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Damn Fine Story: Mastering the Tools of a Powerful Narrative
Hook Your Audience with Unforgettable Storytelling!
What do Luke Skywalker, John McClane, and a lonely dog on Ho'okipa Beach have in common?
Simply put, we care about them.
Great storytelling is making readers care about your characters, the choices they make, and what happens to them. It's making your audience feel the tension and emotion of a situation right alongside your protagonist. And to tell a damn fine story, you need to understand why and how that caring happens.
Using a mix of personal stories, pop fiction examples, and traditional storytelling terms, New York Times best-selling author Chuck Wendig will help you internalize the feel of powerful storytelling. In Damn Fine Story, you'll explore:
Fretytag's Pyramid for visualizing story structure--and when to break away from traditional storytelling forms
Character relationships and interactions as the basis of every strong plot--no matter the form or genre
Rising and falling tension that pulls the audience through to the climax and conclusion of the story
Developing themes as a way to craft characters with depth
Whether you're writing a novel, screenplay, video game, comic, or even if you just like to tell stories to your friends and family over dinner, this funny and informative guide is chock-full of examples about the art and craft of storytelling--and how to write a damn fine story of your own.
What do Luke Skywalker, John McClane, and a lonely dog on Ho'okipa Beach have in common?
Simply put, we care about them.
Great storytelling is making readers care about your characters, the choices they make, and what happens to them. It's making your audience feel the tension and emotion of a situation right alongside your protagonist. And to tell a damn fine story, you need to understand why and how that caring happens.
Using a mix of personal stories, pop fiction examples, and traditional storytelling terms, New York Times best-selling author Chuck Wendig will help you internalize the feel of powerful storytelling. In Damn Fine Story, you'll explore:
Fretytag's Pyramid for visualizing story structure--and when to break away from traditional storytelling forms
Character relationships and interactions as the basis of every strong plot--no matter the form or genre
Rising and falling tension that pulls the audience through to the climax and conclusion of the story
Developing themes as a way to craft characters with depth
Whether you're writing a novel, screenplay, video game, comic, or even if you just like to tell stories to your friends and family over dinner, this funny and informative guide is chock-full of examples about the art and craft of storytelling--and how to write a damn fine story of your own.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2017
317 people are currently reading
1779 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Wendig
182 books7,236 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 261 reviews
October 24, 2017
If you follow Chuck Wendig's TERRIBLEMINDS blog (http://terribleminds.com/ramble/) you'll know that his power lies in presenting information in easy to understand, fun to read ways with contemporary examples, a sense of humour, and not a little bad language. You learn with a smile. When it comes to writing, he makes you believe it's possible as long as you put in the effort: hard work, real thinking, and a determined attitude. Not that he promises success... but he helps you to believe that you are the right person to put down in words all those stories and characters you have acting out in your head.
This book is a distilled version of all his tips and tricks. There's nothing particularly new here, if you've read other books on writing, you'll most likely have seen some or most of this before. What you probably haven't done is read it in such an engaging way that it's genuinely a fun experience. It's full to the brim with practical, clear, essential guidance. Even if you weren't sure you could write before, or even want to, this will bring you to a more positive place and as he says, show you the rules so you know how and when to break them. Add it to your must-read list after King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.
ARC via Netgalley
This book is a distilled version of all his tips and tricks. There's nothing particularly new here, if you've read other books on writing, you'll most likely have seen some or most of this before. What you probably haven't done is read it in such an engaging way that it's genuinely a fun experience. It's full to the brim with practical, clear, essential guidance. Even if you weren't sure you could write before, or even want to, this will bring you to a more positive place and as he says, show you the rules so you know how and when to break them. Add it to your must-read list after King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.
ARC via Netgalley
October 17, 2017
I Googled "Writing advice for fantasy novels" back in 2015 and I clicked on "terribleminds.com" which is Chuck Wendig's blog. His humor and his advice were spot on. So I made regular trips to the blog and even entered a few Flash Fiction challenges. Eventually, I was curious as to how the guy actually writes! So I bought a stack of his books (the first three Miriam Black books and Zeroes)
I LOVE the Miriam Black Series SO HARD. One of my favorite book series ever!
This book, Damn Fine Story is my first "on writing" book I've brought home from Chuck but he has several others and I might just need them all.
This one is about the art of storytelling--not just all the rest of what goes into crafting a novel--but the actual story itself. The components-what makes a story--well, GOOD. Which we want, of course. We want to hook people and give them something compelling because there are so many things to be distracted by!
Social media
Netflix
News
So what grabs a reader by the nose and keeps it in the pages of your book? Chuck explains it all in an easy to digest, HILARIOUS way. The man is truly so funny. My favorite part of this book were the 50 tips at the back. I took so many notes during this whole read and then I got to that part and I was like, well I could have just used THESE!! But no, really, my notes will be so useful and keep me grounded while I write and I'll be referring to those 50 things A LOT! So this book will stay on my desk always. Right along, King's On Writing and Anne Lamont's Bird By Bird.
A must have for any writer!
I LOVE the Miriam Black Series SO HARD. One of my favorite book series ever!
This book, Damn Fine Story is my first "on writing" book I've brought home from Chuck but he has several others and I might just need them all.
This one is about the art of storytelling--not just all the rest of what goes into crafting a novel--but the actual story itself. The components-what makes a story--well, GOOD. Which we want, of course. We want to hook people and give them something compelling because there are so many things to be distracted by!
Social media
Netflix
News
So what grabs a reader by the nose and keeps it in the pages of your book? Chuck explains it all in an easy to digest, HILARIOUS way. The man is truly so funny. My favorite part of this book were the 50 tips at the back. I took so many notes during this whole read and then I got to that part and I was like, well I could have just used THESE!! But no, really, my notes will be so useful and keep me grounded while I write and I'll be referring to those 50 things A LOT! So this book will stay on my desk always. Right along, King's On Writing and Anne Lamont's Bird By Bird.
A must have for any writer!
August 19, 2019
“This is not a book of writing advice. It’s not here to help make you a better writer. Rather, it’s here to help you become a better storyteller.”
...
If you all didn't know, I want to write my own book someday.
I have half a dozen story ideas in my head, and I've already written an outline for one of my books. Will I write a first draft soon? That question has haunted me for quite a while. AND it still does, but it's safe to say that Chuck Wendig's Damn Fine Story has pushed me to start writing my own book.
Damn Fine Story is a guide written by Chuck Wendig, an expert storyteller with a pretty well-known writing blog (that I will definitely check out soon). He breaks this book up into easy, digestible chunks that were full of helpful writing advice and witty humor that I enjoyed; nonfiction is hard for me to get through sometimes because it can be...well, dry. But Chuck did a fantastic job of keeping me engaged.
His tips on storytelling, character development, and plot were all really great, and I could definitely see myself going back to this book whenever I feel like I need advice.
Entertaining, helpful, and very funny, Chuck Wendig's guide to storytelling was a lovely look into the realm of narrative writing. With pop cultural references and several personal anecdotes that had me laughing pretty hard, Damn Fine Story was worthwhile read that has quick-started my own writing goals.
Writers of all ages: this is a worthwhile read that I highly recommend!
...
If you all didn't know, I want to write my own book someday.
I have half a dozen story ideas in my head, and I've already written an outline for one of my books. Will I write a first draft soon? That question has haunted me for quite a while. AND it still does, but it's safe to say that Chuck Wendig's Damn Fine Story has pushed me to start writing my own book.
Damn Fine Story is a guide written by Chuck Wendig, an expert storyteller with a pretty well-known writing blog (that I will definitely check out soon). He breaks this book up into easy, digestible chunks that were full of helpful writing advice and witty humor that I enjoyed; nonfiction is hard for me to get through sometimes because it can be...well, dry. But Chuck did a fantastic job of keeping me engaged.
His tips on storytelling, character development, and plot were all really great, and I could definitely see myself going back to this book whenever I feel like I need advice.
Entertaining, helpful, and very funny, Chuck Wendig's guide to storytelling was a lovely look into the realm of narrative writing. With pop cultural references and several personal anecdotes that had me laughing pretty hard, Damn Fine Story was worthwhile read that has quick-started my own writing goals.
Writers of all ages: this is a worthwhile read that I highly recommend!
November 30, 2018
Helpful
Enjoyable
Quite hilarious at times
I’m sure I’ll refer back to it now and again as I continue groping my way through my first ever story.
*makes sign of the cross*
*dry heaves into plastic bag*
I’m fine. Don’t send help.
I just have a bit of a fear response when it comes to writing fiction. It means so much to me, you see.
Perfectionism is a pernicious bitch, folks. For real. But I will subdue her. If it takes me the rest of my adult life. I will shut her up. And write to spite her.
Enjoyable
Quite hilarious at times
I’m sure I’ll refer back to it now and again as I continue groping my way through my first ever story.
*makes sign of the cross*
*dry heaves into plastic bag*
I’m fine. Don’t send help.
I just have a bit of a fear response when it comes to writing fiction. It means so much to me, you see.
Perfectionism is a pernicious bitch, folks. For real. But I will subdue her. If it takes me the rest of my adult life. I will shut her up. And write to spite her.
May 17, 2019
I like Chuck’s style. He makes me laugh. Out loud.
While there’s not a ton of new information about storytelling or craft in this book, I dare you to find a more energetic or entertaining presentation of the topic. Any book that can put a smile on my face whilst simultaneously giving me decent writing advice gets an A+ from me.
While there’s not a ton of new information about storytelling or craft in this book, I dare you to find a more energetic or entertaining presentation of the topic. Any book that can put a smile on my face whilst simultaneously giving me decent writing advice gets an A+ from me.
December 27, 2019
Fun to read, but more importantly, full of sound writing advice. This one has made me see writing with a slightly different perspective and gave me some good ideas to try. Love the snarky attitude of the author :)
November 12, 2018
And with that, Chuck Wendig's Damn Fine Story becomes one of my favorite books on the craft and art of storytelling.
Wendig delivers the lessons of this book from the key perspective that writing rules are... malleable at the best of times. He does not try to tell us how we must write. Rather, he begins with simple questions that largely stem from the idea--what are we trying to achieve? From there, he provides an overview and discussion of some key strategies and tools available to storytellers with the repeated urging--use what works and toss the rest.
It is difficult to find a piece of writing advice that is wholly and entirely new. And this book does not set itself up as containing fundamentally new thoughts on storytelling. Rather, Wendig works to offer new perspective on old advice, applying his spin and approach to some familiar core concepts. And he is greatly successful in this goal. Wendig presents these ideas in ways I have never quite considered before, bringing new insight to familiar lessons. And his advice for the application of these "rules" is refreshingly open, stemming from the writer and the characters rather than the constraints of what a story "should" be.
And mixed in to this discussion on art and craft, Wendig also discusses the idea of storytelling--its purpose and passion in our lives. His approach to a book like this is much what I expected based on what I know about Wendig's work--it's funny, conversational, sometimes crass, and always entertaining. Full of cultural references and offbeat humor, Damn Fine Story keeps its momentum from the first page to the last and proves itself a wonderful resource and inspiration for anyone interested in the act of storytelling--whatever form that may take.
Wendig delivers the lessons of this book from the key perspective that writing rules are... malleable at the best of times. He does not try to tell us how we must write. Rather, he begins with simple questions that largely stem from the idea--what are we trying to achieve? From there, he provides an overview and discussion of some key strategies and tools available to storytellers with the repeated urging--use what works and toss the rest.
It is difficult to find a piece of writing advice that is wholly and entirely new. And this book does not set itself up as containing fundamentally new thoughts on storytelling. Rather, Wendig works to offer new perspective on old advice, applying his spin and approach to some familiar core concepts. And he is greatly successful in this goal. Wendig presents these ideas in ways I have never quite considered before, bringing new insight to familiar lessons. And his advice for the application of these "rules" is refreshingly open, stemming from the writer and the characters rather than the constraints of what a story "should" be.
