Third Place: One Hit Wonder by Sia Sankaran
Sia Sankaran (@siawrites09) is a high school student who has always loved reading and creative writing, especially short stories and novels. She often draws inspiration from music, history, and the people around her. Outside of writing, she enjoys singing, reading, and baking.
What the Judges said:
"This story left me with the aching feeling of what could have been. Coupled with sad space imagery and artfully rendered relationships, this one struck in my bones."
"This story was beautifully woven. It felt raw and wistful and vulnerable, like I was watching through a window into something tender and private."
"It’s rare to find something so wonderfully written that centers the one who gets left behind by life, rather than the one who made it up and out. Trailing from adulthood to childhood to adulthood again, you’ve written a gorgeous encapsulation of the threads we refuse to let go."
A Chat with the Author:
Tell us a little about your writing background. How long have you been writing? What inspired you to start?
I’ve been writing ever since my teacher first asked us to tell a story in kindergarten, but I didn’t seriously begin honing my skills until COVID. During that time, writing became a much more important form of self-expression for me. I’ve always loved stories and the emotions they can create, and over time I became increasingly interested in creating that feeling for other people through my own work.
Tell us more about the inspiration for this story! Where did the idea come from?
A lot of my inspiration comes from music, and this story was no different. I was on a walk one day when two songs in my playlist played back-to-back in a way that immediately stuck with me. One focused on the fear of becoming a one hit wonder, while the other centered around sacrificing everything for success: even yourself. I couldn’t stop thinking about the contrast between those ideas, and eventually it evolved into One Hit Wonder.
Where can readers find more of your work?
Readers can currently find me on Instagram at @siawrites09!
What advice would you give writers on writing a great short story?
I think one of the most important parts of a short story is creating a compelling character voice. Since readers spend such a short amount of time with the characters, every detail matters. Even descriptions that seem neutral can reveal something about the narrator or protagonist if you let their perspective shape the way the story is told. Letting the character’s emotions bleed into the prose can make a story feel much more personal and memorable.
