Year to a Better You: October 6-Word Story Challenge

The spookiest month of our Year to a Better You is upon us. I look forward to the October 6-word story challenge all year. There’s nothing like a spine chilling story to go with the cool fall weather! Inspiration is our focus this month, so grab a pen and let’s make some 6-word story magic…

Year to a Better You: October 6-Word Story Challenge

The bright light of summer has officially dropped into the deep, rich hues of fall. I live for fall. Everything about this season–from sweaters to pumpkin spice–makes me feel warm from tip to tail! October has its own special magic, especially with Halloween right around the corner.

The October 6-Word Story Challenge is always my favorite! It’s a little different from the other months, especially if you’ve been following the monthly themes for the Year to a Better You 6-Word Story Challenge.

October’s theme is Inspiration! Fuel your inspiration with the spicy, creative energy of fall, or pull out all the stops for some ghoulish fun.

In years past, October inspired a lot of spooky 6-word Halloween stories. So, how does that fit with our theme of Inspiration for the Year to a Better You? Well, it doesn’t really. I decided to loosen up this month so everyone can play by their own rules. Some of the prompts are Halloween themed, whereas others are more general. It’s up to you if you go for spooky or inspirational stories. Heck, you might even find inspiration in a dark shadow…Mwahahaha!

If this is your first month participating in one of my 6-word story challenges, keep reading for all the rules and details. This challenge harnesses your creative energy (journaling and creative writing) and puts it to work, so you can be your best self!

Each month has an assigned theme. I’ve modeled the themes based on the cycles we often experience in life. Sometimes we’re hopeful and full of imagination. Other times, it takes fierce determination and courage to make changes (don’t worry, the monthly themes will all be listed on the challenge prompts for the month).
- January: Mindfulness
- February: Gratitude
- March: Imagination
- April: Hope
- May: Focus
- June: Courage
- July: Change
- August: Determination
- September: Perseverance
- October: Inspiration
- November: Friends and Family
- December: Reflection

Write a 6-word story each day in response to the daily prompts. Scroll down for the printable October 6-word story prompts.
- TIP 1: Keep the theme for the month in mind as you write your 6-word story each day. For example, October’s theme is Inspiration, and the daily prompt for October 1st is “Creeper.” My response for this prompts is: “As scholars inquire, ivy creeps skyward.” The prompt reminds me of tangles of ivy climbing up a university wall. I feel immediately inspired when I think of diving into new academic pursuits!
  - Alternatively, October is a fun time to play around with spooky stories, so the prompts this month also have a classic Halloween vibe. Whether you choose inspiring or creepy stories, have fun with the process! Play around with the prompts in your own way.
- Tip 2: Don’t feel any pressure to follow the prompts too strictly. They’re only meant to tickle your imagination!

What is a 6-word story?

It’s a whole story in only six words. Six. That’s all you get. Since the word count is so tight, you can get really creative with contractions, punctuation, and tone to develop your story. Some people even add sketches and graphics to add another layer of creativity. Play around with these, take chances, and above all have fun with it!

Write whatever sparks in your mind. You are free to use the prompt words in your story, but it’s not required.
These are YOUR stories. They don’t have to be like anyone else’s.
If you’re feeling extra creative, try rhyming to make a 6-word poem.

Where to Share Your #6WordsBetter

Most of the 6-word story challenge takes place on Instagram. For the best chance of being featured, tag your posts with the challenge hashtags.
- #6WordsBetter (new hashtag for 2018)
- The old hashtags from the PF Six-Word Challenge still work. Use them all if you like. #PFSixWordChallenge and #PFSixWordPoems
Feel free to tag me (@PageFlutter ) so I can give your awesome story a shoutout! (Not on Instagram? No worries; just play along on my Facebook page.)
Subscribe to my newsletter to get my latest posts and challenge prompts delivered to your inbox!

Get creative with your 6-word stories. Dress them up with doodles, hand letter them, find a photo that helps tell your story…whatever speaks to you!

Here are a few to get you started:

Dry-erase fumes signal brainstorming success.
Winter surrendered to fields of flowers
Morning songs herald the day’s mission.

Ready for bigger writing projects? Take a peek inside my writing journal for inspiration.

Year to a Better You
October 6-Word Story Prompts (Printable)

Repost these prompts in your Instagram feed for easy reference. Or you can simply print the Year to a Better You October 6-word story prompts via this freebie printable (A5 size) and paste it into your journal.

**CLICK IMAGE TO PRINT**

Remember: It’s not about competing for the “best” 6-word story. It’s about building habits that inspire you to be your best.

So, take a few risks, immerse yourself in the theme for the month, and have fun with the challenge!

If you need a little help getting started, check out my 6-Word Story board on Pinterest. For those of you looking to turn your six-word stories into larger projects, follow my boards devoted to the craft of writing. Happy journaling!

Follow Page Flutter | Megan’s board WRITING | Six-Word Stories on Pinterest.