Can you sum up your earthly existence in six words?

That was the challenge we put to Times Free Press readers earlier this month.

A new book, “Not Quite What I Was Planning,” by Larry Smith, is a collection of these six-word memoirs by writers “famous and obscure.” Mr. Smith collected the tiny autobiographies on his Web site, www.smithmag.net, according to a wire-service report.

When we invited readers to write their life stories in exactly six words, e-mails poured in. Some were signed; others arrived without names attached.

There is apparently something challenging, even liberating, about reducing a life to six words.

Some readers went the bumper-sticker route, using their six words to share advice.

“Life’s a dance with rainbow pants,” wrote one anonymous reader.

“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first!” Caroline H., 23, encourages.

But be careful. Carolyn P. wrote this lament: “Once thin, not so much now.”

Other six-word biographers noted the march of time and the importance of momentum.

“Open eyes, breathe deeply, step forward,” Krista B. wrote.

“Yesterday is gone. Keep moving forward,” Kathy B. echoed.

“I fall down, and I get up,” Lisa R. explained simply.

Some writers used the opportunity to declare their personal credos.

“Love, not hate, contentment does make,” wrote Suzanne D., a budding poet.

Eleven-year-old Jon S. wanted to state for the record: “My shirt is always my napkin.”

Right on, Jon.

“Head in clouds, feet there, too,” Jim B. wrote candidly about himself.

Tennessee football fan Kelly M. summed up the essence of his mortal existence this way: “Go Vols! Beat Bama! Beat Florida!”

Not all of the six-word memoirs were lighthearted. Some of the writers were clearly dealing with loss.

“Life is change, adding then subtracting,” wrote Margaret K., who explained that her husband died at age 58.

I thought a lot about this anonymous six-word memoir, searching for meaning: “Solo, fanfare, duet, quartet, trio, solo.”

Some of the memoirs were cryptic like that, suggesting untold personal stories.

“I am my own worst enemy,” Shelia W. admitted.

“Second wife. The last one wins!” Paula E. wrote triumphantly.

“Discovered that yes means not now,” J.J. puzzled.

“Wasted life. Tried to please Mother,” wrote another anonymous reader, who explained that providing details might unravel years of therapy.

Some writers tried to capture the story arc of their life stories.

“Graduated, married, birthed; graduated, traveled, widowed,” Betty Q. wrote.

Virginia M. summed up her life elegantly this way: “Great Depression survivor, 83 years old.”

Here’s a six-word summary that tells you all you need to know: “17 mother, 38 granny, 57 great-granny.”

A couple of six-word authors took the assignment whimsically.

“No time to write a memoir,” wrote Carlton T., mockingly.

Personally, I won’t have to write a six-word memoir. I can just ditto Sam C., who wrote in a flash of brilliant self-awareness: “Lucky in family. Unlucky in hairline.”

Amen, brother.

Mark Kennedy’s new book, “Life Stories: A Collection of Columns,” is available online at publishedbywestview.com or by calling 757-6645.

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