Easy-to-Read Chinese Short Stories, Book 4 available now, plus experience sharing from the top three winners

The fourth book in the series, Easy-to-Read Chinese Short Stories, Book 4, is now available! Year after year, Chinese Writing Contest participants have demonstrated that the creative space is indeed boundless.

Today, let’s celebrate the talent and imagination of these Chinese language learners from diverse backgrounds, and also read what this year’s three winners said about writing.

Since 2021, MSL Master has invited Chinese language learners worldwide to participate in an open and free annual event, the Chinese Writing Contest. Entries are limited to using 320 Chinese characters only, challenging participants to convey their stories, ideas, and emotions within a concise framework.

In 2024, after a public vote, the top three winners emerged. And the best 11 entries were included in this book, Easy-to-Read Chinese Short Stories, Book 4. 

This is only a small book, but it pays tribute to the dedication of these Chinese language learners and their commitment to mastering a language that is both complex and beautiful.

With the rise of generative AI as the background, this book is a testament to human being’s creativity. In an era where technology is rapidly advancing, the human touch in storytelling remains irreplaceable. The stories within these pages are a reminder that while AI can assist in many ways, the essence of human creativity and emotion is something uniquely our own.

I hope this book helps, with all its limitations and flaws, still serving as an inspiration to many other Chinese language learners, that one can overcome the challenges of learning a new language and use it as a medium for artistic expression. 

Now, let’s turn to this year’s three winners, and read what they have shared with me about their writing experiences:

• From Germaine:

“Writing poems, especially in Mandarin, was definitely not an easy task, despite doing it for a few years, but whenever the time comes, I try to find inspiration from the little details in my life, which could be my friends, family or just my thoughts. Reflecting certainly helps a lot with the writing. It was tough at first, yet once you get writing, thoughts just overflow your mind. Success doesn't come easy, however reading my own writing that I have pieced together just brings so much satisfaction.” 

• From Janine:

“I am inspired to write by the challenge of expressing myself creatively in a foreign language. Additionally, I am motivated by a desire to make a significant contribution to the learning resources available for Chinese language study.”

• From Yayu:

“Writing in Chinese has been a deeply rewarding experience for me, and I am delighted to share some insights from my journey. 1) As a Chinese individual who travels frequently for work, I have had the privilege of meeting friends from diverse backgrounds. It is the rich soil of my homeland, China, and my daily interactions that have provided the inspiration and context for my Chinese writing. These experiences have broadened my perspective and enriched my writing with a unique blend of cultural nuances. 2) Chinese literature often requires a certain oral fluidity, which is something that cannot be fully captured in textbooks. Some Chinese poetry may emphasises smoothness and flow rather than a strong sense of rhythm. It is through relentless practice that one can achieve a cohesive and harmonious writing style that resonates with readers. 3) Chinese is indeed a challenging language to master, but as a wise person once said, “世上无难事，只要肯登攀”. My love for the Chinese language has driven me to practice every day, and I believe that with consistent effort, one can gradually improve their writing skills.”

Finally, following our previous practices, a free audiobook is made available! 

Take a listen below.

For those who also want to read a sample story, visit the book’s designated webpage here: https://www.mslmaster.com/index.php/chinese-textbooks/easy-to-read-series?view=article&id=243&catid=9

Have fun reading.