The Storyteller - By Zane van der Linde

Written By: Zane van der Linde

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Zane van der Linde, writing as The Story Teller, presents "The Storyteller," a contemplative short story. This piece delves into the intricate art of storytelling and the introspective journey of a narrator who reflects on the nuances of crafting narratives. With a keen focus on the storyteller's internal struggles and revelations, van der Linde invites readers into a world where the balance between listening and telling is explored.

About the Work

"The Storyteller" captures the essence of a storyteller's quest for balance between narrative and introspection. Zane van der Linde skillfully weaves the complexities of storytelling, exploring themes of self-reflection and creative expression. The work delves into the storyteller's mind, pondering the importance of listening to one's own narrative and the subtleties that make a story resonate. The narrative style is reflective, with vivid imagery that invites readers to engage with the storyteller's internal dialogue.

The Story Teller

Original Submission by Zane van der Linde

The Storyteller

Every storyteller was once just the one listening to others telling theirs, making notes quietly in his mind to make his story better. Starting from small scrambles of words mixed in his mind. From sentences not matching with the next and paragraphs independent of each other.

He slowly learns to put the correct sentences together and forming a unique story of his own. We are all taught that a story must be told in a specific order to maintain a formal setting. But this storyteller is different. He tells his stories in all the forms, first, second- and third-degree realities. He can’t just tell a story in a single form, because there is always more than one way to tell a story.

When telling other’s stories, he wonders to a never resting place in his mind where he thinks about his own story. Wonders where it begins and when it ends. Wondering what characters are worth adding and subtracting from it. Wonders what his value is in his own story. He is not just the writer of his own story, but the creator too.

If he tells too much then the story lacks uniqueness and if he tells too little the story lacks interest. So how does one balance everything out where if you miss a single detail the story becomes confusing or if too much detail is told, the story is not a story anymore, but an emotionless report?

The mind of the storyteller rages in different patterns all the time. Constantly and consistently searching for the perfect connection between words and characters. His mind pacing between unsaid thoughts and unthought words. Craving for a perfect connection between sentences and paragraphs. But a perfect story does not exist, it is the connection between the story being told and the one that listens that matters most.

So, the storyteller sits alone wondering if he should continue to write his story or if he should sit back and for once just listen to his own story. Maybe it is not the opinion if the story that matters, but the feeling instead. Maybe it is not the characters that needs change or the way his story is told, but the way he listens to himself. Maybe then he would not wonder so much if the words or details are too much or too little. Maybe then he would not wonder if the connection between the characters and the words are too strong or too weak.

Maybe it was never any of those things that bothered him, but the fact that he never once truly listened to his own story and therefor always felt incomplete within his own creation. Because what good is a story being told if no-one is there to listen to it?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar gathers writers from around the world to showcase their literary talents. This esteemed event highlights the power of words and storytelling, providing a platform for creatives to share their unique voices and perspectives. Participants explore various genres, contributing to a rich tapestry of global narratives that celebrate the art of writing.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Zane van der Linde for sharing "The Storyteller" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This insightful short story invites readers to contemplate the delicate balance of storytelling and listening. We appreciate Zane's contribution and look forward to witnessing further explorations in his narrative journey.

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.