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30 Days in the Word Mines
30 Days In The Word Mines takes you on a month-long journey of writing, offering pages filled with practical writing tips, motivational throat-punches, and ruminations on the craft of writing and art of storytelling. Whether you’re running with National Novel Writing Month or just want to hunker down and write to see just how far you can get, this book will help you every step of the way with a new tip, trick or thought every day of the month-long journey. From the mad mind behind terribleminds comes an original companion book to help you navigate the maze of writing every day. Good luck, and art harder.
57 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2014
18 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Wendig
182 books7,181 followersChuck Wendig is a novelist, a screenwriter, and a freelance penmonkey.
He has contributed over two million words to the roleplaying game industry, and was the developer of the popular Hunter: The Vigil game line (White Wolf Game Studios / CCP).
He, along with writing partner Lance Weiler, is a fellow of the Sundance Film Festival Screenwriter's Lab (2010). Their short film, Pandemic, will show at the Sundance Film Festival 2011, and their feature film HiM is in development with producer Ted Hope.
Chuck's novel Double Dead will be out in November, 2011.
He's written too much. He should probably stop. Give him a wide berth, as he might be drunk and untrustworthy. He currently lives in the wilds of Pennsyltucky with a wonderful wife and two very stupid dogs. He is represented by Stacia Decker of the Donald Maass Literary Agency.
You can find him at his website, terribleminds.com.
He has contributed over two million words to the roleplaying game industry, and was the developer of the popular Hunter: The Vigil game line (White Wolf Game Studios / CCP).
He, along with writing partner Lance Weiler, is a fellow of the Sundance Film Festival Screenwriter's Lab (2010). Their short film, Pandemic, will show at the Sundance Film Festival 2011, and their feature film HiM is in development with producer Ted Hope.
Chuck's novel Double Dead will be out in November, 2011.
He's written too much. He should probably stop. Give him a wide berth, as he might be drunk and untrustworthy. He currently lives in the wilds of Pennsyltucky with a wonderful wife and two very stupid dogs. He is represented by Stacia Decker of the Donald Maass Literary Agency.
You can find him at his website, terribleminds.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 1, 2014
This is a fun, easy to read kick in the pants for aspiring writers. I read it as a possible text for my creative writing class.
The conceit here, especially coming as it does at the start of this year's NaNoWriMo, is that Wendig, a prolific author and blogger, will guide you through 30 days of writing. It's a good conceit. It works and I can certainly see how reading a chapter a day at the start of your writing will give you a nice little push for the day's word count. And Wendig is a fun teacher, the kind you always wish you had in school. He curses, goes off on tangents, and generally doesn't feed you any bullshit. This is a good thing. There's not a lot of padding here. reading it straight through took less than an hour. And while none of his advice is particularly new or inventive, it's presented in a fresh way and he does offer some insight befitting his "I'm a professional, I've been doing this for a while" credentials.
What this isn't, however, is a book for base beginners. He gives solid advice, yes, but with no explanation or tutorial. It's like trying to learn plumbing without knowing what the wrenches are called. Once you have the basics, this is a wonderful way to push yourself through a month of writing.
The conceit here, especially coming as it does at the start of this year's NaNoWriMo, is that Wendig, a prolific author and blogger, will guide you through 30 days of writing. It's a good conceit. It works and I can certainly see how reading a chapter a day at the start of your writing will give you a nice little push for the day's word count. And Wendig is a fun teacher, the kind you always wish you had in school. He curses, goes off on tangents, and generally doesn't feed you any bullshit. This is a good thing. There's not a lot of padding here. reading it straight through took less than an hour. And while none of his advice is particularly new or inventive, it's presented in a fresh way and he does offer some insight befitting his "I'm a professional, I've been doing this for a while" credentials.
What this isn't, however, is a book for base beginners. He gives solid advice, yes, but with no explanation or tutorial. It's like trying to learn plumbing without knowing what the wrenches are called. Once you have the basics, this is a wonderful way to push yourself through a month of writing.
