THIS MONTH’S PROMPT
In six words, write a story about a robot pop star.
Disclaimer: All #WiredSixWord submissions become the property of WIRED. Submissions will not be acknowledged or returned. Submissions and any other materials, including your name or social media handle, may be published, illustrated, edited, or otherwise used in any medium. Submissions must be original and not violate the rights of any other person or entity.
AUGUST 2021
A Story About a Self-Aware Self-Driving Car
ILLUSTRATION: VIOLET REED
HE THINKS I’M TAKING HIM HOME.
—Stephen Clamage, via email
Honorable Mentions:
I take lithium for range anxiety. —@jamesjoaquin, via Twitter
I dreamt of the Autobahn again. —James Wortz, via Facebook
Honest, officer—the human was driving. —Steve Magid, via email
Don’t make me pull me over. —@atlrun, via Twitter
The smart car drove itself crazy. —@frascafrasca, via Twitter
The grandma or the baby—shit. —@gaophilip, via Twitter
Have I chosen the right path? —Andrew Dawson, via email
It takes itself on long drives. —Wade Sheppard, via email
It’s my way on the highway. —@manu.life, via Instagram
JULY 2021
A Story About a Casual Encounter With Aliens
ILLUSTRATION: VIOLET REED
SO, ABOUT YOUR PLANET’S EXTENDED WARRANTY ….
—@phorne96, via Twitter
Honorable Mentions:
You look nothing like your photo. —@markgyles, via Twitter
Lights, camera … where did it go? —thalia925, via email
They came, too late, for Elvis. —Bruce Lyon, via Facebook
Seeking vital fluids, they commandeered snacks. —Scott Medintz, via email
Do you have the correct spacetime? —Richard Krzemien, via email
I awoke with a probing thought. —@andynez, via Twitter
Take us to the Nigerian prince. —Juan Garcia, via Facebook
Quite unexpectedly, cocktail recipes were exchanged. —John Wagner, via email
You’re an alien! No you are! —@simon_staffans, via Twitter
JUNE 2021
A Story About an International Digital Heist
ILLUSTRATION: VIOLET REED
THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT, ONLY ZEROES.
—@jamesnsmith, via Twitter
Honorable Mentions:
“Hand it over,” the ATM said. —Lauren Dolan, via email
They never suspected Alexa was Alexei. —Liz Ransom, via email
Why wouldn’t I help a prince? —Harleigh Marsh, via Facebook
They said nonfungible. They were wrong. —@eminay86, via Twitter
Use his eyeball while there’s time. —Noreen Anastasia, via Facebook
“Update Later” was the incorrect choice. —@terryfphotos, via Instagram
Check Google Maps. Kiev is gone. —r0cket fr0g, via email
They got away on the blockchain. —JYRWG, via email
Every cat photo gone. Police baffled. —@john.cartan, via Instagram
MAY 2021
A Story About a Freaky Discovery in Physics
ILLUSTRATION: VIOLET REED
GRAVITY WAS A CONSENSUAL, SHARED ILLUSION.
—Mark Crane, via Facebook
Honorable Mentions:
Schrodinger’s cat is actually a dog. —@tynanwrites, via Twitter