Friday, April 04, 2008

Long Story Short: Six Word Travel Article...

"For sale: baby shoes, never worn."

Not all of us have the skills of Ernest Hemmingway to create a poignant story in six words.

But it can be done.

And it seems to be all the rage at the moment, with online magazines such as SMITH getting people to submit 'six word memoirs' which they turned into a real book entitled Not Quite What I Was Planning.

As travel writers, we are always trying to paint pictures with words.

So my challenge to you is how well can you paint the picture using only six words?

In other words, can you create a 'six word travel article'

Here's mine from my recent road trip to the West Coast of New Zealand...

'Ice glacier melting, no footprints left'.

What's your 'six word travel article'?

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14 comments:

Lola said...

"Dark intrepid child beholds the Arctic"

Pam said...

Sunrise, the vaporetto. Better than dreaming.

travelrat said...

Swirling sands. The desert got angry.

Edi said...

Beyond Taiwan's filth there is...what?

KIWIWRITER said...

Hey everyone,

Not so easy writing 'six word travel articles' but it sure makes you stretch the brain...

Love your choices.

travelrat said...

Even at a dolar a word, you aren't going to make a fortune from them! :)

poetloverrebelspy said...

+ Here's your choice: cockroaches or rats.

+ That'd be reasonably priced, in dollars . . .

+ Even the trash bin demands Ordnung.

+ You wanted yours without the eyes?

+ Caught myself wondering about housing prices.

+ How do I politely mime "tampon"?

+ Sheets and towels included. Earplugs extra.

And from yesterday:

+ Loving the museum full of Unknowns.

+ Cheddar cheese, shortbread and Cadbury eggs!

Six words makes these a lot like Twitter. I think travel haikus would be hilarious. Perhaps next time . . .

KIWIWRITER said...

Keith, you're so right - writing six word travel articles sure wouldn't pay the bills, but it's fun.

Am thinking that this probably is much easier for poets...they are used to using minimal words with great impact...

Love the above list --- as for travel haikus - interesting thought. Want to give it a go? You could post it on Write to Travel...and maybe challenge others to give it a go. (me, I'm having trouble remembering what structure a haiku takes)

Cheers,

Liz

Wander Woman said...

Undulating mountainous trails. Blueberries, coltsfoot...beer. (Hiking in the Jizra Mountains, Czech Republic).

KIWIWRITER said...

Great 'six word travel article' - how do I get there...

Healthful Traveler said...

Sun's Glowing Glory Graces Lush Landscapes

Travel Betty said...

Overestimated skiing abilities and Japadog burps.

Epic Journey said...

sweet coffee smells on every corner

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

From a recent trip to Rome:

Tart lemon gelato chills my tongue.

Hot, black cobblestones melt my shoes.

Ubiquitous Roman fountains quench our thirst.

The Best Pizza In The World!

Priests and nuns grace the sidewalks.

Nake stone men have me wanting.

Fun! Thanks for letting me play.