The Six-Word Memoir Blog

Video: “Six Tips for Writing Six-Word Memoirs”

Monday, September 13th, 2010

By Larry Smith

Defining your life in exactly six words can be the easiest thing in the world, or a seemingly impossible challenge. We’ve had bestselling memoirists take months to come up with a Six-Word Memoir they were happy with (seriously, one high-lit, household name sent in updates about his progress every couple months), while some of our SMITH Teeners zip out dozens at a time (and hundreds each day). All the while, teachers regularly ask us for our tips (note to teachers: contact us if you’d like our free Six-Word Memoir lesson plan), and someone from Yahoo! Answers recently asked the world, “Can anyone tell me how to write a Six-Word Memoir?” This short video—cribbed from Rachel Fershleiser’s “Six Tips” document—is the wonderful work of frequent Howcast.com animator Ben Oviatt, with an assist by SMITH’s own Lisa Qiu. Click, watch—and share your own Six-Word Memoir.

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166 responses

  1. ctgoods2 says:

    Just what I needed. Thank you!

  2. Jan says:

    I am a teacher/professional developer who would love to have the free 6 Word Memoir Lesson Plan.
    Thank you!

  3. Loon says:

    The bloodless vampire goes to school.

  4. Toya says:

    when I’m Sad I write Poems.

  5. Ms. H. says:

    I am a teacher would love to have the free 6 word memoir lesson plan sent to my email today.

    Thanks

  6. 10 Tips to Writing a True War Memoir » Article Bundle says:

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  7. beth says:

    I would love the teacher’s lesson plans.

  8. PowWow says:

    I am an educator and I would love the lesson plan for 6 word memoirs. Thanks!

  9. Angie says:

    I am a high school English teacher who would love the lesson plan for 6 word memoirs. Thank you!

  10. Cheryl says:

    I teach middle school LA, and would love to have the lesson plan. Thanks!

    Always looking for another great idea.

  11. Lorraine Hirakawa says:

    i am a teacher, can I get a copy of your lesson plan?

  12. Sarah Abyrne says:

    I am a teacher and would also love to have the 6 word memoir lesson plan sent to my email.

  13. Theresa says:

    I teach middle school and would love to have a copy of the lesson plan. Thanks!

  14. Jeanne says:

    Help! Send lesson plan. Many thanks.

  15. Chris V says:

    Any chance of a second version of this video with “tween-friendly” examples in the beginning - no sex, drugs, etc? LOVE the advice, and it would be perfect for my 6th graders if I could just get rid of the adult content! :)

  16. Jaime says:

    I am teaching a unit on memoirs and would love to see this lesson plan. Thank You!

  17. SN says:

    Saturday night planning. As usual. Help!
    (please send lesson plan)

  18. Becca 17 says:

    I would love your lesson plan! Thank you!

  19. mark scho says:

    I’d love a lesson, too! I only saw 5 steps in the video - I do love how each were 6 words, though!

    1. It only works if it’s personal.
    2. Limitations force you to be creative.
    3. Get inspired by reading other memoirs.
    4. Like any other story, make revisions.
    5. Publish your story to inspire others.
    6. ??????

  20. Bethany says:

    I am a teacher and I would also love a lesson plan!

  21. English Teacher says:

    I love the six-word memoir concept. Would love to be able to show this video to my students, but I can’t because of the “hotel sex” example. It would be great if you would provide resources that do not contain inappropriate content.

  22. 8th grade teacher says:

    I am also a teacher and would love to show this video, but one small part keeps in filtered. Could you help us out here?

    I would also love the lesson plan too.

  23. UR MOM says:

    wa

  24. UR MOM says:

    bullshit

  25. Humanities teacher says:

    Could you send me the lesson plan? Loved the examples!

  26. Kpaguilar says:

    Would love a lesson plan!

  27. elizabeth says:

    Would you please send me the lesson plan? Thank you!

  28. Alyson says:

    Please send me the lesson plan.

