"Always surprising, what sparks a memory"

I was reminded of the form known as "six word stories" when a competition popped up on my Instagram feed which offered a copy of Witney Otto's autobiography "Art for the Ladylike" which I reviewed in a blog a couple of weeks ago. I was one of the winners and that started me thinking about it as a way to title photographs.

"This is a story of friendship"

Anyone following my Instagram feed (@nigel2664) will know that I spent about a month doing just that. It was fun.

"The place I lost my virginity"

A six word story is just that. A short narrative in six words with no explanation, just a statement which asks more questions than it answers. In the above story, for instance, "The place I lost my virginity" the question might be which virginity was that? Is this a memory? Is this re-visiting something abusive or a more happy memory? Did a deal go wrong....or is it something else entirely? The original six word story is accredited to Ernest Hemingway although there is no evidence he ever wrote it. It is "For sale: baby shoes. Never worn." See what I mean?

"That tree. The swing...and you"

I also found that it was a great way to use those straggler pictures that you sometimes take in random moments but ultimately have little use for. Those pictures that don't fit into any particular category, that aren't part of any defined sequences or documentary you might be engaged in, but you still find they have some place in your heart for whatever reason.

"Never underestimate roots. They draw life."

Anyway it sort of ran away with itself and became a book which you can preview (without buying it!) online here . Just press Preview under the book cover and have a look.

"Incongruity. Deep forest. The wolves approaching."

There are thirty six word story photographs and an additional two at the end so you can make up your own! The ones included in this blog are in the book too as you will see. Have ago and enjoy yourself 🙂

"Canute raises his arm. Nothing happens"