What New Writers Can Learn from Chuck Palahniuk

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

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[@BlackMasterJoe89]

*Consider This* has become one of my favorite, go-to craft books. Picked up my copy in 2020, I believe, and have been referring to it even today. There's something about the way Chuck tells a story that's so captivating and different. He teaches a writing style called Minimalism that resonates with me. One of my favorite concepts are submerging the I and the one about eliminating thought verbs like believed, hoped, knew, realized, feared, loved, hated. I think that one concept alone can improve anyone's writing drastically. Thank you for mentioning the book, I have to go back and do some refreshing.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

I enjoyed it as well, the technique stuff is helpful and did make me question some things about my own writing, but I liked the general stories he also includes about his journey with writing. I think it's a valuable read for sure. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it too!

[@thetravelingbibliophile]

Yes for another video (even though I'm adding the book to my tbr) and thanks for this one. These were really helpful tips.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thanks for watching! I'd recommend it for sure.

[@TaySavesTheDay]

Great video. Love how different characters can view the world (and a room) completely differently. It's what gives your world life and immerses readers in the mind of your character. Great advice.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Definitely, I think this can add another level to characterization without it being too hard to implement. It's like a mindset thing I think. Useful!

[@jjulesmw]

Oh I love the examples you give on writing with a character. Thank you so much for sharing that, it makes all the sense now.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

I'm glad!

[@laurabesley7095]

Love that tip about not using normal measurements for time/place!

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

It's so simple, but it's definitely a good mindset to get into. I wouldn't have thought of it without this book!

[@laurabesley7095]

@@KierenWestwoodWriting I'm definitely going to be trying it out!

[@Kendojin]

To add to the last technique in terms of being clinical and like you said... when it's relevant: I was trying a Jack Reacher novel on audiobook, and Lee Child did a lot of clinical descriptions... But what made it work was he only did it when Jack Reacher was playing detective. It allowed me (the reader) to see what Reacher was seeing. I got to play detective alongside him Sometimes Lee did it in other areas, and I was like "I. DON'T. CARE." 🤣 It wasn't a bad book, though. To me it just felt like a really good example of when it's relevant and useful.

[@KatAdVictoriam]

Wow. Perfect timing to see this! I finished my first draft on a book I'm so excited to fine tune. Chuck has been a big influence. I haven't read this book, however. Really great advice that gives me more to consider. Make another video on this for sure!

[@S.W.Best-Author]

I remember reading this years ago. I enjoyed it. :)

[@jeffj4440]

Began my writing journey two years ago. Appreciate your videos and your recommendations. Thank you.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thanks for watching!

[@Tia-p5f]

This book sounds interesting. I'd definitely be interested in another video. Currently, I am reading Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. Her writing is amazing, telling so much in the details before anything has really happened, plus she never used quotation marks but it seemed to work just fine.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Oh interesting, I haven't read that yet, but I know Cormac McCarthy also doesn't use quotation marks and I haven't generally minded that. I need to read it!

[@markovichamp]

Hint of the century.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

What hint did I make? I can't remember what I said!

[@markovichamp]

@@KierenWestwoodWriting Consider this Consider this the hint of the century Consider this the slip That brought me to my knees, failed What if all these fantasies come Flailing around? Now I've said too much

[@Kyouma.]

Sounds like a great book (will bookmark it). I think it's also important to take your time with your first project. Writing is a marathon, not a race (working with a publisher is a different story)

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Definitely agree there. Making regular, realistic progress is useful, writing as quick as possible... not so much!

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

Always love these breakdowns and yeah I don't think in heights so I stick with tall, short, etc and then do comparisons to other characters

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Seems like a good way to approach things and deepen characterisation, definitely didn't really occur to me before though!

[@kristopherhayes1957]

The book also mentioned something about "Burying the "I"" in the book. What does that mean?

[@johnglynhughes4239]

The pleasure of writing offsets the pain.

[@DavidLeeHolcomb]

A helmet? NOW you tell me!

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

I know, I would have mentioned it sooner but I was mildly concussed!

[@jonlittle5032]

Good pun.

[@kahwigulum]

You're never aware of the private war the person on the other side of the conversation is waging. This is advice that was given to me in life, but it's applicable when writing characters as well. Make us privy to their war and show us how they wage it, and you'll have written a great character. Also, I've never read a Palahniuk book that I enjoyed, so I gave up on him. I read everything up to Haunted and that North Korean spy one (I guess circa 2000ish?), and just gave up. He writes absolute nonsense.