The Six-Word Memoir Interview: Maggie Smith
I first met Maggie Smith in what, in hindsight, was the most probable and perfect way: at an event celebrating her third poetry collection, Good Bones. Why perfect? Because the meeting was perfectly on brand for both of us. For Maggie, the title poem from Good Bones had already become a viral sensation, yet at the height of that moment, the place she most wanted to be was her hometown of Columbus, Ohio, at an event hosted by its iconic independent bookstore, The Book Loft. For me, I was new to Columbus and spent much of my free time being nourished by the city’s vibrant arts and literary community.
Before long, Maggie became not just a writer I admired, but a true friend, artisanal cocktail companion, and the only person I’ve ever met who loves the band Old 97’s more than I do. Since then, she’s become a New York Times bestselling author of multiple books including You Could Make This Place Beautiful and the eloquent craft guide Dear Writer. She launched the widely read Substack For Dear Life; hosts The Slowdown podcast, and now cohosts You Could Make This Beautiful, a new podcast at WBUR, with Faith Salie.
Smith’s newest book is A Suit or a Suitcase: Poems. Her newest answers to the many questions I’ve asked her over the years can be found below as she takes the Six-Word Memoir Interview, a series that invites writers, artists, thinkers, and unexpected storytellers to answer six questions.
What’s your Six-Word Memoir today?
On tiptoes in the deep end.
What’s the story behind those six words?
I’m working on a new book in a new genre for me, which is thrilling and daunting. I’m entering a new stage of parenting (now that both kids are teenagers and my oldest will be off to college next year) while also having aging parents. I’m thinking a lot about the next few to ten years and what those years will look like for me and the people I love, and I’m generally getting outside of my comfort zone—again and again and again.
All of this newness makes me feel like I’m on my tiptoes in water I can barely touch in, but honestly? Most days, I feel motivated and excited by that feeling. No room for complacency!
In six words, what’s the best advice you’ve ever received—or given?
When indecisive, choose the bigger life.
How has that advice shaped the way you live … or the way you don’t live?
I heard Gretchen Rubin, who wrote The Happiness Project, say this: “Choose the bigger life.” It helps me when I’m struggling to make a decision, whether it’s personal or professional. I ask myself, Which option would enlarge my life? In other words, what would Future Me want me to choose because it will make something possible for her?
Asking myself this question usually leads me to take a risk. To choose the harder, or at least more uncertain, path. To say yes to a new relationship, to projects in multiple genres, to trips to places I’ve never been before. As I’ve mentioned in Keep Moving and Dear Writer, I was not a brave young person. I was a scaredy-cat, a sideline-sitter, an opt-outer. I’m trying to make up for that in middle age, though. Hence the tiptoes by choice!
In six words, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Everything I am now, but better.
How far off are you from that version of yourself?
“Better” is a goalpost that never stops moving, and it’s completely subjective! I would love nothing more than to keep being all that I am now—a writer, a mother, a daughter, a friend, a partner—but to do so with more care, courage, and intention.
Bonus 7th Question: Who in the world — famous or unknown — needs a Six-Word Memoir written for them right now?
For my daughter Violet, who will be off to college in a year: “Soon you’ll write your own story.”
In Memoriam: Rachell Summers, “A Surprise Exists Around Every Corner”
In a random and heartbreaking tragedy, the Six-Word Memoir community recently lost one of its longest-standing and most cherished members, Rachell Summers, as reported by The San Francisco Chronicle. Summers, who joined the community in 2012 and posted under several handles—including Autum22, WinterSol, and Solstice Summer — was a writer, illustrator, and manager of the nonprofit gallery Art of Santa Cruz.
In its obituary for Summers, 73, The Chronicle shared some of her beautiful reflections on writing from the 2018 “Memoirist of the Month” interview I had the privilege of conducting with her.
“I love to post images with my memoirs,” she said. “Most of which are my drawings or photographs taken with my phone. As for commenting, I know I write long comments! But if the memoir has moved me or spoken to my heart, I want the writer to know. And I want to empathize when I can, to let someone else know they aren’t alone. That’s what helped me most in the past: when people would comment in a heartfelt manner on my memoirs. I really feel I’ve grown as a person from the input I’ve received here over the years.”
She ended that interview by sharing the Six-Word Memoir that felt most like her at that moment:
“A surprise exists around every corner.”
It was deeply moving to see so many people from the Six-Word Memoir community — most of whom knew Rachell only through the words and art she shared over the years — post their own six-word remembrances and expressions of appreciation in the days after she passed.
We send our condolences to Rachell’s family and loved ones. Thank you, dear Rachell. The world was lucky to have your words, your images, and your generous spirit.
» Podcast Lovers Six-Word Memoirs popped up in two great conversations this month: The Curiosity Shop with Brené Brown (a longtime Six Words champion!) and Adam Grant (45.50 min mark), and WorkLife with Molly Graham (44 min mark). Timestamps included for the Six Words fans among you.
» Teachers Need a back-to-school icebreaker that gets students talking, listening, writing? Grab our free Teacher's Guides and read my Edutopia piece on using Six-Word Memoirs to build classroom community.
» Communication and Engagement Officers Looking for a speaker who motivates, connects, and leaves the room still talking? I work with everyone from Fortune 500s to startups to conferences — and donate workshops to schools and senior centers. More on my speaker site.
» Let’s connect on LinkedIn. Storytelling tips, comms strategy, behind-the-scenes from the Six-Word Memoir Project, and news on workshops and events. Come say hi.
Live Event Alert! August 22 in San Franciso
Six Words Live returns to Manny’s in San Francisco on August 22 with Movement Building: Stories of Change from the Ground Up.
Our storytellers include Jack Boulware (co-founder of Litquake), Kimberly Bryant (founder, Black Girls CODE), Makenzie Darling (founder, Movement Maker), Larry Norris (co-founder, Decriminalize Nature), Alberto Sanchez (Ever Forward Club), and Ajantha Suriyanarayanan (Melo by Mental Load).
Our shows sell out, so be sure to grab your spot. Tickets here for this all ages evening).
Larry, This interview was excellent and inspiring. Thank you for being so bingo, on it! Great writing.
Great interview. Love hearing about other writers' inspiration. My heart aches for our beloved Rachell. So unfair, but she left us with positive energy and her beautiful art, which will continue to shine brightly.