Chapter 1: The Power of a Story

In the opening chapter of “Deep Kindness,” Houston Kraft shares a profound experience he had while seated in the often-dreaded middle seat of an airplane, known as the “Hot Dog” seat.

His seatmate, Helga, recounted that it had been three years since her last flight. She hurried to the airport after receiving an urgent call from her father's doctor, who urged her to reach Arizona swiftly because her father was gravely ill. Just as her flight was set to take off for Phoenix, she received another call informing her that her father had passed away.

For the entire three-hour journey, Helga remained in stunned silence amidst a crowd of strangers. Once she landed in Arizona, she collapsed against a wall and sobbed.

For two hours, tears streamed down her face as nearly three thousand passengers walked past her without offering assistance.

This stark reality raises a troubling question: have we, as a society, become so desensitized that we overlook the suffering of others? The weight of this story lingered in my mind long after I read it.

A good story has the power to leave a lasting impression, transforming the reader on a deeper level. As writers, we aspire to create such meaningful experiences, yearning to know our work resonates and makes a difference.

But how can we achieve this? The simple response is to study storytelling techniques and mimic the style of accomplished authors. While this can be helpful, it may not capture your unique voice. Instead, focus on analyzing the structure of the narrative. How does the author introduce the story? Is the narrative contained within a single chapter? What descriptive techniques do they employ?

Here are three key insights I derived from the first chapter:

1. Set the Scene

   Houston Kraft begins by discussing the discomfort of the “Hot Dog Seat” — that middle airplane seat where passengers feel trapped. He sets the tone by describing his exhaustion. When Helga joins him, she interrupts his desire for a peaceful flight, evoking sympathy from the reader right from the start. After all, who hasn’t felt frustrated when plans go awry?

2. Provide Essential Details

   Helga's account is strikingly succinct. We learn she was en route to Phoenix and that her father was critically ill. Yet, the specifics of their relationship remain unknown. This lack of detail, however, does not detract from the emotional impact. Kraft conveys the series of events in a straightforward manner, compelling the reader to feel a deep sense of empathy.

3. Know When to Conclude

   Kraft's chapter ends with the haunting statement, “Not a single person stopped to help,” followed by a significant pause of blank space. This intentional silence amplifies the impact, leaving the reader devastated without further elaboration on his feelings or subsequent actions.

We are all storytellers, interconnected through the narratives we share. The stories surrounding us, much like Helga’s, can inspire our writing. If you were in Kraft's shoes, how might you incorporate such a tale into your own narrative?

As a fiction writer, Helga’s experience could spark your imagination, leading you to construct a new plot. Would you choose to have the protagonist stop and engage with her? What implications would that decision have for the story? Alternatively, could Helga evolve into a recurring character with a fantastical twist, such as a time-traveling witch or an alien in search of a human vessel?

In my own work as an online creator, I draw from Helga's story to illustrate valuable writing lessons. The potential applications are vast, encompassing themes such as grief, urban life, and empathy.

As Jonathan Gottschall eloquently stated, “We are, as a species, addicted to story.” Even in our sleep, our minds weave narratives. As creators, we are challenged to discover stories that resonate with both ourselves and our audience. May your search for inspiration be fruitful.

Would I have stopped to help Helga? It’s a 50/50 chance.

In the video titled "Would you have stopped?" the speaker delves into moral dilemmas and the human response to others in distress, prompting viewers to reflect on their own choices.

The second video, also titled "Would you have stopped?" explores similar themes, inviting discussions about empathy and societal responsibility in critical situations.