Start at the point of most contentment: Amy Hempel

amy hempel

“One thing I have learned is that I can get interesting results if I start at the point of most contentment, the most satisfying moment, instead of the most jeopardy. The idea is to overturn an expectation, maybe the expectation of drama, of coming up against something. So the question becomes: what does calm feel like? And how can you make it compelling? In these cases the writing becomes sensate in a different way—you put a slight polish on what is ordinary. The first story I ended up doing that way was “The Rest of God” in At the Gates of the Animal Kingdom. I was just describing a happy day. But then, of course, I couldn’t completely get away from habits; the story contains a close call. A couple almost drowns. But they don’t drown. And they go on to have a very lovely picnic. The sculptor Elyn Zimmerman did this in her Palisades Project in 1981. She proposed putting a huge strip of polished granite on the west bank of the Hudson River, over the craggy stone of the palisades. In the proposal, you see the palisades as we know them, divided by a ribbon of stone polished to reflect the sky above and water below. It’s simple, beautiful, thrilling.”

Amy Hempel, interview from the Art of Fiction, No. 176, Paris Review

So, my challenge for today(and yours, too, if you’d like): Begin a story at the start of the point of most contentment and tear it down, slowly, from there. See what happens.

7 thoughts on “Start at the point of most contentment: Amy Hempel”

  1. Our website time must be sink. I’m always here first thing in the morning. Anyway, how timely that you’ve written about Amy Hempel’s “Tumble Home” right now. In there is a story called “The Annex,” which may be one of the funniest stories I’ve ever read in my life. It’s not on point here, but have you read it? And if so, is it me or doesn’t the voice sound a lot like Nora Ephron’s? I read it out loud and felt like I was channeling her. Back to the point now, what an interesting assignment. I think I’ll download “Animal Kingdom” and read that story, then give it a try. Thanks, Kathy.

    1. I’ll have to go back and reread it, but so many of her stories are funny or sad/funny. I read stories aloud too! Great paragraphs, especially. Ok, let’s both try starting at the point of most contentment, Jayne, and see where it takes us. Seems like it might work better in a longer story, so a real challenge to try it in a flash. Thanks for stopping by, Jayne!

  2. I just ordered her complete story collection and I think I need to read “The Rest of God” first as I’m a little unclear of the concept of “starting at the point of most contentment.” I also bought the Mary Robison novel Amy talks about in the full interview and the ’98 Best Stories. Great deals on used paperbacks. Score! 🙂

  3. Kathy, please publish yours here when it’s done. I agree, that this approach makes for much more of a challenge in flash and look forward to reading what you’ve done with it. Thanks so much.

    1. I might! I’m kind of shy about posting new stuff on my blog in case I want to send it out someplace. Don’t want it to be considered “previously published” (some places are picky like that). I actually ended up reading most of the day yesterday (rereading Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill and stories from Denver Quarterly). It’s a tough challenge, but I do want to see what I can do with it! Thanks, Jayne.

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