And mixed in to this discussion on art and craft, Wendig also discusses the idea of storytelling--its purpose and passion in our lives. His approach to a book like this is much what I expected based on what I know about Wendig's work--it's funny, conversational, sometimes crass, and always entertaining. Full of cultural references and offbeat humor, Damn Fine Story keeps its momentum from the first page to the last and proves itself a wonderful resource and inspiration for anyone interested in the act of storytelling--whatever form that may take.
Read
January 31, 2021welp, it's a shame I accidentally ordered two copies of this in paperback, because I don't like it. It's an introductory primer on storycraft and will be an excellent first book for anyone starting their, well, first book, but it is not for me. It didn't help that Wendig's humor in here grated on me. I own and enjoyed all his other writing books, and I like his blog, but I think I just reached my breaking point with the schtick.
And now I have to find a home for my two copies.
And now I have to find a home for my two copies.
January 13, 2018
There is good information here about the art of storytelling, and will appeal to fans of Wendig's style and voice.
However, I feel there are books that present this same information better, as well as stick to the point and are more concise.
However, I feel there are books that present this same information better, as well as stick to the point and are more concise.
October 30, 2020
Chuck Wendig is a very funny person. With his masterful book, on the craft of writing, he's managed to consistently deliver laughs while tackling lessons in story, character and narrative drive. After the initial read, I've found myself cracking open random pages for bite sized bits of wisdom.
February 13, 2018
This review and others posted over at
my blog.
This was actually the first book by Wendig I’ve read (I have read his blog before and need to do so more regularly because he’s fucking hilarious) and now I’m forever in love.
First up, if you haven’t done so yet, please read something – anything – by Chuck, even if it’s just his blog. His tone is what I aspire to convey and fall horribly short of. He’s sassy, sarcastic, vulgar, funny, feminist and inspiring. I’m a total schmuck for not reading his work before now – I even own some of his Miriam Black novels!
In case you can’t already tell that I’m going to rave about this book…it’s fantastic! Wendig is comical and relatable, yet delivers excellent writing advice. Oftentimes writing guides can be dry, or maybe too full of personal experience to be helpful (depending on what style works for you). Wendig’s book is primarily filled with his “rules” and the pop culture examples he uses to help illustrate them – which I found insanely useful – and then a few personal moments here and there. I’ve never enjoyed a writing guide so much before.
I tabbed the fuck out of this book for future reference and even went through with a highlighter as well! This is something I almost never do, but I know I’ll be returning to this book often.
Even if you’re not aiming to write books, scripts or even games, I still think you should read this book because I’m now dedicating my life to pimping Wendig’s work it illustrates why many of the classic films and stories we love are so good. He highlights what makes us empathize with and love certain characters, what action scenes not only grip us but deliver more information about these characters and generally gave me a better understanding of the parts that make up the media I enjoy.
Here are just a few comical quotes I’ve highlighted for your enjoyment (his footnotes are solid gold, by the way):
“The comic book format is what would happen if a TV show and a novel had an ink-stained, four-color baby.”
“Two words: Freytag’s Pyramid. Nope, it’s not the strange occult store that just moved in at the edge of town. Nor is it a game show, the new drug all the kids are doing, or a kinky sex move. Though maybe it should be a kinky sex move.”
“We like to think of storytelling as actual magic. Like we have a little wizard or witch hiding in our heart, and she’s the one who’s barfing inspiration into us – where we then translate that magical inspiration-barf to our fingertips as we write or to our jabbering mouth-hole as we in turn regurgitate the tale at hand.���
If that isn’t enough to convince you to read this book, I don’t know what is.
I highly, highly, super-fuckin-highly recommend this book to all aspiring writers (of any form of media), those who love media and aren’t opposed to figuring out just why they love it and Star Wars fans.
This was actually the first book by Wendig I’ve read (I have read his blog before and need to do so more regularly because he’s fucking hilarious) and now I’m forever in love.
First up, if you haven’t done so yet, please read something – anything – by Chuck, even if it’s just his blog. His tone is what I aspire to convey and fall horribly short of. He’s sassy, sarcastic, vulgar, funny, feminist and inspiring. I’m a total schmuck for not reading his work before now – I even own some of his Miriam Black novels!
In case you can’t already tell that I’m going to rave about this book…it’s fantastic! Wendig is comical and relatable, yet delivers excellent writing advice. Oftentimes writing guides can be dry, or maybe too full of personal experience to be helpful (depending on what style works for you). Wendig’s book is primarily filled with his “rules” and the pop culture examples he uses to help illustrate them – which I found insanely useful – and then a few personal moments here and there. I’ve never enjoyed a writing guide so much before.
I tabbed the fuck out of this book for future reference and even went through with a highlighter as well! This is something I almost never do, but I know I’ll be returning to this book often.
Even if you’re not aiming to write books, scripts or even games, I still think you should read this book because I’m now dedicating my life to pimping Wendig’s work it illustrates why many of the classic films and stories we love are so good. He highlights what makes us empathize with and love certain characters, what action scenes not only grip us but deliver more information about these characters and generally gave me a better understanding of the parts that make up the media I enjoy.
Here are just a few comical quotes I’ve highlighted for your enjoyment (his footnotes are solid gold, by the way):
“The comic book format is what would happen if a TV show and a novel had an ink-stained, four-color baby.”
“Two words: Freytag’s Pyramid. Nope, it’s not the strange occult store that just moved in at the edge of town. Nor is it a game show, the new drug all the kids are doing, or a kinky sex move. Though maybe it should be a kinky sex move.”
“We like to think of storytelling as actual magic. Like we have a little wizard or witch hiding in our heart, and she’s the one who’s barfing inspiration into us – where we then translate that magical inspiration-barf to our fingertips as we write or to our jabbering mouth-hole as we in turn regurgitate the tale at hand.���
If that isn’t enough to convince you to read this book, I don’t know what is.
