Exploring George Saunders' "Sticks": A Masterclass in Flash Fiction

Welcome to another episode of Good Writing! I'm Dakota Shane, and today we're diving into the work of one of my favorite authors, George Saunders. If you're a fan of short stories or new to Saunders, you're in for a treat. In this post, I'll discuss a remarkable piece from his acclaimed collection, Tenth of December—a flash fiction story titled "Sticks." This story, though less than two pages long, is a profound exploration of family, memory, and emotional complexity.

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Who is George Saunders?

George Saunders is often hailed as one of the greatest living short story writers. He teaches at Syracuse University, contributes regularly to The New Yorker, and has published several celebrated short story collections. His novel Lincoln in the Bardo won the Booker Prize, showcasing his prowess in longer forms as well. If you're new to his work, 10th of December is an excellent place to start, offering a range of stories that capture his unique voice and narrative style.

A Brief Introduction to "Sticks"

"Sticks" is a piece of flash fiction—a story that's incredibly short but packed with meaning. This story is part of 10th of December, a collection that has garnered significant acclaim. "Sticks" revolves around a father who uses a metal pole in his yard as a canvas for his emotions and expressions, dressing it up for various holidays and personal events. Through this seemingly simple act, Saunders delves into themes of family dynamics, loss, and the struggle for connection.

Key Takeaways from "Sticks"

The Symbolism of the Pole: The metal pole, adorned with different costumes throughout the year, serves as the father's sole outlet for joy and creativity. It's his way of communicating with the world and expressing emotions he otherwise suppresses.

Family Dynamics: The father's strict and often harsh behavior contrasts sharply with the whimsicality of the pole decorations. This dichotomy highlights the complexities within family relationships and the ways in which people cope with internal struggles.

Themes of Regret and Forgiveness: As the story progresses, the father's actions become more erratic, especially after the mother's death. His final acts of decorating the pole with pleas for forgiveness suggest a deep-seated regret and a desire for reconciliation with his children.

Economy of Words: Saunders' ability to convey such depth with minimal words is a testament to his skill as a writer. Each sentence is deliberate, contributing to the overall impact of the story.

Principles of Good Writing from "Sticks"

Be Aware of the End State: Saunders knows exactly what emotional response he wants to evoke by the end of the story. As a writer, it's crucial to understand the impact you want your work to have on your readers.

Let Your Reader Connect the Dots: Saunders respects the intelligence of his readers, allowing them to piece together the underlying themes and emotions. Avoid over-explaining and trust your audience to grasp the nuances of your story.

Take Your "It" Quality to the Furthest Possible End: Whether it's Saunders' brevity or another aspect of your writing, push it to its limits. Experiment with constraints to hone your craft and discover new dimensions of your storytelling.

Resources for Further Exploration

Poetry Unbound: This podcast and book, hosted by the brilliant Irish poet Pádraig Ó Tuama, is a fantastic resource for those looking to delve deeper into poetry and prose poetry. Each episode walks you through a poem, offering insights and reflections that enhance your appreciation of the art form.

Claire Keegan: An Irish author celebrated for her mastery of short fiction, Keegan's work is a must-read for fans of Saunders. Her novella-like short stories, rich in detail and emotion, are among the best in contemporary literature.

Check Out The Video

In my video, I delve deeper into these themes, exploring the nuances of Saunders' writing and what makes "Sticks" such a powerful piece of fiction. I'll also share how this story has influenced my own writing and offer tips for aspiring writers on how to apply Saunders' techniques to their work.

Thanks For Watching

If "Sticks" resonates with you, I highly recommend diving into the rest of 10th of December. Saunders' stories are a masterclass in short fiction, offering rich, thought-provoking narratives that stay with you long after reading. Additionally, his book A Swim in a Pond in the Rain provides valuable insights into his writing process and the craft of storytelling.

For more discussions on great writing, be sure to subscribe to my channel and join the conversation in the comments. Let's explore the world of literature together, one story at a time.

*P.S. Want more story analysis and discussion? Subscribe to the Good Writing email newsletter to stay connected!