Sarah, I’ve actually written a few six-word stories in my time – one’s even in a book. And is it cheating if you exploit a story that’s already been told to tell yours? Or is that what culture’s all about? (Strokes chin.) Now a six-letter story; that would be a challenge.

These stories were the result of a scavenger hunt organised by the PlotMedics (of whom Sarah is half, disclosure fans) during a day of writing exercises. The idea was to gather objects from around the sprawling and somewhat eccentrically furnished lodge in which we were staying, pull one out of a bag and write a story about someone who really, really needs that object.

I was initially a bit disappointed to have drawn such a prosaic item. But actually, scissors are pretty creepy. They’re probably the first blade we learn to use as children, other than plastic cutlery. They have that deliberate, mechanical action: snip snip. And then you find out they’re not safe. All those warnings to mind your fingers. The injunctions against running.

No wonder this is so bloody scary.

Music: no contest: has to be Snip Snip by the Tiger Lilies.

And if you still don’t understand the last one, these links might help.

http://www.sixwordstories.net/