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pattykakes's review against another edition
5.0
I would have saved myself a lot of time, trouble and expense if Chuck Wendig’s book was the first writing book I ever read instead of the last of dozens. Because while all those dozens of books, good or mediocre, addressed the craft and the process, Wendig took the time to tell me something I actually needed to hear: “Don’t be afraid. You can’t be an imposter because storytelling isn’t for the few. It’s for the many. Stories are for everyone.”
And that right there is the underlying message of the entire book. Yes, he covers subjects such as structure and theme and characterization, but in the end, what he really wants you to understand is that we all have stories, and we all can learn to be good storytellers.
And that right there is the underlying message of the entire book. Yes, he covers subjects such as structure and theme and characterization, but in the end, what he really wants you to understand is that we all have stories, and we all can learn to be good storytellers.
rivera_jameson's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
I did very much appreciate the major messages of this book and the principles of storytelling and why people do it. It was uplifting in that sense! However, and this is just personal, I have never seen a star wars movie or die hard or most of the stuff Wendig talks about to illustrate his examples. I'm sure that these things would be helpful to someone to likes those or knew much about them aside from "Luke I am your father" and that die hard is an xmas movie, but I am not that person, and a lot of it felt vaguely boring to read. I just don't like star wars lol
cnvair's review against another edition
5.0
As someone who used to waste a lot of time figuring out my characters' favorite colors and shoe sizes while simultaneously fretting about THE PLOT™, this book was exactly what I needed. It's not a workbook and there's no pretending you can fill-in-the-blank your way to a novel; instead, it gave me a better understanding of how stories work and how different elements of story interact. Wendig's focus on characters is the the best "advice" I've ever gotten, and I not only enjoyed reading this, but started to make connections and work through problems in my own story.
cupiscent's review against another edition
4.0
The chief charm of this how-to-storytell book is Wendig's chatty style. It was a lot of fun to read. The advice itself is sensible and organic and very nicely focused on thinking about story, casting aside a lot of the often counterproductive clutter of "writing advice" and just getting to the heart of crafting good story. There's nothing particularly groundbreaking or life-altering in here, but it's a gung-ho and supportive approach, and I like it.
thatbookstoreguy's review against another edition
4.0
Approachable and highly unpretentious, Chuck jokes his way through this book of advice on cultivating your ‘damn fine story’. While most of the comedy runs flat for me, it keeps it an easy read, and it makes you think you’re listening to your goofy friend, which is welcoming in a book on writing. His championing of character and his refreshing take on theme brought new insight to my outlook on my writing, and I can’t wait to put pen to paper again because of it!
ceilidhnewbury's review against another edition
5.0
Yes. Just read it. Even if you don't agree with his points (which I do, his whole philosophy centres around characters driving the plot which is definitely how I feel), it's just hilarious. He's a great writer and it's a fantastic read. I got a lot out of it and I think everyone will.
camillalice's review against another edition
4.0
Damn Fine Story is a different from other writing books I've read, as instead of telling you how to write, Wendig tells you what forms a story and the elements of a good story (i.e. a story people want to read or listen to).
Chuck Wendig's writing style is very informal and sometimes rude (so beware if you don't like profanity). I found it work very well for the purpose. His explanations are clear, with loads of examples taken from popular films, such as the Star Wars franchise and Die Hard amongst other things. And it's also very funny. Because of the writing style and humour, it's quite a compelling, fast read. I think it would be fun to read even for someone who is just interested in reading instead of writing as it really explores how and why some stories work and some don't.
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Disclaimer : I received a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley and F+W Media.
Chuck Wendig's writing style is very informal and sometimes rude (so beware if you don't like profanity). I found it work very well for the purpose. His explanations are clear, with loads of examples taken from popular films, such as the Star Wars franchise and Die Hard amongst other things. And it's also very funny. Because of the writing style and humour, it's quite a compelling, fast read. I think it would be fun to read even for someone who is just interested in reading instead of writing as it really explores how and why some stories work and some don't.
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Disclaimer : I received a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley and F+W Media.
aliciabooks's review against another edition
4.0
CHUCK WENDIG HAS SUCH A SINGULAR WAY OF PHRASING THINGS, IT MAKES EVEN WELL-TRODDEN ADVICE FEEL NEW
tlockney's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not a fiction writer, but I love understanding the nature of story writing. Reading this book was far more enjoyable than I expected. Oddly enough, I hadn't read anything by Chuck before this, but based on his thoroughly demonstrated knowledge of storytelling and his sense of humor, I'm sure to read more.