November 30, 2014
Rating: 4.5
Boy oh boy do I recommend this book. It's particularly helpful for the NaNoWriMo crowd who need words of encouragement and just a kick in the pants, really. It's filled with hilarious curse words and a certain underlying kindness. You never feel as if Mr. Wendig is talking down to you at any given point. He wants you to succeed. He will cheer you on and tell you it's time to stop procrastinating. He will give you writing advice. He will be an awesome companion throughout your noveling journey.
My co-writers and myself have gone above and beyond the original NaNoWriMo word count goal of 50K. We are still not close to finishing the story so we (or at least I) will use the super practical plan Mr. Wendig talks about in the appendix of this book. Writing 350 words five days a week. Weekends are off. It's practical, doable and amazing, just like Mr. Wendig's advice.
Boy oh boy do I recommend this book. It's particularly helpful for the NaNoWriMo crowd who need words of encouragement and just a kick in the pants, really. It's filled with hilarious curse words and a certain underlying kindness. You never feel as if Mr. Wendig is talking down to you at any given point. He wants you to succeed. He will cheer you on and tell you it's time to stop procrastinating. He will give you writing advice. He will be an awesome companion throughout your noveling journey.
My co-writers and myself have gone above and beyond the original NaNoWriMo word count goal of 50K. We are still not close to finishing the story so we (or at least I) will use the super practical plan Mr. Wendig talks about in the appendix of this book. Writing 350 words five days a week. Weekends are off. It's practical, doable and amazing, just like Mr. Wendig's advice.
November 28, 2015
Would you like to be a productive writer? Develop self-discipline in the literary arts? Then read this book. Chuck Wendig is a Golden God. I love this book, and all of his others.
December 7, 2017
This was an enjoyable companion to help keep me pushing through NaNoWriMo. I like how it is broken up into 30 day increments (and a short "after" section), which made for easily-digestible daily chunks throughout the month. However, as straight writing advice, it didn't do as much for me. There are definitely tidbits of wisdom to be gleaned here, but it's mostly geared towards pounding out a short novel in an even shorter amount of time (hence the title). The "after" portion had some valuable motivation for writing beyond such limitations, but as I said, it was very brief, as is the nature of this entire text (which is about 50-ish pages).
If you need the equivalent of a hyperactive, foul-mouthed but encouraging, monkey on your shoulder yipping at you to write write write your way through a time crunch, I'd recommend this book to you. If you're looking for detailed writing advice on a more general scale, I'd look elsewhere.
If you need the equivalent of a hyperactive, foul-mouthed but encouraging, monkey on your shoulder yipping at you to write write write your way through a time crunch, I'd recommend this book to you. If you're looking for detailed writing advice on a more general scale, I'd look elsewhere.
August 14, 2017
Designed for Nanowrimo or even a DIY Nanowrimo, this is a writing companion/guide. For the beginning writer I'd recommend 30 Days in conjunction with other writing guides that deal with writing style, plot etc. This is more tuned to motivation and reads like a Parris Island bootcamp for people who think writing is about doing nothing fast and spending long, lazy hours in a comfortable leather armchair. This book will have you writing while standing up, writing doing push-ups and writing while running twenty laps around your spongy armchair. Would definitely recommend.
January 2, 2019
Great writing resource
This is an excellent book for wannabe writers trying to finish their first novel draft. If anything, Chuck’s daily word count plan is worth the cost of admission. Basically, this book will convince you that if you have the time to spend 15 min on social media a day, you can chip away at a novel.
This is an excellent book for wannabe writers trying to finish their first novel draft. If anything, Chuck’s daily word count plan is worth the cost of admission. Basically, this book will convince you that if you have the time to spend 15 min on social media a day, you can chip away at a novel.
June 17, 2024
I'm not finished and this is rare for me to review a book before I'm done but holy balls Chuck Wendig bringing it in better than my university creative writing degree program that I will end up paying much more than I did for his book.
September 10, 2019
Short and salty, in Wendig's usual breezy style. It uses the 30 days of NaNoWriMo as a frame, but it's good advice for any time of the year.
August 7, 2022
He has a very unusual writing style but very readable and quick. Fun presentation and tons of tips. Got me really fired up to get to the keyboard! Very inspiring.
December 9, 2014
I found Chuck’s blog some years ago and spent a lot of time writing short stories for his Friday prompts. I’ve gone off them lately, not sure why, but I always read his blog posts. His advice is good; always profane, often funny and amusing but usually good. If you like his voice, you’ll love this. It is basically a blog post for each day of Nano but the advice applies to any creative endeavor or writing experience. Pity I didn’t have it when I was doing Nanowrimo2014.
This 60 page ebook was part of a bundled set he offered through his website. Like a lot of other Indie authors, they are finding ways to sell things at their own price, in their own way and through their own websites. DRM free or whatever floats their boat.
I find it hugely comforting that other writers struggle with self doubt, or as Chuck calls it… the mushy middle where there be doubt dragons.
He says his creative process constitutes (roughly) the following steps:
1. This is awesome.
2. This is questionable.
3. I hate myself and this story.
4. *cry-eats cake*
5. This is awesome.
I have a tendency to stop at the end of step 3 and start another story (because it is new and shiny and awesome) and then repeat steps 1 to 3. Sigh… I know. *smacks self in head*
So fight the doubt dragons and move on to the real writing process:
Yep… that sounds about right.
This 60 page ebook was part of a bundled set he offered through his website. Like a lot of other Indie authors, they are finding ways to sell things at their own price, in their own way and through their own websites. DRM free or whatever floats their boat.
I find it hugely comforting that other writers struggle with self doubt, or as Chuck calls it… the mushy middle where there be doubt dragons.
He says his creative process constitutes (roughly) the following steps:
1. This is awesome.
2. This is questionable.
3. I hate myself and this story.
4. *cry-eats cake*
5. This is awesome.
I have a tendency to stop at the end of step 3 and start another story (because it is new and shiny and awesome) and then repeat steps 1 to 3. Sigh… I know. *smacks self in head*
So fight the doubt dragons and move on to the real writing process:
Write, write, write and write.
Then edit, edit, rewrite, rewrite, edit, cry, flail, rage, swill coffee, punch elves.
Yep… that sounds about right.
December 18, 2015
This is more of a booklet than a book, but it's chock-full of great advice for anyone doing NaNoWriMo or otherwise trying to write a novel in a month. It's written in Wendig's trademark friendly, slightly insane, often vulgar style, very similar to his blog posts. It doesn't take itself seriously, and as such, it can help you not take yourself or your first draft too seriously.
Although the advice here tends to be pretty good, I found that most of it did not apply to me on the day that I read it! My NaNoWriMo project ended up being the first 50k words of a much longer novel, so when he was giving advice for wrapping up the book I was still well in the middle! As such I may have to refer back to it as I move further into my novel.
In addition to a short chapter a day for your 30 days of writing, there's a couple extra pieces at the end, including a nice plan for writing 5 days a week for a year that should give you a first draft at the end. It's a much more manageable pace than NaNo and I think I'll give it a try for wrapping up my project.
Although the advice here tends to be pretty good, I found that most of it did not apply to me on the day that I read it! My NaNoWriMo project ended up being the first 50k words of a much longer novel, so when he was giving advice for wrapping up the book I was still well in the middle! As such I may have to refer back to it as I move further into my novel.
In addition to a short chapter a day for your 30 days of writing, there's a couple extra pieces at the end, including a nice plan for writing 5 days a week for a year that should give you a first draft at the end. It's a much more manageable pace than NaNo and I think I'll give it a try for wrapping up my project.
January 5, 2016
I picked up 30 Days in time for NANOWRIMO, and it’s marketed to be read over this 30 day period. Each day gets you a new topic, or section, that will assist or inspire you to completion of the Challenge. It’s some very clever marketing, as NANOWRIMO is a large audience of interested people.
This ebook though was…fine, I guess. I have read four or five of his writing advice books now (in the last 12 months), and I guess it can’t be helped that some topics sound same-ish, or recycled. Also some of the sections were blank, or as good as. These super-short sections felt…cheap, or perhaps worse, a cheat.
Personally I would recommend some of Chuck's other writing books (the PenMonkey books or 500 Ways series) as I feel these are superior.
