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tanyagold's review against another edition
Chuck Wendig encourages writers to think beyond some of the more prescriptive 'rules' of storytelling to develop their own style. If you appreciate Wendig's humor, you'll probably enjoy this.
chylu's review against another edition
5.0
An inspiring and encouraging read. I especially loved the second chapter, with its emphasis on how characters *are* the story: characters *are* their problem, and their solution to that problem *is* the story.
I also appreciate that Wendig sticks to a small handful of well-known stories (primarily Star Wars, Die Hard, The Princess Bride, and Buffy) to explain his thought processes. I've read more than a few craft books (and I wouldn't call this a craft book per se as it's not about "how to write" but more about what makes a good story -- but for the purposes of this review I'll call it a craft book) that only refer to the author's OWN BOOKS to illustrate their theories. I tend to put those books down well before finishing them.
I'd recommend this for any storytellers, particularly if you're tired of the "THIS IS HOW TO WRITE A BOOK"-type craft books that promise to show you the magic formula. Those can be useful to have in your toolkit and in your subconscious while you work, but I find a book like this much more organic and applicable.
I also appreciate that Wendig sticks to a small handful of well-known stories (primarily Star Wars, Die Hard, The Princess Bride, and Buffy) to explain his thought processes. I've read more than a few craft books (and I wouldn't call this a craft book per se as it's not about "how to write" but more about what makes a good story -- but for the purposes of this review I'll call it a craft book) that only refer to the author's OWN BOOKS to illustrate their theories. I tend to put those books down well before finishing them.
I'd recommend this for any storytellers, particularly if you're tired of the "THIS IS HOW TO WRITE A BOOK"-type craft books that promise to show you the magic formula. Those can be useful to have in your toolkit and in your subconscious while you work, but I find a book like this much more organic and applicable.
its_kievan's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.5
A really great and insightful look at the mechanics of telling compelling stories… unfortunately accompanied by obnoxious Reddit-y “humour”.
antifragile_tactical's review against another edition
5.0
This is in the top 3 books about writing I've ever read, and I've read most of them. Chuck Wendig writes in the most engaging fashion when he's spurring you to improve your craft, and - well, I was going to say this book is no exception, but in fact it surpasses even the excellent pieces he's put out in the past. Using a mix of personal anecdote, family anecdote (oh man, do I wish I could have met Chuck's father!), pop culture references, and some of the most creative profanity I've ever seen in print, Chuck dispenses wisdom about how to write in such an inspiring and memorable manner that I had to pry myself away from the keyboard each night after reading a chapter. Every section I finished gave me new ideas about how to take my writing to the next level, or made me question the very foundations of the story I'm working on (in a productive way), or reinforced the lessons I already understood at a subconscious level but could never have actually explained using, ya know, my words. The book is laid out in a well-structured manner, with cohesive chapters and interludes that serve to reinforce the learning the reader has just gone through. And, Chuck being Chuck, he just couldn't resist finishing with an extra list of "50 Things You Should Know As A Writer." If you're an author - of any degree of experience - I'd advise you to read this fun, accessible, beautifully informative book.
brhillmann's review against another edition
5.0
Finally! A book about writing that feels like I can actually use it!
Wendig's humor aligns with my sense of humor, so I appreciate the voice and sometimes (pointed) silliness that comes with this guide. That might say more about me than the book, but that can't be helped.
I'm used to writing advice that reads like an English class lecture. Wendig breaks writing down in a sensible, accessible way, focused on characters first, story as a result, and theme if you want to. His explanation of beats and structure is familiar to the ways I learned about them as a theatre major for both writing and analyzing scripts. Damn Fine Story uses a broader brush and a variety familiar story examples that doesn't leave me scratching my head, as some writing advice can feel incredibly esoteric.
Wendig's humor aligns with my sense of humor, so I appreciate the voice and sometimes (pointed) silliness that comes with this guide. That might say more about me than the book, but that can't be helped.
I'm used to writing advice that reads like an English class lecture. Wendig breaks writing down in a sensible, accessible way, focused on characters first, story as a result, and theme if you want to. His explanation of beats and structure is familiar to the ways I learned about them as a theatre major for both writing and analyzing scripts. Damn Fine Story uses a broader brush and a variety familiar story examples that doesn't leave me scratching my head, as some writing advice can feel incredibly esoteric.
zimlicious's review against another edition
5.0
Chuck Wendig öncelikle hem çok komik bir adam hem de tam bir “geek.” Bazılarınız dilimize de çevrilmiş olan Karabakal kitabını okumuş olabilir. Bazılarınız Star Wars kitaplarından birini okumuş olabilir. Bazılarınız yazdığı veya yazar ekibinde bulunduğu çizgi romanları okumuş, dizi veya filmleri izlemiş olabilir. Hikâye anlatmak hakkında bir kitabı olduğunu görünce de tabii ki dayanamadım çünkü konular spesifik olsa da adam hikâye denen şeyi her formata başarılı bir şekilde uyarlamış. Neler söyleyeceğini ve ne gibi önerilerde bulunacağını çok merak ettim tabii ki.
Baştan şunu da söyleyeyim: Star Wars ve Die Hard filmlerinden çok fazla örnek veriyor. Eğer bu filmlere aşina değilseniz örnekler pek de işinize yaramayabilir. Uyarmadı demeyin!
Devamı: https://zimlicious.com/chuck-wendig-ile-eglenceli-bir-iyi-hikaye-nasil-yazilir-dersi/?utm_source=GR&utm_medium=LINK&utm_campaign=DAMNFINESTORY
Baştan şunu da söyleyeyim: Star Wars ve Die Hard filmlerinden çok fazla örnek veriyor. Eğer bu filmlere aşina değilseniz örnekler pek de işinize yaramayabilir. Uyarmadı demeyin!
Devamı: https://zimlicious.com/chuck-wendig-ile-eglenceli-bir-iyi-hikaye-nasil-yazilir-dersi/?utm_source=GR&utm_medium=LINK&utm_campaign=DAMNFINESTORY
mscottfowler's review against another edition
5.0
Lots of practical tips expressed with candid humor. Love it.
cdubiel's review against another edition
5.0
Chuck Wendig is a Damn Fine Storyteller, so I thought I'd pick up this book to find out the tools of his trade. I really enjoyed the book - it was hilarious (I read parts out loud to my husband) and took a billion notes.