Behind the Story: Shydel James, New Jersey

Behind the Story August 15, 2011 04:07

The most amazing thing about PenTales stories is the people who share them. With “Behind the Story”, we introduce you to some of the personalities, voices, and stories behind the stories.

1. What inspired the story you submitted to PenTales’s “Borders” contest?

I was still reeling from the great experience I had watching Black Swan. And I wondered what little moments would be like for a ballerina who couldn’t physically dance anymore. What would her life be like? What sort of memento, memory, image or token would she hold on to to keep her dancing dreams alive – if only in her mind? Those questions inspired the story I submitted.

2. What ingredients make a good story?

Descriptiveness and attention to detail. When I write, I try to be as descriptive as possible, possibly at the risk of being too descriptive. I think it’s important to get into the reader’s head and make them see and feel what the characters in the story are experiencing. And in my opinion, the best way to do that is by pulling them in right away with great descriptions and a keen attention to detail. I’m also a sucker for ambiguous endings. I love conclusions that are open to interpretation.

3. Describe to us your favorite character from a story, a movie, a TV show, a painting, etc. Why do you relate to this character?

Cory in August Wilson’s play, Fences, is one of my all time favorite characters. His butting heads with his father and determination to find his own way, break the cycle and forgive are all things I can relate to on a personal level.

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