There is a slightly more detailed review of this book available here: https://uncertaintales.wordpress.com/...
This ebook though was…fine, I guess. I have read four or five of his writing advice books now (in the last 12 months), and I guess it can’t be helped that some topics sound same-ish, or recycled. Also some of the sections were blank, or as good as. These super-short sections felt…cheap, or perhaps worse, a cheat.
Personally I would recommend some of Chuck's other writing books (the PenMonkey books or 500 Ways series) as I feel these are superior.
There is a slightly more detailed review of this book available here: https://uncertaintales.wordpress.com/...
July 27, 2015
Estaba limpiando algunos viejos textos de mi primer y venerable Kindle (¿a donde fueron los últimos cuatro años) cuando eme encontré con este libro de Chuck Wendig y su nombre hizo que dejará todo y comenzará a leerlo, ¿por qué?, ¿es que soy un flan from hell? ...
No, este tipo está escribiendo Aftermath mi ruta preferida para llenar el espacio entre ROTJ y TFA y como faltan unas semanas para el Force Friday y no he querido leer el avance, esto es lo que me queda para saber que esperar.
No es una mala lectura para los que intentan el NANOWRIMO
No, este tipo está escribiendo Aftermath mi ruta preferida para llenar el espacio entre ROTJ y TFA y como faltan unas semanas para el Force Friday y no he querido leer el avance, esto es lo que me queda para saber que esperar.
No es una mala lectura para los que intentan el NANOWRIMO
January 19, 2015
A short, fun read for anyone writing on a daily basis (or any basis, really), with reminders of things I think most writers know but don't always remember when drafting a story. This isn't full of in-depth advice and techniques, but does cover the key aspects of writing through thought-provoking 'days'. The book is full of his usual snark, clear-cut kick in the pants encouragement and some humour-filled reminders of techniques or useful things to consider when writing a story.
My one criticism would be that some of the chapters are only a sentence or two long. If reading one page per day, I would have found these chapters frustrating. However, since it is a small book, it can easily be read in one or two sittings.
I'd rate this book 4 stars.
My one criticism would be that some of the chapters are only a sentence or two long. If reading one page per day, I would have found these chapters frustrating. However, since it is a small book, it can easily be read in one or two sittings.
I'd rate this book 4 stars.
April 7, 2016
So glad I got this book because it's going to be a great one to re-visit. As some people have said, it's basically one month of pep talks for NaNoWriMo or something. Sometimes it's just creatively graphic encouragement, and sometimes it's a helpful bit of craft regarding pacing or whatever. He's funny, knowledgeable and down to earth--the kind of person I'd love to have in my writing group because he'd be making me laugh too hard to be too hurt by his (doubtless spot on) critiques.
There's nothing profound or earth-shaking here, but there were notes on writing that I hadn't thought of or hadn't heard before, so definitely useful. And come on, how could anyone not be encouraged by his extravagant use of the f-bomb and anatomically improbable exhortations?
There's nothing profound or earth-shaking here, but there were notes on writing that I hadn't thought of or hadn't heard before, so definitely useful. And come on, how could anyone not be encouraged by his extravagant use of the f-bomb and anatomically improbable exhortations?
November 11, 2014
Rating due to lack of editing.
Consider this book to be a version of those grocery store advent calendars for writers, only instead of chocolate, you get little bits of advice. Some of it is constructive, talking about character growth and pacing, and some is just "you can do this." Both have their place, and you can get through this book in one sitting, if you so choose. Don't read this book if you're wanting to know how to create characters or to outline. Read it for little jolts of encouragement.
Consider this book to be a version of those grocery store advent calendars for writers, only instead of chocolate, you get little bits of advice. Some of it is constructive, talking about character growth and pacing, and some is just "you can do this." Both have their place, and you can get through this book in one sitting, if you so choose. Don't read this book if you're wanting to know how to create characters or to outline. Read it for little jolts of encouragement.
