Every Six-Word Memoir book is a different process. They’re all bound by this simple concept—”your life in exactly six words”—but the vibe is never the same. And never has the experience of receiving the submissions been so intense and amazing as it has been for for our upcoming book, Things Don’t Have to be Complicated: [...]

A runner isn’t just an athlete in Nike shoes. Running away or running out of words are universal phenomenon. Hearts run brains, as much as other people often run our lives. Even sentences can stretch out by running-on. People run away from themselves, afraid to confront their fears. As fall begins, and the days of [...]

As summer comes to a close, we at SMITH can’t help but get a little sappy. After all, there’s nothing wrong with a little sentimentality, right? As you read this week’s Six-Word Memoirs, don’t be afraid to let your nostalgic side show.
Most Suggestive: “Not losing hair. Finding it everywhere.” - treehugger
Worst Free Vacation: “I’m [...]

In honor of Shark Week, we’re showcasing Six-Word Memoirs that are as tumultuous as a summer swim in the ocean. Coping with visible and internal obstacles, these writers have managed to survive and emerge with all limbs (and six words!) in tact.
Best Internal Rhyme: “City streets made a concrete girl.” - Wench, with the [...]

This week’s Six-Word Memoirs are full of heart. Some of these writers found love in favorite cities or bands, while others faced new heights and challenges in their relationships.
Most Bittersweet: “My wedding gown lacked a parachute.” - oopsalittle
Best Footwork: “I’m a waltz with flamenco dreams.” - BanjoDan (profile image above)
Best Wordplay: “He proposed on [...]

From the powerful serves of the Williams sisters, to Jonah Lehrer’s resignation from The New Yorker, this week’s news stories have been filled with big wins and losses. These Six-Word Memoirs confront myriad forms of pain and gain.
Most Rebellious: “Lost virginity once. Lost innocence repeatedly.” - l8leigh
Most Timely: “Plagiarism can sometimes be undetected [...]

Summer is the time to get away: from work, school, or even ourselves. Yet even the summer eventually fades and passes. People we love move on and drift far away. Soon September is here, and we’re back to running away from responsibilities before everything we’ve gotten away with catches up to us. These SMITH [...]

On Friday night, the opening ceremony of the Olympics not only showcased a performance that celebrated the world’s greatest athletes, but recognized each individual nation in the flagbearing ceremony. From the smallest and most remote nations, to the largest world powers, the march not only recognized athleticism, but diversity, pride, and the importance of banding [...]

A Six-Word Memoir workshop is probably not the first thing you would expect to find at a high school football camp in the heart of East Texas. Then again, 4th and 1—a free football, SAT prep, and life-skills summer camp for at-risk student-athletes—is all about challenging expectations.

Earlier this month, 4th and 1’s student-athletes took time [...]

From Hamlet’s famous opening line, to the answer of a simple knock-knock joke, it seems we are always asking or being asked: “Who’s there?” This week’s featured Six-Word Memoirs evoke a strong sense of identity and its importance.
Proudest: “Short. Black. Christian. Gay. Walking tall.” - Clay Rivers
Simplest Truth: “Writing brings me back to me.” [...]