Sign in with Facebook
283rd out of 1,388 books
—
1,674 voters
250 Things You Should Know About Writing
by
Chuck Wendig (Goodreads Author)
“Chuck Wendig hammers out writing and career advice that's always brave, profane, creative, clever, and honest. And don't forget hilarious. You'll never laugh so hard learning so much." – Matt Forbeck, game designer and author of AMORTALS and VEGAS KNIGHTS (Angry Robot).
“You walk into this book a quivering neophyte crusted with writer fantasies and walk away a seasoned wor...more
“You walk into this book a quivering neophyte crusted with writer fantasies and walk away a seasoned wor...more
Kindle Edition, 96 pages
Published
by Terribleminds
(first published July 16th 2011)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
695)
I bought this little gem of a book for 77p on my Kindle, and wasn't really expecting much. Let's face it, books are normally that cheap for a reason, right?
Well, I was proved wrong.
This isn't a particularly long book (Amazon tells me it is 96 pages), but there is a lot of information packed in here. As far as writing advice goes, it's no nonsense, butt-kicking advice that makes you want to just go out there (metaphorically) and write. Chuck Wendig reminds me why I wanted to become a writer in th...more
Well, I was proved wrong.
This isn't a particularly long book (Amazon tells me it is 96 pages), but there is a lot of information packed in here. As far as writing advice goes, it's no nonsense, butt-kicking advice that makes you want to just go out there (metaphorically) and write. Chuck Wendig reminds me why I wanted to become a writer in th...more
The character is the hero, the writer is the villain. Chuck Wendig is the grinning devil sitting on the writer's shoulder.
"If you're not succeeding at writing, you've nobody to blame but yourself."
This is why I love Chuck's advice so much---he kicks your lazy butt from here to Hades and gets your wheels spinning and your gears rattling.
This book takes you through the bowels of writing and sharpens your teeth, reminding you of the reason you wanted to put up with the ordeal of storytelling in th...more
"If you're not succeeding at writing, you've nobody to blame but yourself."
This is why I love Chuck's advice so much---he kicks your lazy butt from here to Hades and gets your wheels spinning and your gears rattling.
This book takes you through the bowels of writing and sharpens your teeth, reminding you of the reason you wanted to put up with the ordeal of storytelling in th...more
I am a big fan of Mr Wendig. It started with Irregular Creatures which is equal parts bizarre and brilliant. Then I bought Confessions of a Freelance Penmonkey which is a hilarious and informative collection of his blog posts about writing. I also have Double Dead on pre-order, and the first of Mr Wendig’s two novels with Angry Robot Books in my ebook subscription package next year. Hmmm, that seems like almost stalker levels of fandom.
There is a one star review of this book on Amazon US that mo...more
There is a one star review of this book on Amazon US that mo...more
A quick-reading and very accessible book about writing. Chuck Wendig takes a short winded approach to talking about the craft of writing. His 250 (actually 275) things we should know are broken down into 25 things for each section. Each one is filled with excellent advice, witty observation, and bizarre profanity. Despite this lighthearted attitude, he doesn't skimp on suggestions, and even takes the time to expand upon the true meaning of certain old chestnuts we've all heard before.
Despite the...more
Despite the...more
Fabulous book; laughed so hard I almost wet myself a few times. Is any of the information brand spanking new? Some; mostly it's things I've heard and read before, but presented in a way that's so entertaining they have a better chance of sticking in the little pea-brain I call my mind.
I love that he doesn't treat Writing as the Great Holy Quest which must be treated with All Due Reverence (cue music; genuflect now.) Lots of profanity (which should not offend anyone trying to write, we use it at...more
I love that he doesn't treat Writing as the Great Holy Quest which must be treated with All Due Reverence (cue music; genuflect now.) Lots of profanity (which should not offend anyone trying to write, we use it at...more
This book is a keeper even though there's nothing in it that's new for me. But I didn't expect there to be, nor did he, I think. However, what he says - new or not - bears repeating and being heard again and again.
The fact that he's so irreverently, hysterically funny is just the icing on the cake. His humor fits perfectly with what I like to hear many times. It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of humor though. Check out his website, for sure.
I will continue to throw money at this man and buy as...more
The fact that he's so irreverently, hysterically funny is just the icing on the cake. His humor fits perfectly with what I like to hear many times. It's not a one-size-fits-all kind of humor though. Check out his website, for sure.
I will continue to throw money at this man and buy as...more
Not a good present for your grandmother. Or your maiden aunt. Or for your best friend who has to hide a book called Spellwright from her dad because he'd think it was Satanic. Basically, not for those easily offended, wary of profanity, or probably politically correct -- I don't remember bigoted slurs or gendered insults, but there's such a cornucopia of obscenity that I wouldn't be surprised.
