Short Stories: December 24, 2014 Issue [#6709]
<< December 17, 2014Short Stories Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueDecember 31, 2014 >>

Newsletter Header
Short Stories


 This week: Lessons learnt from reality TV!
  Edited by: THANKFUL SONALI Library Class! Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Why do people get so involved in reality TV? What can a writer learn from this, about gaining the audience's empathy?


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B01DSJSURY
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Letter from the editor

Hi Readers!

Okay, okay, I'll confess -- I am addicted to 'The Amazing Race'! And, while I claim I'm not much of a TV fiend, I did watch the earlier seasons of 'The Apprentice' and 'American Idol' quite avidly.

So what was it that had me hooked?

And what, thereby, can a storyteller learn?

Here are my thoughts.

1. Compelling characters
Everyday heroes or annoying villains, each participant in a reality show is a character. You respond almost instantly to their backstories, you either love them, like them or feel like putting superglue in their hats -- but you can't ignore them. Whether it's Luke, in 'The Amazing Race', who overcomes challenges to reach the final-three, or Sanjaya, whose parting song in 'American Idol' is 'Let's give them something to talk about -- other than hair' (he was known for his crazy hairdos throughout the season), they strike a chord. And that's what a storyteller's characters need to do -- strike a chord.

2. Situations and twists
So in 'The Amazing Race' -- the tasks themselves are hard enough, and have you rooting for the team you like (or against the team you hate), but then you have further twists like 'u-turns' which enable teams to hinder other teams, and lead to alliances and crossed wires -- and suspense and higher viewership for the channel!

3. Masterful editing
There are 11 teams that start out, in 'The Amazing Race'. Similarly, there are thousands of aspirants in 'American Idol'. So, there are hundreds of feet of footage, which could fill days of television time. All this is condensed into one hour of nail-biting prime time presentation. How?
a. Keep the interesting characters and follow their stories
b. Juxtapose the overlapping action to move the story forward
c. Say it once or twice -- then leave it. In 'The Amazing Race', the first couple of teams that do a task are followed in detail -- how they accomplished each step. By the time the last team reaches the task, they might not be shown performing it at all, they might just be glimpsed reaching the pit-stop to be told they're last. That's because the story has reached a point where the viewer wants to know who got eliminated (or saved) and is no longer interested in exactly how the last team got through the last task.

4. The storyteller isn't seen
Each time I watch a reality show, I remind myself that there are probably dozens of cameramen and other crew members around -- but you don't get to see them. They're invisible, only the world and the 'reality' they help create is visible. Similarly, the storyteller's hand should not be seen, just the creation should remain with the audience.

Thanks for listening, and if you're addicted to a reality show -- wonder why!
- Sonali


Editor's Picks

Enjoy!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2022220 by Not Available.

 
Image Protector
STATIC
Attitude Adjustment Open in new Window. (E)
Getting into the holiday spirit.
#2021671 by Don Two Author IconMail Icon

 My Wife is A Teacher Open in new Window. (E)
I wrote this for my wife. She recently retired from teaching after 36 years
#2000487 by Twiggs Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1908950 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1879443 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1444475 by Not Available.


Get Involved!

Image Protector
GROUP
The Amazing Race Club Open in new Window. (E)
Discuss the show and win prizes for picking the top teams on each episode.
#960354 by Davy Kraken Author IconMail Icon

 
Image Protector
SURVEY
Snail Mail Survey Open in new Window. (E)
Are you interested in a snail mail letter exchange?
#1960668 by NaNoNette Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1753456 by Not Available.

Image Protector
GROUP
WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group Open in new Window. (E)
Join the fun! We inspire reviewers through kindness and learning! Winner of eight Quills!
#1300305 by Maryann Author IconMail Icon

Image Protector
GROUP
The WDC Angel Army Open in new Window. (ASR)
Dedicated to promoting positivity, encouragement, and support to the WDC community.
#1188309 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon

Image Protector
FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by Sophurky Author IconMail Icon

Three Word Mayhem! Open in new Window. (13+)
Mayhem is afoot!
#555590 by Jay's debut novel is out now! Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!



Ask & Answer

So -- are you addicted to a reality show? Feel like sharing why?

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B07B63CTKX
Amazon's Price: $ 6.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


<< December 17, 2014Short Stories Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueDecember 31, 2014 >>

This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright.