Editorial Journey: Craft Initial Tension for Successful Submission
In the world of literature, crafting a captivating short story is an art that requires careful attention to detail and a knack for storytelling. One such masterpiece that offers valuable insights is "Thirteen Harbors" by Suong Nguyet Minh, a haunting account of the effects of Agent Orange.
One key element in starting a short story is the establishment of urgency and intrigue from the outset. In "Thirteen Harbors", the story begins with an unexpected event: the main character, Sao, taking a new wife for her husband. This immediate conflict and the mystery surrounding Sao's actions compel readers to delve deeper into the narrative.
Manuela Williams, a member of Carve Magazine's guest reading committee and a student of English and Creative Writing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, emphasises the importance of urgency in storytelling. She suggests beginning with conflict or disturbance, avoiding clichés, and hinting at the major problem early to grab an editor's attention and maintain reader engagement.
Williams' work has been published in various publications, including 300 Days of Sun, The Birds We Piled Loosely, WINDOW, Wicked Alice Zine, and others. She advises writers to use compelling images and vivid details to immerse readers in the story's atmosphere, and to maintain tension by continually raising stakes to keep readers invested until the end.
However, starting a story with character discussion about the weather or scenery description may not be engaging. Instead, it is recommended to begin with action or an interesting scenario to hook the reader from the start. Within the first 1-2 pages, the main character, their wants, and reasons to care about them should be established, along with the stakes of their actions.
In "Thirteen Harbors", Sao's friend had passed the age for marriage but desired a child and a husband. When she is chosen to be the bride, the story continues with Sao suffering from one event after another. The stakes of Sao's actions are clear within the initial pages, creating a sense of urgency that propels the reader through the story.
By following these strategies, writers can craft compelling short stories that captivate readers and maintain urgency throughout the piece. "Thirteen Harbors" serves as a shining example of how these techniques can be effectively employed, offering valuable lessons for writers seeking to perfect their craft.
[1] Boyd, K. M. (2015). The Art of the Short Story: Crafting a Compelling Opening. The Writer's Digest. [2] Hicks, D. (2018). How to Start a Short Story: 10 Tips for a Strong Beginning. The Write Life. [3] Mangold, J. (2017). How to Write a Short Story: 10 Tips for a Powerful Ending. The Write Life.
Education and self-development can be greatly enhanced by reading short stories like "Thirteen Harbors" by Suong Nguyet Minh, as they offer insights into effective storytelling techniques and personal growth. Personal growth is achieved by understanding and implementing strategies for crafting captivating narratives, such as establishing urgency and intrigue from the outset, immersing readers in the story's atmosphere with compelling images and vivid details, and maintaining tension by continually raising stakes.
