Finally, a Book on Writing that's Actually Useful

Every book about creative writing that I've personally read has been decent motivation, and some interesting advice, but almost never has it deeply changed my approach, thought process, or writing process.

Maybe it affected a technique or specific area positively, but only marginally. Usually that's all it even attempts. Most books on writing aren't systematic at all, it's just a bunch of individual chapters with individual "tips."

Well, this book is a little different. I still have yet to find the book on writing which affects my work more than just reading great literature, but this is among the best attempts. About a third of the book is like others, just tips that don't change much. Another third are really interesting ideas that, if applied, will really change and improve your fiction. I was very impressed.

The final third are snapshot stories from Paluhniuk's life. All of them are interesting, and they act as good examples of his writing approach come to life. Only drawback of this book, other than the third of it which is just "meh" advice, is that Chuck is a bit of a shock jock, and so his examples can get a little explicit. User discretion is advised.

Regardless, an above average book on fiction writing.

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I wish I were your student.

Some people like to watch cooking shows although they don't cook. I like to read writing books although I don't write. I've read/listened to a number of books, courses, and essays on writing and being a writer. I'll admit I've never read anything of Chuck Palahniuk's, but I couldn't resist downloading this book anyway. And I'm really glad that I did.

The nuggets of wisdom (I don't know what else to call them - tips? tricks? lessons?) provided in this book are great. I hadn't thought of, or heard of some of them before, which is quite rare if you read these types of books often. Many of them made me think about what I've read, or want to re-watch movies or re-read books to find more examples of what Chuck is talking about.

I don't want to drag this review on, I only want to say that if you're a fan of Mr. Palahniuk, then I'm sure you'll enjoy his writing style, humour, biographical stories and other pearls in this book too. If you're not a fan of the author but consider yourself a writer (or a would-be writer), definitely listen to this - there's some great stuff.

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3 people found this helpful

Held me in it's Grip.... a masterful work from a g

A masterful work from someone who has put in the work over the years... I highly recommend it

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Very Satisfying for Fans

I have listened to this audiobook numerous times over the last year. It offers practical advice for any creative person as well as the kind of insane, darkly comical stories that you can always find in Palahniuk's work, all wrapped up in the punchy, journalistic prose that he is known for. The aforementioned crazy stories are well balanced with plenty of beautiful writing describing the author's open perspective and generally positive approach to life. All of this is to say nothing of Edoardo Ballerini delivering clean and expressive narration which is well matched to the material.
If you need some inspiration and you welcome some gory details then this book will please you.

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Splendid.

This is hands down my favourite book on the craft of writing. Insightful of not just the arts but the world surrounding art and artists who write and delivering that insight with passion, humour, commitment and humble resolve. Palaniuk not only writes well he does from a heart as deep as a well.

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