The Second Paragraph - By Kaba Mdlalose

Written By: Kaba Mdlalose

Category: Flash Fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Kaba Mdlalose presents "The Second Paragraph" in the Creative Writing category at the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This flash fiction piece delves into the inner turmoil and self-doubt that writers often face. The narrative unfolds around a writer grappling with creative block, staring at a blinking cursor and an empty word document, searching for inspiration. This universal struggle is captured with a refreshing honesty that resonates with anyone who has faced the daunting task of putting thoughts into words.

About the Work

"The Second Paragraph" explores the themes of creative struggle and self-reflection. Kaba Mdlalose's narrative style is engaging, drawing readers into the writer's world of frustration and relentless pursuit of the elusive second paragraph. The piece effectively uses imagery of a cluttered room and a blinking cursor to symbolize the writer's mental state. The inner dialogue captures the tension between self-doubt and the desire to create, ultimately leading to a breakthrough moment of clarity and renewed motivation.

The Second Paragraph

Original Submission by Kaba Mdlalose

The Second Paragraph

By Kaba Mdlalose

A pen. A journal. My lucky bean bag and a table. All the things that have made me feel like a writer in the past. I have been stuck at this makeshift desk for four hours now. The bin to my right is overflowing with scribbled-on pages torn out of this very journal. Did you know the blinking text cursor follows a strict one second rhythm? I never realized how incredibly annoying that was, until spending a month staring at an empty word document. My eyes burn, there is a sharp pain in my lower back, and it feels like I haven't slept in ages. But I don't want to sleep. I am behind schedule; The writing competition deadline is in three days and for the past month, my mind has been a judge who knows no acquittals.

I have developed a routine. Sit on my blue and white stripped bean bag, open my journal and laptop, grip my pen like I am ready to write my final English exam and then stare at the ceiling waiting for a moment, a sound, even a smell to spark up an idea in my head. And it always does but for some reason unbeknownst to me, the ideas never cross over to the second paragraph. So, I try over and over again and today is no different. The bean bag is extremely flattened and uncomfortable, the ceiling has new damp spots from the rain fall yesterday, the air in my room is hot and stuffy. Honestly, nothing about my situation is inspiring. Instead, the burglar bars on my windows make me feel trapped, congested, and imprisoned.

“Trapped, congested, and imprisoned. Trapped congested and imprisoned?... Oh snap, I think I got it. I actually got it! What if I wrote about a boy?”

“A boy...?”

“Yes, a boy who is trapped in some sort of facility. Like a hospital or a prison or Juvie!”

“Continue.”

“What if I wrote about a boy who has been stuck in a juvenile facility and all he wants is to escape but once he escapes, he finds something completely different?”

“What does he find?”

“The world that he once knew is now governed by aliens!”

“So, an alien invasion?”

“Yes, exactly! An alien invasion.”

“And how many times has that been done before?”

“Countless”

“Exactly. Change it”

“No. I can make a better version. Something new and improved. A story that is unique to me.”

“You only have three days left.”

“Three days is enough.”

“Okay, what happens next?”

“Next?”

“After the boy discovers the alien invasion?’

“Uhm...’

“I'm waiting.

“I’m not sure yet.”

“You only have three days.”

“I know. Stop reminding me.”

“Okay, then change it.”

“To what?”

“A story that the judges would actually like? Something heartfelt. Something touching.”

“I tried that yesterday, remember?”

“Please. The story about a famous detective who could solve everything, except the case about his missing daughter? That’s too personal. Your story needs to be sweeter, more lighthearted.”

“I tried that last week. I wanted to write about a girl who goes through many obstacles just to make it to her first date.”

“I remember that one. Hated it. Too boring. Weak.”

“You think all my stories are weak.”

“No, you think all your stories are weak.”

“No, I don't. I like my stories.”

“Do you?”

“Yes.”

“Then why haven’t you written any of them?’

“...”

“A whole month, thirty days, seventeen different concepts and none have a second paragraph. Why?’

“I don't know.’

“You know.”

“They're just not good enough.”

“How do you know they aren't good enough if you haven't taken the time to write them?”

“Because you think they aren't good enough.”

“Because I'm you.”

“I know”

“So? Why won't you write?”

“I don't know”

“...”

“I'm scared.”

“What are you afraid of?”

“Failing.”

“And if the 31st of October comes and you still haven’t written anything, wouldn't that be failing?”

“It would.”

“So why won't you write a second paragraph?”

“Because I’m afraid of finding out I’m not as good as I believe I am.”

“And if we don't write we will never be as good as we want to be.”

My room feels a lot quieter than a few moments earlier. My head feels clearer and my shoulders are lighter. The bean bag is still flattened, air still stuffy and my back still aches but a lot more feels different. For the first time in a month, I don't feel the urge to stare at the ceiling and wait for inspiration. I pick up my pen and open my journal and start writing continuously on the few pages I have left.

The end.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. It offers writers worldwide the opportunity to share their work and engage with a global audience. The competition highlights creativity, originality, and the power of words to connect and inspire. Participants contribute to a rich tapestry of contemporary literature through their unique narratives and poetic expressions.

We extend our gratitude to Kaba Mdlalose for sharing "The Second Paragraph" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of the writer's journey and the battle against self-doubt is both relatable and inspiring. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your creative endeavors. Thank you for being a part of this enriching literary experience.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.