  29. Erin says:

    I am a teacher and would love to have the free 6 word memoir lesson plan sent to my email. Thanks.

  30. Jessica says:

    I’d also like to have the lesson plan. It sounds great and is a dream come true from a grading standpoint! :-)

  31. Michelle says:

    I am a teacher. Please email me the 6 word memoir lesson plan. Thanks!!

  32. Paula says:

    I am a teacher. Please email me the 6 word memoir lesson plan. Thanks!

  33. carol says:

    I am a high school English teacher. PLEASE email me the 6 word memoir lesson plan. Thanks!

  34. Julie says:

    I am a community college English instructor and would LOVE the “Six Word Memoir Lesson Plan.” Thanks!

  35. Miller says:

    6 Word Memoir Lesson Plan Request

  36. Kristina says:

    PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! I would LOVE to have this lesson!!!!!

  37. Dennis says:

    This lesson sounds great. I would love to have a copy sent to my email.

  38. Fatima says:

    Hi, I teach 10th grade English and History in Houston, TX and would love to get a copy of the lesson plan. Do I need to contact someone by email to get this?

    Please let me know how I can get a copy of the lesson plan.

    Thank you!

  39. kim says:

    Hi, I can’t seem to see this video. Does that mean I have a problem on my end? I would love a copy of the lesson plan too. Thanks!

  40. Seth says:

    I’m a teacher of English, and I’d love to use this lesson. Any chance I could have a copy of the lesson plan?

  41. Ruth says:

    Hi, I teach creative writing and would love the lesson plan. Thanks!

  42. Julieann says:

    I’m an English teacher and would like to have the 6 word memoir lesson plan emailed to me. Thank you.

  43. Mel says:

    I’m a 7th grade English teacher. I’d love to get copy of the lesson plan. Thanks!

  44. Meredith says:

    English teacher who needs the plan.

    Thank you.

  45. Chris says:

    Hi! I’m an English teacher and would love a copy of the lesson plan. Thanks!

  46. Fayza says:

    Hi I am a teacher and would love a copy of your free memoir lesson plan please and thank you.

  47. lisa says:

    please send me the lesson plan. thanks. also, what is the name of the song on the video?

  48. Andy says:

    I’m High School Personal Essay teacher, and if I can get the 6-word memoir lesson plan emailed to me, that would be awesome!! Thanks!

  49. Laurie says:

    Hi. I teach 8th grade and would appreciate the 6 word memoir lesson plan. Thank you!

  50. Amanda says:

    Please send lesson. Thank you kindly.

  51. Laurie says:

    Please send me the 6 word memoir lesson plan.

  52. Sue says:

    Would love lesson plan, if available.

  53. Brooke says:

    I am a teacher and I would love to get a copy of this lesson plan!

  54. Erica says:

    I, too, would love a copy of the lesson plan sent to my email.

  55. Eileen says:

    I am a Reading Teacher and would love a copy of this 6 word lesson plan. Thank you!

  56. Leslie says:

    I would also love to have a copy of the lesson plan!

  57. Andy says:

    I am a high school teacher getting ready to start a creative writing class and I would love to have this lesson plan to use with my students! Thanks!!

  58. Karen says:

    I am a teacher and would love the Six-Word Memoir lesson plan. Thanks!

  59. Elsa says:

    Can I please have a copy of the 6-word memoir lesson plan?

  60. Elizabeth says:

    I am a middle school reading specialist and would love the 6 minute lesson! Thanks!

  61. Marisa says:

    Hi! I would love the lesson plan. Thank you!

  62. Meiteo says:

    Would love to have a copy of the lesson plan. Thanks!

  63. We may says:

    Please send me the 6 word Memoir Lesson Plan. I wish to use this for 5th grade.

  64. Mark says:

    This is a great idea. I’m a teacher and I would love the lesson plan for this type of writing. I’m thinking of combining it with pictures to have students introduce themselves. Please send the plans if you are still offering them. Thank You!

  65. Rose says:

    Liked shirt then saw the pricetag

  66. Sheri says:

    Please send me the lesson plans to this email. Looking forward to it!

  67. Mel says:

    I am a 7th grade teacher and would love to use this with my students- can you please send me the lesson plans to accompany this? Also, is there another video I can access that is more age appropriate for 12-13 year olds?
    Thanks, and fabulous ideas!!
    Melanie

  68. Jo says:

    I am a teacher and would love the lesson plan! Thanks

  69. Salli says:

    I would love the lesson plan to use in my 8th grade classroom.

  70. Stroder says:

    When I first saw this title Video: & on google I just whent and bookmark it. Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people think about worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  71. Stephanie Collins says:

    I teach middle school ELA and would love a lesson plan. Thank you!

  72. J Winhold says:

    I am a 7th and 8th grade ELA teacher and I would love this lesson plan! Thank you!

  73. Becky says:

    This is a great resource, however one of them says “sex” which isn’t exactly appropriate for students. Is there a “clean” version.

  74. Nicole says:

    Love bringing this resource into my classrooms. Could you please send me the lesson plans? Thanks!

  75. Danielle says:

    I would love these lesson plans too. Would you please send them to me?

    Thanks!

  76. Joe says:

    I am a new English teacher and would love a lesson plan. Thanks!

  77. Andy says:

    I am a teacher and would love a copy of the lesson plan. Thank you!

  78. Lisa says:

    I am a 6th grade ELA Teacher who loves this idea! Can you please email me the lesson! Amazing thanks.

  79. Rita says:

    I teach junior high. I would love the lesson plan.

    Please and thank you - magic words.

  80. Rach says:

    Great idea! Would love these lesson plans. Thank you!

  81. Lauren says:

    Hi! I am an English teacher and would love the lesson plan. Thank you!

  82. Christopher says:

    Hiya smithmag - secondary ed teacher here. Would truly value any more info or lesson plans on writing 6 word memoirs.
    Thanks kindly

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  84. LF says:

    Please send me the lesson plan. Thank you!

  85. Kelley says:

    Would love the lesson plan for my Creative Writing class!

  86. Michelle says:

    I would love the lesson plan!

  87. Hayley Agardy says:

    Would love this lesson plan. Just ran across it and I think it would be very powerful with Alternative Ed. Students.

  88. Joy says:

    Would love the 6 word memoir lesson if it’s still available!

  89. jb says:

    Loving the power of few words.
    (A teacher - please send lesson plan!)

  90. Cyndee says:

    I”ll be teaching memoirs first quarter. I would plan to include Six -Word Memoirs. Please send me a copy of the lesson. thank you.

  91. Jerri says:

    I teach 6th grade ELA. Would love to have the 6 word memoir lesson plan! Thanks!

  92. susie says:

    please forward the lesson plan:) I teach 8th ELA

  93. Aimee says:

    Please forward lesson plan. Thanks!

  94. Melanie says:

    I would like the 6-word memoir lesson plan, too. Thank you!

  95. Aaron says:

    I am a middle school teacher, and would love the lesson plan. Thank you!

  96. Chef K says:

    Please forward lesson plans for high school 6 word memoirs (we are doing this project specifically related to food)
    Thank you!!

  97. shunnie says:

    Please send me the lesson plan. Thanks!

  98. christiine says:

    Yes! YES! Would love a lesson plan for ice-breaker tomorrow.

  99. Cheryl says:

    Please send me the lesson plan. I can’t wait to use this with my students - thank you!

  100. Sarah says:

    Please send me the 6-Word Memoir lesson plan

    Thanks!

  101. JB says:

    Please send me the 6-word memoir lesson plan.
    Thanks!

  102. Laura says:

    Please send lesson plan.

  103. JIlett says:

    This is awesome stuff!!! Lesson plan please?:)

  104. Heather says:

    I would love the lesson plan. I think this could really push my 7th graders, in a good way.

  105. Lori says:

    I would LOVE the lesson plan to start my school year!