Still, Wendig's book on writing is full of robust sensible advice, delivered with humour and in easily d...more
Still, Wendig's book on writing is full of robust sensible advice, delivered with humour and in easily d...more
Chuck Wendig is the deal. I learnt more about what makes a good story and how to get there from reading this book than I did reading in four years of an Honours English Lit degree. I could tell you more, but If you're interested you should just buy the damn thing (99c from the Amazon Kindle store) and read it yourself.
A warning, though: Wendig works blue - if you're offended by language or colourful verbal illustrations suggesting where certain people should place certain things, then you might...more
A warning, though: Wendig works blue - if you're offended by language or colourful verbal illustrations suggesting where certain people should place certain things, then you might...more
From my blog: http://serialdistractions.com
Here gonzo penmonkey Chuck Windig lays out 250…no, 275 (I’ll let him explain) things that anyone who puts virtual or actual ink to virtual or actual paper should…no needs…to know about this wild distemper known as the writing life. If you’ve followed his excellent blog “TERRIBLEMINDS” then you’re familiar with Chuck’s no-holds-barred approach to discourse. This book is a roller-coaster ride of great advice that has been collected from the blog–advice de...more
Here gonzo penmonkey Chuck Windig lays out 250…no, 275 (I’ll let him explain) things that anyone who puts virtual or actual ink to virtual or actual paper should…no needs…to know about this wild distemper known as the writing life. If you’ve followed his excellent blog “TERRIBLEMINDS” then you’re familiar with Chuck’s no-holds-barred approach to discourse. This book is a roller-coaster ride of great advice that has been collected from the blog–advice de...more
Jan 09, 2012
Seth Swanson
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone who writes like they can't stop
Shelves:
writing-reference
I'm not entirely sure how I stumbled upon Chuck Wendig on Twitter but this book makes me glad I did. Being in the middle of bettering myself as both a person and a writer I'm trying to read some books on writing and publishing. So, I picked up 250 Things, mostly because it was only a couple bucks on Amazon and I'm a cheap little jerk.
What I found has probably ended up bettering me as an author...though definitely not as a person as I find I want to use the word / term 'motherf---er' a lot more n...more
What I found has probably ended up bettering me as an author...though definitely not as a person as I find I want to use the word / term 'motherf---er' a lot more n...more
This is a quick read book that I'd recommend to anyone thinking about being a writer who also does not mind a lot of foul language. Let me repeat, a lot of foul language.
Despite the language, though, I found the book to be more encouraging than I expected it to be. I came away with the understanding that 1) If I worked reallly hard at it, and wasn't afraid of a lot of rejection, i might eventually publish a novel and (2) That II should not quit my day job.
It was an enjoyable and helpful read.
Despite the language, though, I found the book to be more encouraging than I expected it to be. I came away with the understanding that 1) If I worked reallly hard at it, and wasn't afraid of a lot of rejection, i might eventually publish a novel and (2) That II should not quit my day job.
It was an enjoyable and helpful read.
In a sea of overly serious, thick and humorless books of writing, this one stands out. It's made up of short little articles, 25 points each, each list for a different aspect of writing. Oh, and did I mention it's hilarious?
While not all the points work for me, the author states, right off the bat, that not all tips work for all people. That's refreshing. Really, really refreshing.
For quick tips on writing, with a bit of sass, I definitely recommend this book.
While not all the points work for me, the author states, right off the bat, that not all tips work for all people. That's refreshing. Really, really refreshing.
For quick tips on writing, with a bit of sass, I definitely recommend this book.
I thought this book had some really terrific advice, split into 25 pieces of advice each across 11 different sections (yes, he knows that's 275). I also thought he cursed too much for not really any very good reason -- he thought it was funny, perhaps? I did laugh several times at his pithy witticisms, but I frankly thought he might have considered that high school creative writing teachers cannot use his otherwise-ideal book in his class.
Hodně vtipně napsaná kniha s 275 radami (přestože je v názvu číslovka 250, ale to autor vysvětluje hned ze začátku). Tedy vtipně pro mě, bude to asi subjektivní pohled. Záleží jak moc máte rádi sprostý humor a slovo motherfucker, stejně jako autor. Některé věci tedy už vím, ale každý autor vám dá kousek svého pohledu a o je vždycky zajímavé. Občas jsem se v tramvaji vážně musel držet, abych nevybuchl smíchy, takže dám 5 hvězd. Další kniha, ke které se rád vrátím.
