Exquisite Text

Using an unconventional platform for storytelling, we created a story using text messages. Although more difficult than expected, using this medium proved an enjoyable challenge. In a world where emojis and text lingo thrive, we were contested to come up with a convincing narrative via text messages.  In the words of DJ Spooky, “The ‘text’ is never inanimate-- it’s the human imagination that gives shape and meaning, the elixir that breathes life into the golem.”  In this we learn that it is in us the ability to create despite our mediums or parameters. We each have something to draw from as “Material moves from one person to the next” (DJ Spooky). Although none of us had ever used this form of storytelling, we were able to gather our thoughts and work together to create something with the basis of all our previous learnings.

To begin, we weren’t really sure how we would employ our storytelling skills into text messages. So, we looked through some of the stories on the “Hoot” app, and tried to come up with a storyline that would match the platform we were using.  Ultimately, we came up with the plot of three friends who are in communication throughout a seemingly ordinary day. Each girl is excited about their new dating prospects, but what awaits them is an ironic twist in fate. We decided that we would map out an outline of how we wanted the story to end, but we would leave the individual dialogues up to the imagination of each group member. While creating this story, it was interesting to see how each had a unique look on how to proceed with the creative process. Although we knew how the story was supposed to end, it was enthralling to await each character’s response to each other’s texts. We each added our own flare ignited by our past experiences and knowledge. Because we were able to draw from each other’s imagination and understanding, it made the story that much more immersive. We were each able to take our character and give it a life of its own, something that gave the story a taste of realism.

While this assignment was a bit dissimilar to the usual way we are used to telling stories, this gave us a chance to branch out and learn to collaborate and build upon each other’s creative knowledge. Using this innovative method of storytelling, we were able to expand our views on storytelling forms and mechanisms and create something very distinct from what we had been used to making before.

Marely Lee, Jessi Parker, and Jaye Abhau