own are quite thick and have 700 or more stories, just for comparison
I had mixed feelings about the commentary that was interspersed among sections of stories. One of the author's comments referenced the iconic six-word story often attributed to Hemingway: "For Sale. Baby shoes. Never Worn." The author, Doug Weller, draws a parallel between the "baby shoes" structure and the title of Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea."
"Note that, similar to Baby Shoes, every word in the title is one syllable long," Heller wrote. Of course, both baby and never are two-syllable words.
In fact quite a few of the entries in this book were take-offs on the Hemingway theme: For Sale: Baby sheep. Never Shorn. For Sale: used parachute. Never opened. For sale: healthy kidney. Slightly used. And so on. I think there were 8 or 10 variants.
If you fault me for giving such a close reading to a manuscript that was meant to me merely fun, I cop to that. Thanks to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for an ARC.
February 2, 2021
I decided to read this on a bit of whim - I wanted something different to my usual reads (mysteries and thrillers).
I was familiar with the concept of the six word story, and had read a couple here and there (all of which I enjoyed). The idea of an entire book of them was intriguing to say the least.
I enjoyed this book, I particularly liked the additions of the history of the six word story etc - a welcome and interesting read, and a nice way to break up the included six word stories. To see the names of some competition winners was lovely also - I'm sure they will be so pleased to see their work in print!
I did however feel at times that I was confronted with a little bit of filler, perhaps this is an unfair assessment and instead the truth is that some stories simply resonated more than others. However, I just cannot shake the feeling that some of the stories did not (in my opinion) belong in the book, and shouldn't have made the final cut.
I had no idea what to expect from this, and overall I was pleasantly surprised. It's a short read, I got through it in one sitting in only a couple of hours, so with that in mind it is definitely worth a go.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
I was familiar with the concept of the six word story, and had read a couple here and there (all of which I enjoyed). The idea of an entire book of them was intriguing to say the least.
I enjoyed this book, I particularly liked the additions of the history of the six word story etc - a welcome and interesting read, and a nice way to break up the included six word stories. To see the names of some competition winners was lovely also - I'm sure they will be so pleased to see their work in print!
I did however feel at times that I was confronted with a little bit of filler, perhaps this is an unfair assessment and instead the truth is that some stories simply resonated more than others. However, I just cannot shake the feeling that some of the stories did not (in my opinion) belong in the book, and shouldn't have made the final cut.
I had no idea what to expect from this, and overall I was pleasantly surprised. It's a short read, I got through it in one sitting in only a couple of hours, so with that in mind it is definitely worth a go.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 4, 2021
Language: PG (2 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
Weller tells several stories with only six words each, inviting every genre -- suspense, comedy, tragedy, and more. Not meant to be rushed through, Weller invites readers to think on the stories to peel back the layers to find the double meanings often hidden. Weller also includes submissions from the 2020 competition and invites readers to submit six word stories of their own for the next one!
The six word stories are intriguing as an idea, but I was disappointed by reading a whole book of them. I think I was disappointed because they didn’t feel as profound when they were side by side for comparison. Some of the stories were clever, but the majority of them were average. The mature content rating is for innuendo and mention of sex.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Weller tells several stories with only six words each, inviting every genre -- suspense, comedy, tragedy, and more. Not meant to be rushed through, Weller invites readers to think on the stories to peel back the layers to find the double meanings often hidden. Weller also includes submissions from the 2020 competition and invites readers to submit six word stories of their own for the next one!
The six word stories are intriguing as an idea, but I was disappointed by reading a whole book of them. I think I was disappointed because they didn’t feel as profound when they were side by side for comparison. Some of the stories were clever, but the majority of them were average. The mature content rating is for innuendo and mention of sex.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
March 14, 2022
Another great book of Six Word Stories by Doug Weller! Weller is a very clever guy! There, that's a six-word story he would probably like. But it is true, Weller is smart, funny, good at his work, and especially, concise! I enjoyed his first book and was excited to see he had done it again.
Weller also gives the reader a workbook so they can hone their skills in crafting and refining their own Six Word Stories. If you can get your hands on any of Weller's work, I highly recommend it for fun reading. I read this in one sitting, but his work is also perfect bedtime reading for busy people.
Many thanks to Doug Weller, the publisher, and NetGalley for a free e-book of Six Word Stories in exchange for my honest review.
Weller also gives the reader a workbook so they can hone their skills in crafting and refining their own Six Word Stories. If you can get your hands on any of Weller's work, I highly recommend it for fun reading. I read this in one sitting, but his work is also perfect bedtime reading for busy people.
Many thanks to Doug Weller, the publisher, and NetGalley for a free e-book of Six Word Stories in exchange for my honest review.
January 30, 2021
Six Word Story is Doug Weller's second compilation of this unique and fascinating method of short-story writing that's been around for some time.
How do you tell a complete meaningful story with a beginning, middle, and end in only six words? That is the challenge and this book will show you a wide variety of clever and diverse examples which can be surprisingly emotive. Bet after reading this, you'll want to try it yourself!
My thanks to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book which is scheduled to be published on 2/18/21. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
How do you tell a complete meaningful story with a beginning, middle, and end in only six words? That is the challenge and this book will show you a wide variety of clever and diverse examples which can be surprisingly emotive. Bet after reading this, you'll want to try it yourself!
My thanks to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book which is scheduled to be published on 2/18/21. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 2, 2021
I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is my honest review.
Six-word stories can run the gamut from incredibly clever and poignant to tacky and cliche. Some of the six-word stories in this collection did truly create a full story, and I enjoyed them. The majority were a bit lackluster though and left me wanting. These included some that were just quippy one-liners that I'd definitely heard before.
Overall, the collection left me wanting, but it was a quick read. This would probably be best used as a coffee table book or a bathroom reader. Just something quick to pick up that you can easily put down to get on with the rest of your life.
Six-word stories can run the gamut from incredibly clever and poignant to tacky and cliche. Some of the six-word stories in this collection did truly create a full story, and I enjoyed them. The majority were a bit lackluster though and left me wanting. These included some that were just quippy one-liners that I'd definitely heard before.
Overall, the collection left me wanting, but it was a quick read. This would probably be best used as a coffee table book or a bathroom reader. Just something quick to pick up that you can easily put down to get on with the rest of your life.
February 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The very idea that a complete story could be told in just six words may sound far-fetched, and many aren't earth-shattering, but they ARE funny, meaningful, and/or entertaining and only six words each. They range from deep, scary, and sad to happy, uplifting, funny, and silly. Each one is truly a little piece of art. If you have any friends or associates who seem to measure their written work by the pound, give them this book and encourage them to start practicing. It will make them better writers.
Verified purchaser on Amazon.com.
Verified purchaser on Amazon.com.
January 30, 2021
I downloaded. I read. I enjoyed.
What can you say about so many different stories? Some are scary, some are sad, some are funny, most are ingenious.
One thing I do know: reading these makes you want to create them, too.
So, they are inspiring!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What can you say about so many different stories? Some are scary, some are sad, some are funny, most are ingenious.
One thing I do know: reading these makes you want to create them, too.
So, they are inspiring!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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