Chuck Palahniuk's 2014-2015 Essays
In:
Abstracts, Character, Dialogue, Grammar, Literary Devices, Narrator, Objects, Phrases, Plot, POV, Research, Rewriting, Structure, Verbs, Voice, Word Play, Workshop
Chuck surprised us all with a new batch of essays for 2014 & 2015! There is no exact timeline on how these will roll out, so just keep an eye on the site.
Notes on the Craft
In:
Dialogue, Literary Devices
Concrete, practical methods for improving your writing.
36 Writing Essays by Chuck Palahniuk
36 exclusive craft essays on writing you won't find anywhere else online. The knowledge here is equivalent to what you'd get in an MFA program.
Representation Matters: A Literary Call To Arms
In:
Character
Representation is key to good writing. This is true whether you're a novelist or a playwright; whether you work in television or in game development. All narrative has the power to impact culture.
Writing the Crime Scene: Arson
By Repo Kempt
In:
Research
A guide to writing realistic depictions of arson and fire investigation in crime fiction.
Elizabeth Bennet: The Original Manic Pixie Dream Girl?
By Leah Rhyne
In:
Literary Devices
Let's dig into the Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope to see if, perhaps, Jane Austen created the original: Elizabeth Bennet of 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Storyville: 101 Ways to Make 2017 Your Best Year as a Writer Yet
In:
Research
101 Ways to Make 2017 Your Best Year as a Writer Yet
Writing the Crime Scene: Gunshot Wounds
By Repo Kempt
In:
Research
A guide to writing realistic depictions of gunshot wounds, as well as their treatment and recovery, in crime and horror fiction.
A Traditional Form Poetry Starter Pack
In:
Poetry
Interested in experimenting with traditional form poetry but not sure where to start, or if you'll like it? Suggestions for poets who want to avoid rhyme, avoid meter, keep it quick, or just have fun.
Writing the Crime Scene: Autopsies
By Repo Kempt
In:
Research
A guide to researching and writing about autopsies in crime and horror fiction.
Storyville: When to Be Conventional, and When to Be Weird
In:
Rewriting
When it comes to writing, your story can be conventional or weird, but it has to be satisfying.
What 'Westworld' Can Teach Us About Writers
By BH Shepherd
In:
Character
What the characters of "Westworld," some of them writers, can teach us about writers.
5 Horrifying Monsters That Aren't Vampires, Zombies or Werewolves!
By Repo Kempt
In:
Research
Editors are tired of their slush piles being haunted by vampires, werewolves and zombies. Here's five horrifying new monsters dying to claw their way into your next submission.
Storyville: 10 Neo-Noir Films to Influence Your Fiction
10 Neo-Noir Films to Influence Your Fiction
What To Do When Your Book Jumps the Shark
By Leah Rhyne
In:
Rewriting
Sometimes a story can get away from its author, going places it never should have dared. What can the author do to pull it back in and make it (hopefully) good again?
The Mini-Guide To Writing Sex For Your Genre
By Holly Kothe
In:
Character
There are approximately a zillion questions to consider when it comes to the craft of sex in fiction. One of the most important being: Does your intended audience expect, crave, or even allow sex?
Writing the Crime Scene: Cops Don't Talk Like That!
By Repo Kempt
A guide to researching and writing dialogue for law enforcement characters in crime fiction.
10 Things We Can Learn About Writing from 'You’re the Worst'
In:
Character
We dig deep into Stephen Falk's complicated FXX series.
Writing the Crime Scene: Guns
By Repo Kempt
In:
Research
An article about myths, misconceptions and common mistakes when crime authors write about guns.
What Works & What Doesn't: 'Forrest Gump'
In:
Character
Films are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. And you never know why the hell some flavors are so beloved either...
Storyville: Continuing Your Writing Education
In:
Research
Some tips and advice about how to continue your writing education.
Writing the Crime Scene: Dead Bodies
By Repo Kempt
In:
Research
This is a basic guide for crime fiction writers including research tips and links. This months topic is 'dead bodies'.
8 Mini Grammar Studies in Modern Music
By Holly Kothe
In:
Grammar
Music is a great way to remember specific details. When you take a closer look at the lyrics in certian songs, you can easily remember tricky grammar devices and spend less time looking things up.
Buy Your Villain a Birthday Present: 5 More Development Exercises
In:
Character
Here are a few more prompts to get the mind juices going as you sit down and get to know your characters:
What 'Stranger Things' Can Teach Us About Characterization
In:
Character
Not only is "Stranger Things" great television, it's also a required lesson in quality characterization.
