How to Tell a Story
Lessons from books, peers, and the OG Asian American journalist
How exactly do you tell a good story? I’ve been thinking about this a lot, especially as I just got back from the Asian American Journalists Association convention, with four days full of sessions, classes and casual conversations about how to get to the truth and put it out in the world. Even though I don’t work in a newsroom anymore, there is something essential about unearthing truths that might make us a little uncomfortable, but ultimately help us to understand each other better.
Anyway, back to the original question. There’s an art to telling a story that captures people’s curiosity and makes them want to learn more. Not just because the tale is in-your-face or the kind of over the top train wreck you can’t look away from. But because there’s something that feels innately human, that makes you relate it to even if it takes place worlds away, to people who are nothing like you. Except, maybe they are.
In working on my own writing, I have leaned on many authors who have come before me. Especially other Asian American authors, as the particulars of my stories and especially the particulars of overcoming the challenges that come with being an Asian (“you can’t talk about that!”). Over at Medium, I’ve curated a list of 4 Craft Books by Asian Americans. This is a Medium members-only article, but as a Small Bites subscriber, you can read it for free through the link above.
What I’m Reading
Since I was traveling again this week, I listened to another audiobook. This time, it’s Viewfinder: A Memoir of Seeing and Being Seen by Jon M. Chu (director of Crazy Rich Asians). I usually don’t read celebrity memoirs, but I was curious about this story of a kid from Silicon Valley who made it big in Hollywood. In case you’re not familiar, Chu’s father owns Chef Chu’s, a Chinese restaurant near the border of Mountain View and Palo Alto, popular with many tech types - including Apple founder Steve Jobs. At times, it veers dangerously close to iPod and MacBook product placement, but as a fellow Apple fanatic, I can overlook that. I’m not quite done with it, but like the other books I mentioned above, I always learn something from stories about how other creatives go about their craft.
What I’m Eating
The AAJA convention was in Austin, and I had two food goals while I was there: barbecue and Tex-Mex. These tacos from Cosmic Saltillo satisfied both of those cravings: generous chunks of steak and cubed potatoes in soft flour tortillas which transported me to 1980s Chili’s. These were totally better than Chili’s (although I miss those veggie soft tacos), but the flour tortillas tender enough to make me think twice about those little LA style corn tortillas. I also tried Loro Asian Smokehouse and Bar, but I had the bowl of shredded brisket over coconut jasmine rice, which hit the spot late at night, but I also wished I tried the straight up brisket.
I’ve eaten too much and slept too little. My hotel was vibratingly close to Sixth Street, which is like the Bourbon Street of Austin, which is not great for a middle-aged person on a business trip! Gotta catch some sleep now…
Until next time,
Grace
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