  106. Kristine says:

    Would love to have a copy of the free six word memoir lesson plan emailed for use in my classroom. Thanks!

  107. Diane says:

    I would LOVE to look over your resources for a six-word memoir. Currently working with my 8th graders on a memoir unit now. We’re exploring our essential question for the quarter: What makes me who I am?

    THANKS!

  108. Leah says:

    I am an 8th grade language arts teacher and would love a copy of your free lesson plan! Is this still available? I am planning to incorporate this idea sometime this week…

  109. Lynn says:

    I would love a copy of this lesson plan.

  110. Sean says:

    I’m a teacher, and I’d love to have a copy of this lesson plan. Thank you!

  111. GInger says:

    I am a teacher and would love the lesson plans! Thanks!

  112. Kelly says:

    Could you send this English teacher the lesson plan? Thank you!

  113. Sarah says:

    I would love it if you could send me a copy of the teacher lesson plan. Thank you!

  114. Nancy says:

    I would love a copy of your lesson plan. Thank you!

  115. Kimberli Poties says:

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  116. Isiah Rabeneck says:

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  117. Tru Dowling says:

    Hi Smith Mag, I teach diploma level Professional Writing and Editing, Victoria Australia, and would love a copy of your lesson plan to support our micro fiction unit. Thanks

  118. Kelly says:

    I teach 7th grade writing and can’t wait to do 6-word memoirs. Could I have the lesson plan please? Thanks.

  119. Jennifer says:

    I teach seniors and work with full length memoirs, but I would love to incorporate the 6 word memoir. Could you please send me the lesson plan?

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  121. Ewen says:

    Hey there, this stuff rocks, can you please send me a lesson plan. Cheers

  122. Tobi says:

    I’d love to have a copy of this lesson to do with my freshmen! Thanks!

  123. Erica says:

    Lesson plan, please.

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  128. KG says:

    Could I please have a copy of the free lesson plan sent to my email. Thanks.

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  131. Mrs. Fotis says:

    I’m a middle school teacher and would love to see your lesson plan. Thank you!

  132. Mrs. Fotis says:

    I’m a teacher and would love to see your lesson plan. Thank you!

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  134. Yaminah Jordan says:

    I am a teacher, and I would love a copy of the lesson plan as well. Thank you.

  135. CGibson says:

    I am a teacher, and I would like a copy of the lesson plan. Thanks!

  136. Emily P Callicutt says:

    Also a teacher here. Would love the plans! Thanks:)

  137. Leslie Arnold says:

    Please send me a copy of the 6 word memoir lesson plan. I was a college instructor of English 25 yrs…but my purpose is to work with my Autistic 44 yr old son…and teach him the method to write his life in a creative, manageable way! Thank you so much!! Leslie Arnold

  138. kaci says:

    this is so funking awesome bitches

  139. kaci says:

    I take 70 years of Spanish

  140. kaci says:

    sexo means sex

  141. kaci says:

    who wants to have sex with me when I get older I am a girl and I am 12

  142. kaci says:

    lets have sex at school at john adams

  143. kaci says:

    in mason city please

  144. MerMil says:

    Please send me a copy of the lesson plan for 6 word memoirs!

  145. swee choo says:

    I would appreciate a copy of the 6 word memoir lesson plan. Thank you

  146. Melissa Green says:

    I would greatly appreciate a copy of the 6 word memoir lesson plan…. trying to figure out how to “connect” with my student - virtually - now that our world is STILL in the middle of a pandemic.
    Thank you!

  147. Meg says:

    Please send me a copy of the lesson plan for 6 word memoirs!

  148. Cheri says:

    Please send me a copy of the 6 word memoir lesson plan. Thank-you!!

  149. Mary F says:

    Please send me a copy of the Six word Memoir lesson plan.
    Thank you.

  150. Farah says:

    I am a teacher and would love to see the lesson plan!

  151. Jacquie says:

    Hi. I’m a teacher and would love a copy of the lesson plan. Thank you!

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