How tricky would it be to tell an entire story in just six words that is emotionally engaging at the same time? In our busy and not-so-busy tech-savvy lives, we see a new kind of micro literature coming up known as the ‘6 word tales’. These are really tiny tales that are becoming a massive hit on social media platforms to keep the readers thinking. An increasing number of young aspiring writers are producing these six word tales on platforms like Reddit, Tumblr, Instagram and Facebook.
Deeksha Verender, a young poet from Bengaluru says, “Writing gives you huge scope and six word tales are a new way of putting your thoughts across. Every time I read one, it gets me thinking about how it’s beautifully written. The six word tale by Hermingway that reads ‘For sale: baby shoes, never worn’ is my personal favourite.”
What’s in for the readers?
It’s intriguing how so much can be said through just a few words. These six word tales cater mostly to young readers who look for something interesting while constantly scrolling on their news feeds. You get an essence of what the writer is saying and you don’t really have to read a whole book for the climax. What’s more? You can follow people on social media and get your daily dose of some micro literature. Minal Sukumar, a graduate in MA English says, “Tiny tales are a part of my every day routine and I can read it on the go. The content from Terribly Tiny Tales is something that I enjoy reading. When you read a tale you can immediately tell whether it appeals to you. It exposes you to different styles of writing and genres that you can choose from.”
What’s in for the writers?
The idea that a gifted storyteller can put across their point in just six words is a formidable challenge. But the brighter side is that it has something in store for everyone, from amateurs to professionals. Pooja Maheshwari, a CA who loves writing tiny tales in her free time says, “This style is something that is preferred by most people these days. It’s a great way to express your thoughts but people must be able to relate to it.” Social media as a platform has helped a lot of aspiring writers come up with stories that are personal to fictional tales. Do we see this emerging in the near future? Only time will tell.
