Changing The Game Of Storytelling

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In fiction writing, clarity is king


It is, among other things, why almost everyone knows of Ernest Hemingway. It’s also why we love this one-word short story from inknalcohol. It’s so straightforward and unambiguous, but at the same time it manages to say so much.



One Word Story


by inknalcohol


The.



“The” is a universal story.


We can all relate to the protagonist because each of us is the protagonist. We fill the gaps in this story with our own experiences. The dialogue is whatever dialogue we have in our heads. In a way, by reading this story we actually end up writing it.


It’s a complex story, and just like the densest novel it requires time and careful consideration. “The” is not the sort of story you can understand fully on your first read through — it rewards second, third, or even fourth readings, offering a different interpretation each time.


Writing this story alone was a risky move, but it seems to be paying off already. inknalcohol told us in an exclusive interview that publishers like Penguin and Farrar Straus and Giroux have already offered publishing contracts for the story as part of a collection. Top literary editors are also clambering for a share of this revolutionary piece of writing. The New Yorker wants to serialize it


But inknalcohol, a true auteur, isn’t interested in money. He has committed to keeping the story freely accessible and readable right here on DeviantArt. He has also begun translating the story into six different languages so that it can be read by a wider audience.


















Your Thoughts


  1. “The” reputedly has a sequel in the works even as you read this. And there may be an entire “Game of Thrones”-type series in development with HBO. What direction do you think the story should take?












Comments57
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dr4g0n369's avatar
I think it's awesome. Cynism, sarcasm. Obviously fake and funny. With only one word :)