I highly, highly, super-fuckin-highly recommend this book to all aspiring writers (of any form of media), those who love media and aren’t opposed to figuring out just why they love it and Star Wars fans.
February 15, 2018
Rock solid YMMV, for me. I haven't read any of Chuck Wendig's fiction, but he's one of my favourite writers on writing, okay, I find him very colourful and energetic, and practical, and reverent about the craft of it without getting too precious about it, very encouraging, very inclusive, I just really like his stuff on the subject, so much and quite a bit.
What really shucked my corn with this one was the near-total reliance on Star Wars and Die Hard to make his points. For one thing, it always twigs me a bit when a book about writing fiction uses movies and TV to make its points, for another, you won't know what the frig he's talking about if you haven't seen those movies, and finally, if you didn't like those movies--like I say, YMMV--I have to believe you won't care.
Maybe you will to begin with, but not as the book wears on... and on... and on.
He's brilliant about writing, he really is, but. Fuck off about fuckin' Star Wars, man. Your fixation is weird, okay, and coming from me, that means something. I can tell you with absolute certainty that if this book had been called Damn Fine Story: Watch Me Splooge All Over Star Wars For 300 Pages, I would not have bought it, no matter who wrote it.
Also? More than once, he claims that Angel turned evil multiple times on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and... he didn't, okay, he turned evil ONE TIME, and then kind of feral but basically okay, and then he pretended to be evil one time, and then he left the show. Get your evil teenage vampire boyfriend facts right or leave them out, man. I blame your editor though.
Also? 2: I bought the Kindle version, which skipped past the Appendix portion and straight to the rating when I neared the end of the book. If you bought the Kindle version too, and accepted the end for what it appeared to be, I highly recommend going back, because the Appendix is fantastic.
What really shucked my corn with this one was the near-total reliance on Star Wars and Die Hard to make his points. For one thing, it always twigs me a bit when a book about writing fiction uses movies and TV to make its points, for another, you won't know what the frig he's talking about if you haven't seen those movies, and finally, if you didn't like those movies--like I say, YMMV--I have to believe you won't care.
Maybe you will to begin with, but not as the book wears on... and on... and on.
He's brilliant about writing, he really is, but. Fuck off about fuckin' Star Wars, man. Your fixation is weird, okay, and coming from me, that means something. I can tell you with absolute certainty that if this book had been called Damn Fine Story: Watch Me Splooge All Over Star Wars For 300 Pages, I would not have bought it, no matter who wrote it.
Also? More than once, he claims that Angel turned evil multiple times on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and... he didn't, okay, he turned evil ONE TIME, and then kind of feral but basically okay, and then he pretended to be evil one time, and then he left the show. Get your evil teenage vampire boyfriend facts right or leave them out, man. I blame your editor though.
Also? 2: I bought the Kindle version, which skipped past the Appendix portion and straight to the rating when I neared the end of the book. If you bought the Kindle version too, and accepted the end for what it appeared to be, I highly recommend going back, because the Appendix is fantastic.
October 14, 2017
The poet Miya Angelou once remarked that people won’t necessarily remember what you said or how you said it, “but they will always remember how you made them feel.” The most memorable stories, Chuck Wendig insists, are the stories that make us feel. A good story can also make us think, and, quite possibly, entertain us along the way. But the way it makes us feel is paramount. This may well be why so many badly-written books routinely make it to the best-seller list: whatever we may think about an author’s adolescent mangling of the English language, their torturously limited vocabulary, or the utter dearth of style in their stories, those stories managed to make readers feel something—and, rightly or wrongly, that trumps good grammar and proper spelling any day of the week. But it doesn’t always have to be that way; good writers can become better storytellers, and that is the aim and thrust of this fascinating and extremely useful new book. In Damn Fine Story Wendig lays out the elements of effective, powerful, thought-provoking, memorable storytelling—not writing per se, but storytelling, whether through books, movies, comics, or games—often with a surprising depth of detail, in a fresh, engaging, sometimes-salty style, never too far above our heads, but invariably enlightening.
Like so many others, I became aware of Chuck Wendig through the insightful, often breezy and hilarious postings on his blog, terribleminds, which has become a regular on-line destination for many writers today. I picked up Wendig’s book shortly after finishing two other exceptional volumes on writing; John McPhee’s superb Draft Nr. 4, which deals with the craft and technique of ‘creative nonfiction’, and Benjamin Percy’s Thrill Me: Essays on Fiction, a brilliant, paradigm-shifting discussion of dramatic fiction that cannot be recommended highly enough. Insights gained from McPhee and Percy dovetailed beautifully with the ideas and concepts in Wendig’s book and reinforced them at a deep level. As a novelist and traditionally-published author of short fiction, I found myself referencing my own work-in-progress to discussions and examples in Damn Fine Story and this was immensely helpful! Following Wendig’s lead, I went back and chopped out a great deal of inessential material in my current novel, while working to tighten up the threads that bind the story together. This, for me, was worth the price of the book, along with Wendig’s 50 Storytelling Tips at the back, a concise summation of his many invaluable lessons.
We’ve all heard that old chestnut, “write what you know.” But that’s really a rather nebulous and silly, if not completely meaningless, piece of advice. Instead, Wendig exhorts us to “write what you understand… Write who you are… We are at our best as storytellers when who we are…helps to inform the stories we write.”
And what goes into writing or telling a great story? Wendig lays out six concise rules—more like guidelines—to help us understand the process. Stories begin with change, for “storytelling is an act of interrupting the status quo…a push between order and chaos, a battle between oxygen and the fire that consumes it.” The best stories are not about events, but about characters: “Between the character’s problem and the character’s solution to that problem lies the story” and it is “the small story [that] always matters more than the big story.”