December 1, 2015
Perfect book for Nanowrimo
Chuck gives simple, easy to follow advice, encouraging words, and laugh out loud humor. He keeps each day's reading brief so you have no excuse not to check it, even on nano procrastinating days. My only caution is that the language is rough with a lot of "f" words, so if that offends you, choose something else. It was just what I needed, and after 13 years of Nano, I will admit to finally having fun. And of course, finishing. Now back to edits!
Chuck gives simple, easy to follow advice, encouraging words, and laugh out loud humor. He keeps each day's reading brief so you have no excuse not to check it, even on nano procrastinating days. My only caution is that the language is rough with a lot of "f" words, so if that offends you, choose something else. It was just what I needed, and after 13 years of Nano, I will admit to finally having fun. And of course, finishing. Now back to edits!
February 27, 2016
Thirty days of pep talks from Chuck Wendig...what's better than that? 30 Days in the Word Mines is set up to work alongside NaNoWriMo, with a pep talk ready for you for each day of the challenge. Of course, I'm a rebel and read it all in one sitting. It's full of writerly wisdom and kicks in the pants that are delivered in that oh-so-Wendig way--blunt and full of colorful phrases and f-bombs. The dude makes a good point. :)
Get off your butt and just write!
Get off your butt and just write!
June 1, 2015
As always Chuck leads by the teeth with his snark leash.
Planning on participating in NaNoWriMo? Just want to write a book in 30 days? Need a kick in the ass? This is the book for you. Chuck Wendig lays it out in a manner that will make you smile, cringe, vomit and perhaps cry in the corner for a few days.
Planning on participating in NaNoWriMo? Just want to write a book in 30 days? Need a kick in the ass? This is the book for you. Chuck Wendig lays it out in a manner that will make you smile, cringe, vomit and perhaps cry in the corner for a few days.
May 29, 2015
Pow. Broken down into thirty individual daily entries that provide insight, suggestion, consolation, and commiseration with the process of writing a book, this is the "baby development book" for your novel. As always written in Chuck Wendig's inimitable style (which, thank God, because I don't think our culture needs that many swears-happy people), I highly recommend "30 Days in the Word Mines."
June 21, 2016
If you want to attempt NaNoWriMo, or if you're used to the format and you just need a kick in the pants, Wendig does a great job of instilling motivational words into the 30-day format. He's also funny and the advice he gives is real - when you're trying to pump out a book in a month, it's nice to have someone calling you on the bullshit excuses you make up about not making your word counts.
November 19, 2014
The "NanoWriMo" Bible. Excellent and practical advice for getting by those hard spots during the writing journey with irascible humor, hilarious imagery and a good old fashioned drill sarge "get 'er done" mentality. Not too specific, not too broad - just right.
May 22, 2015
Watch out for poop encrusted monkey paw excuses
This book is great when you need a boot to the can writing inspiration boost. Quotable and a quick read. Belongs on any writer's reference shelf.
This book is great when you need a boot to the can writing inspiration boost. Quotable and a quick read. Belongs on any writer's reference shelf.
April 7, 2015
30 Days in the Word Mines made me feel like I was mining for gold! If you're an author and looking for inspiration, this book is for you! I couldn't stop reading. I laughed and laughed. More importantly, I came away motivated to write!
June 9, 2015
An interesting "you can do it" book. Not exactly my cup of tea but could be useful if you find yourself scared about writing. Oddly his best advice comes in the very end of the book, so if you do get it read through it is not very long and there are a few gems along the way.
July 13, 2015
Thanks once again to Mr. Wendig for another great writing book. This is short, sweet, full of not necessarily advice but something most of us need more than advice. HOPE. Wendig gives us this book of 30 days of hope. If you write and need a little more hope then read this book.
September 8, 2015
A fun book in Chuck Wendig’s usual irreverent and scandalous style, which suggests prompts each day for 30 days to get you writing. It also includes his 350-words a day plan which, if you’ve always wished you could write a book, will give you a way forward so you can write that a book in a year.
November 11, 2015
Encouraging and funny!
January 11, 2015
This may be my new favorite book on writing. I'm going to go back and read it a chapter a day as intended, because I just accidentally read the whole damn thing.
March 18, 2015
He's funny and inspiring!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews