Editing That Six-Word Story

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The other day we were holding a family meeting where eight-year-old Miss O and I where hotly debating the next thing to do and I asked four-year-old Mr. D if he had an opinion.

“No, I’m not a good talker,” he replied.

Whoa, there’s a six-word story!

I’m sure with his very verbal older sister and his mom that is fascinated by words, it feels like he can’t get a word in edgewise. Funny thing is that he is interested in following along. I notice that the more we talk, the more still he gets. And then when we least expect it, he pops off with a perfectly positioned sentence like on January 1st when he said, “I told you last year not to step on lava.”

It feels like helping these young people write and change their stories as they grow is one of my biggest responsibilities and honors. In this case, I’m hoping to convince Mr. D that his six-word story is better said as, “I’m not a good talker…yet.”

And for more about six-word stories, please tune in to my podcast with Dr. Victoria Atkinson. We know and love her as our blogging, writing, and podcasting friend. But in this case, she brings all her experience as a therapist, professor, college dean, and author to bear to teach us how potent these little stories can be.

Search for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Pocket casts. And please subscribe! Or click here for the show notes and link to listen to the podcast on Anchor.

(featured photo is mine. I offer these six words as a caption: Despite our care, another worm died)

42 thoughts on “Editing That Six-Word Story”

  1. I love the meticulous essence of six-word stories. Mr. D’s, and your suggested revision, are perfect. This 23-word story is what grabbed me:
    “It feels like helping these young people write and change their stories as they grow is one of my biggest responsibilities and honors.”
    Exactly. As always, loving your stories of wise parenting and living, Wynne. ❤️

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    1. Oh, I love how you picked out that sentence. I imagine that is what you did as a teacher, Natalie! And now that you’ve shined a light on it, maybe that’s a good description of what we do as friends? Thank you!

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    1. Oh, you highlight something so important for me, Erin. Yes, nothing wrong with being the silent type. I only hope he has the words for what really needs to be said. Thank you for your very astute comment! ❤

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      1. I was the quiet, observant type as a child (and still am, if I’m being honest). When it’s important, I say something. And because I speak up so infrequently, people listen and take note. In some ways, it’s a bit of a superpower. Mr. D will find his voice and, whether he’s a chatterbox or chooses his words carefully, I’m certain he’ll say whatever he needs to say. ❤

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  5. Mr. D’s oratorical future is bright given the examples of his mom and sister. Indeed he is ahead of the legendary orator Demosthenes, who overcame a speech impediment by practicing with pebbles in his mouth. Just be sure he doesn’t go that far!

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  6. Great story! My youngest daughter felt the need to raise her hand at the dinner table because the rest of us were whipping words around too fast and she never got a turn. Mr D will have his day!

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  7. Sometimes I wonder Wynne if the ‘talkative’ gene is somewhat more dominant in the female gender than it is among males, but then remember the ole dude morning coffee clutches solving the world’s problems I so enjoy participating in 😊

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    1. Ah, I love this comment, Fred. I’ve wondered about the gender factor too. But yes, when the environment is right, I suppose we all can be struck… 🙂

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  8. Six-word stories are wonderful. I’ve also seen six-word book or movie reviews. I, of course, prefer any wordy thing that is succinct to I suppose it tracks that I like them.

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  13. It must be such a delight watching both your children grow, in different but equally wonderful ways.

    I’ve been hearing so much about the six-word story challenge everywhere lately. Such an interesting premise and concept!

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  15. Despite our care, another worm died. Awwhhh. :/
    I didn’t know Vicki was a therapist! Awesome! May need to bookmark this podcast for teeth-brushing, etc time. 🙂
    Ah, little D. Such a darling sweetheart.

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    1. Bookmark for teeth-brushing time – that’s perfect. Oh, and I saw that you asked somewhere about those sauteed cheerios but I now I can’t find where in order to response. Yep, melt some butter and sautee Cheerios. Cheryl suggested it as a replacement for popcorn – and might even (I suggest this meekly, knowing it could be controversial with you), pull you through in a pinch if you were out of Chex Mix. It’s good!

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      1. Pull me through in a pinch if I’m out of Chex Mix! Hahaha! That’s funny. And intriguing about the sauteed Cheerios. I could run it by my people, but I’ll bet they’d revolt at the idea of NOT having bona fide popcorn.

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