How do you create conflict and build tension in a story? Ask questions! “Conflict is, in itself, a form of question. Implicit in every conflict, in every breach of the status quo, are a bundle of uncertainties…” And questions keep an audience hungry—“always hungry but never starved.” Wendig gives us no fewer than thirty-three building blocks of narrative tension in a chapter that’s nothing short of a didactic tour de force! Along the way, he often illustrates his points with reference to several of the best-known examples of great cinematic storytelling; the first Die Hard film, Star Wars (the original trilogy in particular), The Princess Bride, and The Hunger Games. While Wendig’s constant reliance on the same material becomes a tad monotonous in spots, it is invariably to a valuable end. It’s when he goes off in a more obscure direction that things aren’t quite so clear—honestly! How many people even remember the rather ponderous film adaptation of The Last Airbender? (That movie certainly failed to make me feel anything.)
Of particular interest to me as a writer of erotic fiction were Wendig’s many practical insights into the narrative potential of sex—which ought to be studied and taken to heart by every aspiring author of literary fiction coming up today! “A scene of sex or violence,” Wendig tells us, “doesn’t stop a character from being who they are, it reveals it… The great thing about sex as a driver of tension is that so many outcomes are possible…” Sex “is ultimately about characters, and about the tension of what happens when you smush [characters] together…”
Sex, violence, taboo and transgression are all deeply rooted in character and all highly effective catalysts for conflict, tension and story. “Every interaction between two characters…works in similar ways… A fight scene and a love scene are a kind of conversation, and they follow similar rules.”
That’s music to my ears! And these are only a few of the great insights to be found in Damn Fine Story. Chuck Wendig has clearly thought deeply about the elements of his craft, and that works out wonderfully for us, too!
Enthusiastically recommended.
Like so many others, I became aware of Chuck Wendig through the insightful, often breezy and hilarious postings on his blog, terribleminds, which has become a regular on-line destination for many writers today. I picked up Wendig’s book shortly after finishing two other exceptional volumes on writing; John McPhee’s superb Draft Nr. 4, which deals with the craft and technique of ‘creative nonfiction’, and Benjamin Percy’s Thrill Me: Essays on Fiction, a brilliant, paradigm-shifting discussion of dramatic fiction that cannot be recommended highly enough. Insights gained from McPhee and Percy dovetailed beautifully with the ideas and concepts in Wendig’s book and reinforced them at a deep level. As a novelist and traditionally-published author of short fiction, I found myself referencing my own work-in-progress to discussions and examples in Damn Fine Story and this was immensely helpful! Following Wendig’s lead, I went back and chopped out a great deal of inessential material in my current novel, while working to tighten up the threads that bind the story together. This, for me, was worth the price of the book, along with Wendig’s 50 Storytelling Tips at the back, a concise summation of his many invaluable lessons.
We’ve all heard that old chestnut, “write what you know.” But that’s really a rather nebulous and silly, if not completely meaningless, piece of advice. Instead, Wendig exhorts us to “write what you understand… Write who you are… We are at our best as storytellers when who we are…helps to inform the stories we write.”
And what goes into writing or telling a great story? Wendig lays out six concise rules—more like guidelines—to help us understand the process. Stories begin with change, for “storytelling is an act of interrupting the status quo…a push between order and chaos, a battle between oxygen and the fire that consumes it.” The best stories are not about events, but about characters: “Between the character’s problem and the character’s solution to that problem lies the story” and it is “the small story [that] always matters more than the big story.”
How do you create conflict and build tension in a story? Ask questions! “Conflict is, in itself, a form of question. Implicit in every conflict, in every breach of the status quo, are a bundle of uncertainties…” And questions keep an audience hungry—“always hungry but never starved.” Wendig gives us no fewer than thirty-three building blocks of narrative tension in a chapter that’s nothing short of a didactic tour de force! Along the way, he often illustrates his points with reference to several of the best-known examples of great cinematic storytelling; the first Die Hard film, Star Wars (the original trilogy in particular), The Princess Bride, and The Hunger Games. While Wendig’s constant reliance on the same material becomes a tad monotonous in spots, it is invariably to a valuable end. It’s when he goes off in a more obscure direction that things aren’t quite so clear—honestly! How many people even remember the rather ponderous film adaptation of The Last Airbender? (That movie certainly failed to make me feel anything.)
Of particular interest to me as a writer of erotic fiction were Wendig’s many practical insights into the narrative potential of sex—which ought to be studied and taken to heart by every aspiring author of literary fiction coming up today! “A scene of sex or violence,” Wendig tells us, “doesn’t stop a character from being who they are, it reveals it… The great thing about sex as a driver of tension is that so many outcomes are possible…” Sex “is ultimately about characters, and about the tension of what happens when you smush [characters] together…”
Sex, violence, taboo and transgression are all deeply rooted in character and all highly effective catalysts for conflict, tension and story. “Every interaction between two characters…works in similar ways… A fight scene and a love scene are a kind of conversation, and they follow similar rules.”
That’s music to my ears! And these are only a few of the great insights to be found in Damn Fine Story. Chuck Wendig has clearly thought deeply about the elements of his craft, and that works out wonderfully for us, too!
Enthusiastically recommended.
February 2, 2019
I got a lot more out of DAMN FINE STORY than I thought, and I'm super psyched about it. A craft book that uses Die Hard and The Hunger Games as examples? YES PLEASE. Probably the most accessible dissection of what makes for an awesome story. I highlighted and tagged so often this book is now mostly orange. Totally one I'll reach for while revising.
March 4, 2022
(For the Audiobook) Some of the best storytelling advice you'll get, broken down with relevant examples and thoughtful attention to the meaning of narrative. Patrick is a great narrator and it feels more like getting advice from a friend than a staunch, non-fiction instruction manual as some other books in it's genre tend to be.
November 15, 2020
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-i...
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-i...
December 5, 2017
Received to review via Netgalley; publication date 18th October 2017
If you want writing advice, this isn’t a bad place to stop. If you want advice on how to put a story together, this is a great place to stop. It has all sorts of anecdotes and examples about how good stories are put together, and sometimes about how well-known stories fail (think The Phantom Menace et al). It works just the same whether you’re talking writing a book, a screenplay, or sometimes even a good joke. Oral storytellers would benefit too — Wendig gives examples from his father’s oral stories too.
If you’re easily offended, though, maybe you want to avoid it. Wendig swears freely and relates stories his kid thinks are awesome, often scatalogical. He’s irreverent and sometimes he spoilers stories like Star Wars, or doesn’t but doesn’t in a way that takes aim at them, and… Yeah, just, if you have any sacred cows, you might want to avoid.
My main criticism is that sometimes the jokey asides just felt like filler. I enjoy Chuck Wendig’s humour and randomness at times on Twitter… it felt out of place in the middle of a chatty seminar on storytelling. Time and place, dude. Time and place.
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
If you want writing advice, this isn’t a bad place to stop. If you want advice on how to put a story together, this is a great place to stop. It has all sorts of anecdotes and examples about how good stories are put together, and sometimes about how well-known stories fail (think The Phantom Menace et al). It works just the same whether you’re talking writing a book, a screenplay, or sometimes even a good joke. Oral storytellers would benefit too — Wendig gives examples from his father’s oral stories too.
If you’re easily offended, though, maybe you want to avoid it. Wendig swears freely and relates stories his kid thinks are awesome, often scatalogical. He’s irreverent and sometimes he spoilers stories like Star Wars, or doesn’t but doesn’t in a way that takes aim at them, and… Yeah, just, if you have any sacred cows, you might want to avoid.
My main criticism is that sometimes the jokey asides just felt like filler. I enjoy Chuck Wendig’s humour and randomness at times on Twitter… it felt out of place in the middle of a chatty seminar on storytelling. Time and place, dude. Time and place.
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
October 26, 2019
Chuck Wendig's apparent thoughts on "humorous" writing:
- Why say "stuff" when you can say "shit"? - SO EDGY!
- Why use the correct quotation from a famous pop culture character when you can misquote on purpose and then be *handed a note* to inform you of your "funny mistake"? - HILARIOUS! hahaha
- If both of the above work, why not just use them over and over and over again for maximum effect? - MAXIMUM HUMOR hahahahaha
- If all else fails, just say "goddamn" a bunch of times so everyone will remember that you are edgy and funny.
Sure, there are some tidbits of interesting, valid theory on Story here (which is why I gave 2 stars instead of 1), but to get to those tidbits, you'll have to slog through the tedious "humor." If that sounds okay, or if you are the type of person that actually finds these kind of jokes funny, then read this book.
Be forewarned, however, that there are much more useful books on Story theory out there that don't have the off-putting humor and that actually use novels, stories, and other writing as illuminating examples instead of just "Die Hard" again and again.
- Why say "stuff" when you can say "shit"? - SO EDGY!
- Why use the correct quotation from a famous pop culture character when you can misquote on purpose and then be *handed a note* to inform you of your "funny mistake"? - HILARIOUS! hahaha
- If both of the above work, why not just use them over and over and over again for maximum effect? - MAXIMUM HUMOR hahahahaha
- If all else fails, just say "goddamn" a bunch of times so everyone will remember that you are edgy and funny.
Sure, there are some tidbits of interesting, valid theory on Story here (which is why I gave 2 stars instead of 1), but to get to those tidbits, you'll have to slog through the tedious "humor." If that sounds okay, or if you are the type of person that actually finds these kind of jokes funny, then read this book.
Be forewarned, however, that there are much more useful books on Story theory out there that don't have the off-putting humor and that actually use novels, stories, and other writing as illuminating examples instead of just "Die Hard" again and again.
October 14, 2017
I loved this book. Honestly, it's worth it for the last story alone. I'm still laughing.
So. On the writer's continuum, I've written a novel and am querying. I've written short stories which have been published and paid me. I'd like to write more novels and more paying things, and this book reinforced lessons I knew and opened my brain to new ones. All while making me laugh, smile, or nod sagely. I learned. I was inspired. I want to write even better than before!
It was never dry. The pacing was greased lightning (what does that even mean, really?), and I feel more confident as a writer now. When I turned the last page, I immediately handed the book to another person because they should read it.
Hence, the five stars. (also, his blog is wonderful and you should get his emails)
So. On the writer's continuum, I've written a novel and am querying. I've written short stories which have been published and paid me. I'd like to write more novels and more paying things, and this book reinforced lessons I knew and opened my brain to new ones. All while making me laugh, smile, or nod sagely. I learned. I was inspired. I want to write even better than before!
It was never dry. The pacing was greased lightning (what does that even mean, really?), and I feel more confident as a writer now. When I turned the last page, I immediately handed the book to another person because they should read it.
Hence, the five stars. (also, his blog is wonderful and you should get his emails)
August 31, 2023
Never wept during a non-fiction book before, so that's something off my bucket list. Now to pre-order THE NARRATIVE ANUS.
August 25, 2021
Damn Fine Story is a damn fine book on how to craft a good story in general. It is what it sets out to be: an entertaining introduction to what makes a story a, well, story. Chuck Wendig delivers his usual humor with a lot less swearing than I am used to from reading his blog. There is a lot of good advice in this book woven craftily with anecdotal tales that help to illuminate exactly what Wendig is attempting to convey.
One of the most interesting aspects of this book is that when story references are used, Wendig shied away from books. Instead, the references are mostly popular and well-known movies. In fact, there are a lot of movies that I love that are quoted in this book.
This is what I would call the book of common sense story writing. When you break it down, that's really all this is. This means there are a heck of a lot of people out there that really need to read this before they jump into the writing waters with two feet and eyes closed. It is also the kind of book I would most likely recommend to newbie writers... but maybe not the audiobook version. Some of the great jokes are just not translated well when read by a narrator.
However, for the more experienced writers out there, this book does have some things for you too. As I said above, we can all use a refresher when it comes to the common sense of how the ebb and flow of a story works. There is no denying that, but you may want jump all the way to the 'Index' of all things. I feel as though I should print the majority of that list out and pin it on the wall of my office.
If you ever needed a reminder of what makes a story tick, that list in the index is almost all you need. Seriously, if some people didn't need to have everything spelled out to them, that could have been all Wendig would have needed to publish. And yet, here we are.
So, while I would love to give this book 5 stars, I simply feel as though the advice doesn't really take us that one step further to be helpful for writers at all stages of their careers.
If you do struggle with the concept of how a story should flow in a way that engages the audience, if you love amusing anecdotes and/or Chuck Wendig, or if you just love the title, then get Damn Fine Story.
One of the most interesting aspects of this book is that when story references are used, Wendig shied away from books. Instead, the references are mostly popular and well-known movies. In fact, there are a lot of movies that I love that are quoted in this book.
This is what I would call the book of common sense story writing. When you break it down, that's really all this is. This means there are a heck of a lot of people out there that really need to read this before they jump into the writing waters with two feet and eyes closed. It is also the kind of book I would most likely recommend to newbie writers... but maybe not the audiobook version. Some of the great jokes are just not translated well when read by a narrator.
However, for the more experienced writers out there, this book does have some things for you too. As I said above, we can all use a refresher when it comes to the common sense of how the ebb and flow of a story works. There is no denying that, but you may want jump all the way to the 'Index' of all things. I feel as though I should print the majority of that list out and pin it on the wall of my office.
If you ever needed a reminder of what makes a story tick, that list in the index is almost all you need. Seriously, if some people didn't need to have everything spelled out to them, that could have been all Wendig would have needed to publish. And yet, here we are.
So, while I would love to give this book 5 stars, I simply feel as though the advice doesn't really take us that one step further to be helpful for writers at all stages of their careers.
If you do struggle with the concept of how a story should flow in a way that engages the audience, if you love amusing anecdotes and/or Chuck Wendig, or if you just love the title, then get Damn Fine Story.
March 7, 2018
This book climbed to one of my favorite books I have ever read... EVER read. That is huge. Chuck Wendig is now rubbing shoulders with Rowling and Tolkein on my shelf. I give it eleven HUGE thumbs up.
This is a writing book, a sculpted arch in teaching narrative, understanding it and molding it around any story you are telling. The way Wendig approached concepts was factual and candid, and completely relatable to any storytelling genre. He used several popular movie references as a guide to explain his ideas, something I'm grateful for, so nothing was over my head. Chuck never talked down, but only built you up, teaching you that YES you are a writer and you can totally do this. When I first started reading it there were so many phrases that popped out at me, I found myself annotating it, ANNOTATING! I haven't been inspired to write in a book since college, but I didn't want to forget this advice. It spoke right to my heart, the creative monster that runs it, and made it beat faster.
...and the footnotes. THE FOOTNOTES, PEOPLE!? Gut busting sarcasm that I had to share any time I could. It broke up the tension (a pallet cleanser) and made me forget I was reading a book to help me learn, and it made it so much more entertaining. I looked forward to every footnote.
But why I enjoyed this book so much was more that fact that it reassured me that I'm doing things right. That, as an author, I do understand how to structure a story, and seeing into another author's mind and how he does it famously, gives me a pat on the back and told me, little padowan, you can too be a Jedi.
I HIGHLY recommend this to all my writer/author friends. You will not be disappointed. I loved this so much, I might even Fangirl when I meet Chuck himself. Great... GREAT job!
This is a writing book, a sculpted arch in teaching narrative, understanding it and molding it around any story you are telling. The way Wendig approached concepts was factual and candid, and completely relatable to any storytelling genre. He used several popular movie references as a guide to explain his ideas, something I'm grateful for, so nothing was over my head. Chuck never talked down, but only built you up, teaching you that YES you are a writer and you can totally do this. When I first started reading it there were so many phrases that popped out at me, I found myself annotating it, ANNOTATING! I haven't been inspired to write in a book since college, but I didn't want to forget this advice. It spoke right to my heart, the creative monster that runs it, and made it beat faster.
...and the footnotes. THE FOOTNOTES, PEOPLE!? Gut busting sarcasm that I had to share any time I could. It broke up the tension (a pallet cleanser) and made me forget I was reading a book to help me learn, and it made it so much more entertaining. I looked forward to every footnote.
But why I enjoyed this book so much was more that fact that it reassured me that I'm doing things right. That, as an author, I do understand how to structure a story, and seeing into another author's mind and how he does it famously, gives me a pat on the back and told me, little padowan, you can too be a Jedi.
I HIGHLY recommend this to all my writer/author friends. You will not be disappointed. I loved this so much, I might even Fangirl when I meet Chuck himself. Great... GREAT job!
January 9, 2021
This is by far the most entertaining ‘writing advice’ book I have read. I could tell this was going to be a hilariously enjoyable book from the start:
“A lot of writing, storytelling, and even publishing advice is bullshit—but never forget, bullshit fertilizes.”
Wendig’s zany conversational writing style comes across as a mix of Douglas Adams and Mark Twain with a liberal sprinkling of Samuel Jackson that had me laughing out loud from start to finish. I would recommend the book for its entertainment value alone even if you really could care less about the writing advice. However, to those who aspire to write or write better ... I think this is perhaps one of the best books on writing I have read. Wendig doesn’t really give formulas, specific techniques or tools to help us write better. But he gives a mountain of deep insight into what makes stories great and does this in a highly entertaining way. I’m very much looking forward to reading more of Wendig’s stuff.
“A lot of writing, storytelling, and even publishing advice is bullshit—but never forget, bullshit fertilizes.”
Wendig’s zany conversational writing style comes across as a mix of Douglas Adams and Mark Twain with a liberal sprinkling of Samuel Jackson that had me laughing out loud from start to finish. I would recommend the book for its entertainment value alone even if you really could care less about the writing advice. However, to those who aspire to write or write better ... I think this is perhaps one of the best books on writing I have read. Wendig doesn’t really give formulas, specific techniques or tools to help us write better. But he gives a mountain of deep insight into what makes stories great and does this in a highly entertaining way. I’m very much looking forward to reading more of Wendig’s stuff.
January 15, 2018
Ugh, now I have to make room on the bookshelf that holds all my favorite writing books, because this certainly deserves space among them. It's a funny, fast-paced craft book about hooking an audience and ensuring they care about your characters.
Author Chuck Wendig uses pop culture favorites like "Die Hard" and "Star Wars" as cultural touchstones to illustrate his points, and well ... if you know me, you know I love me some "Die Hard."
That said, this book about crafting a compelling narrative isn't exclusively for writers. It's for oral storytellers as well, or even just people who want to understand the rhythm and pace of telling a good joke. Also Wendig will make you laugh with footnotes such as, "You don't 'eat' Taco Bell as much as you 'rent' it, and then return it to its natural habitat."
Author Chuck Wendig uses pop culture favorites like "Die Hard" and "Star Wars" as cultural touchstones to illustrate his points, and well ... if you know me, you know I love me some "Die Hard."
That said, this book about crafting a compelling narrative isn't exclusively for writers. It's for oral storytellers as well, or even just people who want to understand the rhythm and pace of telling a good joke. Also Wendig will make you laugh with footnotes such as, "You don't 'eat' Taco Bell as much as you 'rent' it, and then return it to its natural habitat."
June 24, 2019
While sometimes Wendig's style could be a little bit much (and I do read his blog, I feel like I just wasn't ready for 230 pages of it or something), I do think he's got some good things to say in here. Obviously I love a lot of his books (mostly the Heartland Trilogy, but I also really dug Atlanta Burns, and I read Zeroes too, which was pretty killer), and so I am more willing to take him for his word here, but it did make me think about some things. And it's not one of those 'obviously geared toward newer writers' books, which I also appreciated as someone who has been writing a while. I know to finish shit. I know to read a lot and write a lot. Wendig dug a little deeper, which was good.
May 25, 2020
Conflict, theme, and character, in 200 pages. Made me look at these in many different ways, so in that regard it's an effective book on writing and well worth the cost of admission.
However it was so sidetracked by needless, rhythm breaking jokes and tirades (often about poop, sex, etc) and bathed in pointless profanity that I found myself annoyed just as often as I found myself enlightened.
Also you *must* be familiar with Die Hard and Star Wars to get the examples.
Even though I hate the style, the substance has such focus and depth that I would still recommend it for any aspiring writer. In fact for many people this would be a 5/5 book because of, not in spite of the crass, unending (often extratextual via ridiculous, derivative footnotes) shenanigans.
However it was so sidetracked by needless, rhythm breaking jokes and tirades (often about poop, sex, etc) and bathed in pointless profanity that I found myself annoyed just as often as I found myself enlightened.
Also you *must* be familiar with Die Hard and Star Wars to get the examples.
Even though I hate the style, the substance has such focus and depth that I would still recommend it for any aspiring writer. In fact for many people this would be a 5/5 book because of, not in spite of the crass, unending (often extratextual via ridiculous, derivative footnotes) shenanigans.
February 8, 2018
I’ve read dozens of writing books, taken ten years of workshops, classes, and MA programs, but the secret formula for story still eludes me. There’s not much in DAMN FINE STORY that is new to me, but Wendig does a remarkable job of pulling all the relevant threads together and gives plenty of ideas on how to orchestrate the roles played by plot, character, pacing, dialogue, and arcs, not to mention theme, metaphor, and symbolism. As a bonus, it’s laced with his inimitable humor and attitude and you’ll learn the reason we all hate the Star Wars prequels. Highly recommended for writers and teachers of fiction writing.
December 31, 2018
There are all kinds of books about writing. Some are very technical and high minded. Some are meant to be helpful to the teachers of writing. This one is more experiential and more about the story rather than the craft. There is nothing about the proper use of semi-colon or pages of prompts and exercises. This is about the love of telling a good story written by a guy who writes for a living. It is accessible, amusing and thankfully encouraging. It is not how to write, but rather about the kinds of things you may choose to think about when writing. Completely engaging and a whole lot of fun, as it should be.
March 17, 2021
Poking the writing gods in the eye.
I truly enjoyed this book and the way the author explains the rules of writing, and how and why you should break them. He takes the pedestal that some people place writing on and wobbles it around. He doesn’t kick it over and totally throw out all the rules. Although, he does ignore the “Do Not Touch” sign and puts his dirty fingers all over the artwork. This helps to demystify the writing process and show that there are many paths, styles, and techniques that veer from the traditional models that so many textbooks say is the one an only approach. So, if you are tired of the stuffy snobbery of most books on writing, this could be for you. At the very least you will enjoy his anecdotes and stories.
I truly enjoyed this book and the way the author explains the rules of writing, and how and why you should break them. He takes the pedestal that some people place writing on and wobbles it around. He doesn’t kick it over and totally throw out all the rules. Although, he does ignore the “Do Not Touch” sign and puts his dirty fingers all over the artwork. This helps to demystify the writing process and show that there are many paths, styles, and techniques that veer from the traditional models that so many textbooks say is the one an only approach. So, if you are tired of the stuffy snobbery of most books on writing, this could be for you. At the very least you will enjoy his anecdotes and stories.
July 17, 2022
This is a terrific book on writing for newer writers trying to wrap their heads around how to get from point A to Z in a book. Wendig's voice is relatable and easygoing, while the book is littered with examples from movies (some of which are not Die Hard, but not many) in order connect clear dots and illustrate ways to make your story come to life and keep a reader's interest.
Wendig tells you upfront, but it should be noted before purchasing, this is not a nuts and bolts how-to write book. Rather, Wendig is more interested in analyzing the elements that make for--wait for it--a damn fine story.
Wendig tells you upfront, but it should be noted before purchasing, this is not a nuts and bolts how-to write book. Rather, Wendig is more interested in analyzing the elements that make for--wait for it--a damn fine story.
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