As you no doubt know by now, the theme for this year’s Beyond the Walls anthology is “Unspoken” – and if you didn’t know that before, you know now! I’m not exactly sure what you would have submitted without knowing the theme but, hey, it probably would’ve been great.
Now, if you’re like me you’re like me you’re probably in a pickle here. Sure, knowing the theme is one thing, but knowing what the theme even means is another – and just what does “Unspoken” mean? It’s annoyingly vague whilst simultaneously being annoyingly specific. Luckily for me, I don’t need to know what it means – after all, I can’t submit anything. Ha, go me! But this isn’t about me, this is about you. How will you tackle the theme “unspoken”?
There are many routes this theme could be taken. One might first think of the literal ‘unspoken’, those who for one reason or another go unheard in our society – giving well-deserved spotlight to marginalised voices. It could also relate to unspoken thoughts. Perhaps you’ve an unrequited crush chewing away at your brainstems? Well, now’s your chance to write about it! Don’t worry, I won’t tell. The ‘Unspoken’ theme doesn’t need to be so introspective, however. Perhaps you’re like me, completely dead inside with nothing to be introspective about… or too much, it sorta blurs together. Regardless, there are other directions this theme can also be taken.
Such an idea is talking about the future. After all, it’s unspoken, though more so in the sense that it hasn’t happened yet. Everyone likes writing about the future, right? Perhaps a way to commentate on social issues you are passionate about, like climate change or my personal favourite, technological dystopias. The future doesn’t have to be so bleak, though. You might be an optimist, after all! The glass is half EMPTY, guys, I don’t make the rules. Regardless, there are many ways you can take the theme of ‘Unspoken’, be it ethereal or introspective.
That doesn’t necessarily make thinking of something to write any easier, though. I, for one, thrive in examples. I love it when people give me examples of things! Not unlike a baby thrown in a swimming pool, I sometimes feel I may drown in uncertainty without examples. They can provide a skeleton example of what to do, or make you shake your head and go “man, I could do SO much better than this”. Now I find myself in a position where I am the metaphorical lifeguard. It is my turn to give the example that makes you all go “wow, they are TERRIBLE at this”. Now, when I think of Unspoken, I tend to turn to the fantastical. Despite what the prior paragraph may have implied, I don’t directly go to the future – no, when I think of “Unspoken” I think of those who literally cannot speak anymore. Because, well, they’re dead. That’s right, ghosts! Ooh, scary! So prepare yourself, and I will present a piece so unspoken that we are skipping the first few entries – a story I like to call The Frightening XIII!
Lightning cracks across clouded skies. The moon could barely peer through, its dim light shining down on a forest below, vast as it was eerie. In a clearing amongst sinister trees sat a house, one which seemed to tower over its surroundings. It was dimly lit, barely illuminating the all-encompassing darkness it was engulfed by. Within its dark, decrepit walls were shadows of a life once lived ages ago. The interior’s furnishings could have been very impressive, were it not for the thick layer of dust and general state of disassembly everything was sat in. Paintings hung from walls with eyes which seemed to follow, and statues seemed to move and change with each crash of thunder. Then again, it could just be simple tricks played on a weak mind.
This house, abandoned though it may seem, was not entirely empty. Every once in a while those with steeled nerve venture out to claim its free real estate for themselves, though in the end all give up. Be it the rats, cockroaches, the crumbling architecture or delivery drivers refusing to go that far, factors always force the house back into loneliness. What is never a factor is the ghost. The pale specter wandering the halls, a homeowner who sought isolation and sweet silence from the outside world. It’s not like it doesn’t try, but every wail and every scream goes unheard on those who disturb its slumber. It simply wanders, unheard and unseen by the living world. It wanted peace, and now gets it – after all, in death nobody can hear you scream.
So, there’s your example! Yes, I admit, this may have been a cheeky excuse for me to write a ghost story. Of course, your take is going to be very different from this. Obviously, it will be longer (you have 1,500 words to play with!) but beyond that, your view of ‘Unspoken’ will likely be very different from my own. This is a theme that has its roots in voice, after all (and quite ironically) and it is your voice that is going to shine through. After all, there is no wrong way to approach it! So, be it raising the voices of the marginalized, a look into the future or issues society doesn’t like to talk about, or heck, the unspoken tale of a monster of your own, get writing! These stories are only unspoken as long as you let them be, after all.
The call for submissions ends on March 11th, so get submitting! And if you’re on the hunt for more Unspoken content, check out the Unspoken Stories podcast.
Owen Brett
Owen Brett (He/Him) is a Twenty-Year-Old Creative Writing student with a knack for writing superhero fantasy stories. Born and raised in York, he knew York St John would be the best place for him to pursue a degree in Creative Writing.