Six-Word Memoirs

Memoir is a branch of narrative nonfiction focused on personal experiences. Many people find memoir writing cathartic, validating, and enjoyable, even if they would not normally consider themselves writers. The six-word memoir is a (relatively) recent adaptation of the genre that echoes the ways in which brevity and conciseness have become embedded in our day-to-day communication. However, the six-word memoir challenges us to consider that brevity does not preclude depth of meaning. This sub-genre of memoir writing asks authors to consider a single experience, or their life as a whole, and distill it down into six deliberately chosen words. All materials are provided for this “make-and-take” workshop where participants can drop-in and create a piece of writing on their own schedule. Participants may display their work, take it home, or create one to display and one to take away.

This event is made possible in part by a Civic Life and Belonging Grant from New Hampshire Humanities.