I recently had the privilege of delving into Ling Ma’s short story, titled “Los Angeles,” and it was truly a revelation, packed with profound insights into the art of storytelling. Here are my key takeaways:

1. Your character can defy convention

In “Los Angeles,” what struck me most was how the character wasn’t tethered to the conventional norms. The story is delightfully absurd, weaving a narrative about a woman in cohabiting with her 100 ex-boyfriends. Despite its absurdity, the tale feels remarkably believable, largely owing to the tone the character adopts. This character’s voice is a blend of factual, straight-to-the-point statements, beautifully crafted to make the narrative feel grounded and authentic.

2. The hook and inciting incident dynamics

Ma’s narrative strategy challenges the traditional structure of storytelling. While the story kicks off with a powerful and intriguing hook, the inciting incident doesn’t unfold until halfway through the short story. This unconventional approach might seem challenging for novice writers, but Ma executes it brilliantly. It keeps the reader engaged, constantly questioning, and anticipating, creating a unique reading experience.

Hook:

“The house in which we live has three wings. The west wing is where the Husband and I live. The east wing is where the children and their attending au pairs live. And lastly, the largest but ugliest wing, extending behind the house like a gnarled, broken arm, is where my 100 ex-boyfriends live.”

Inciting incident

“The door swings opens. It’s Aaron.

I thought you weren’t talking to me, I say.

I need a ride. Will you drive me?

Get Geoff. He’s probably awake.

No, just you, please. What are you doing?

Exercising.

He clears his throat. I’m leaving.

Leaving where?

Leaving here. I’m moving out.

My breath catches.

You can’t say that you didn’t expect this, Aaron says. Everyone’s overstayed.”

3. Crafting a nuanced ending

The conclusion of “Los Angeles” doesn’t necessarily deliver a profound lesson or neatly close the narrative circle. It also doesn’t opt for a wide-open ending, leaving readers hanging. Instead, it skillfully moves beyond the expected moments of empowerment or realization. It strikes a balance, offering a glimpse into the character’s evolution while retaining an air of mystery. This nuanced approach allows readers to draw their own conclusions, making the story linger in their minds.

In essence, “Los Angeles” is a remarkable story that transcends conventional norms. It challenges the writer to rethink character portrayal, experiment with narrative structures, and craft endings that are both satisfying and thought-provoking.

If you haven’t read it yet, you can find it here.

Happy reading!