“Consider This” by Chuck Palahniuk is my new favorite writing guide, and the lessons can be applied to any genre. This book was suggested to me by Stefen’s Books in Perth and, hell, does the author of “Fight Club” deliver.
The book starts with a warning against writing workshops where someone flatters your work and gives some vague direction – we’ve all been there. This book is a writing guide, pure and simple. Every page is jammed with as much practical, technical advice on the mechanics of writing as possible, all delivered in Palahniuk’s breakneck speed. The book tackles considerations like Authority, Tension and Dialogue, each section finishing with “So if you were my student, I’d tell you to read…” My favorite direct demonstration of a writing technique has to be the “Suit Story.” Read it – you’ll see. It’s one of those moments where you can physically feel the pieces clicking together in your head as you take it in. At this point I’m re-reading Palahniuk’s directions on Dialogue and Tension before I start any writing session.
Interspersed with the direct advice are “Postcards From The Tour,” snippets of strange stories in Palahniuk’s career, from moments of triumph to the embarrassing and awkward. My favorite of these would have to be “Arms Story.” Poor Chuck – he meant to make a harmless joke at his own expense that turned into an unintended disaster.
Let’s not get too gushy about this though. The book is a rapid-fire assault on writing, but I didn’t really get an overall sense of a united writing style until my second read through, and some of the basic building blocks of plot creation are hidden away at the back of the book. Palahniuk’s section on common tropes was blunt and honest but could have been longer. The “Stories That Spin into Madness,” plots starting with something strange or wrong that snowballs into a disaster is another hidden gem – but it feels like it should have been presented at the start of the chapter as a companion to the “Clock” and the “Gun.” Likewise, some of the lessons on Authority felt like they were more attached to the section on Dialogue.
But these are small, petty considerations compared to the sheer volume of practical advice that Palahniuk provides. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some great reviewers and two very talented editors. The first was a cultured older gent who used to write for the BBC, and from him I learnt the basics of pacing, and to write more show, less tell. The second is a driven professional attached to my publishers who has transformed my writing style – I’m still learning from everything she shares with me. Part of knowing that I was working with professionals was that neither pulled their punches. “Consider This” is written in the same vein. While Palahniuk has a lot of sympathy for the varied reasons people choose to write, he doesn’t shy away from describing the errors most of us still make – there’s even a handy troubleshooting guide that he’s attached to the back of his book.
Final call: if you have any interest in writing, buy this book. Now.
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