Aug 18, 2011
Becky Black
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Writers who can take a good dose of reality
Shelves:
2011-read
A collection of 10 of Chuck's 25 things you need to know about... from his Terribleminds blog. For this tiny price it's handy to have them all in one place, accessible any time and it will be good to dip into again. Probably best to read a list per day, rather than start to end, otherwise it will all blur together too much
Funny, useful, pulls no punches, sweary - oh so very sweary. Don't give it to your granny to read. Unless she's a total potty-mouthed old bitch who taught you how to swear. :D
Funny, useful, pulls no punches, sweary - oh so very sweary. Don't give it to your granny to read. Unless she's a total potty-mouthed old bitch who taught you how to swear. :D
Behind Chuck Wendig's foul and funny voice is some serious knowledge. I use this book as a source of inspiration. There are times that I may be wondering what's wrong with my current work in progress and when I look at this or the terribleminds blog, I always find something that leads me in the right direction.
There isn't a more entertaining book on how to improve your writing. Period.
There isn't a more entertaining book on how to improve your writing. Period.
This book is definitely not for everyone, but if you can stand the truth being thrown in your face like a cup of scalding coffee, there is a lot to learn. Chuck really knows how to get his point across in the most graphic way, and you know exactly when he's calling you out.
While a lot of the advice is not new (at least, to me) the presentation makes it hit home a lot harder, and helps build up enthusiasm for writing. The layout of the book makes it easy to sit down and read all the way through,...more
While a lot of the advice is not new (at least, to me) the presentation makes it hit home a lot harder, and helps build up enthusiasm for writing. The layout of the book makes it easy to sit down and read all the way through,...more
The table of contents are simple, the language is as well.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 25 Things You Should Know About… …
Being A Writer …
Writing A Novel …
Storytelling …
Character …
Plot …
Dialogue …
Description
This is my new writing guide.
Wendig, Chuck (2011-07-16). 250 Things You Should Know About Writing (Kindle Locations 97-111). Terribleminds. Kindle Edition.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 25 Things You Should Know About… …
Being A Writer …
Writing A Novel …
Storytelling …
Character …
Plot …
Dialogue …
Description
This is my new writing guide.
Wendig, Chuck (2011-07-16). 250 Things You Should Know About Writing (Kindle Locations 97-111). Terribleminds. Kindle Edition.
This was fun. It's a quick read, full of funny (verbal) illustrations about writing, writing properly, and writing WELL. Though I found certain areas to be repetitive and certain "jokes" to fall flat and feel forced (hence the 4 stars instead of 5), I think overall that this was a breath of fresh air and full of good advice to help the wayward writer get back on course.
There are some good ideas in this book. Some of the ideas are only slightly different sometimes from some of the other ideas, though. Trying to be prepared when I find something good to write about, and this really hit the nail on the head. I've read other tip books that only really had a few tips and really didn't give enough tips to cover every aspect of writing.
Straightforward and uncensored (though I'm sure it has been), Chuck Wendig takes you on a point-by-point run through lists of writing-related topics. Without adding extra flash, chunks of excerpts to prove a point, and in a tone that treats the reader as an equal, it's an easy read that is useful to anyone dabbling in writing, of any sort and at any level.
Go read this. Drop whatever you're up to and pick up Chuck's book, even if you're not into writing.
Why?
1. His style is unique and probably the funniest I've ever read.
2. It's actually useful
For a sample, check out his blog:
http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2012/...
Why?
1. His style is unique and probably the funniest I've ever read.
2. It's actually useful
For a sample, check out his blog:
http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2012/...
500 More ways to be a better writer is funnier, but this book makes up for it with useful information for the first time author. I'm going to have to pick up his story to see if he lives up to his own advice! :)
I didn't really need the 25 points on script writing, I might have left that out myself.
I didn't really need the 25 points on script writing, I might have left that out myself.
This is very informative yet concise book. I would rate it higher, but the vulgarity is...well, there's a lot of it. I'm happy to have read it once, but I will not read it again. Making uncouth and insensitive jokes may keep people rolling on the floor and help them remember the material, but I am better off without it. The information is relevant to those who desire to write well--but I'm sure there are many other sources worth checking out first.
I returned again and again to Chuck Wendig's blog Terrible Minds before I coughed up the 99 cents for this ebook. So much easier to have the information all in one place. I love his conversational tone, didn't mind all the F-ing swear words and got a lot of motivation and insight from each section. I can tell this is a book I'll return to again and again. A great buy!
Love love love. I always find Chuck Wendig's advice helpful and honest. And to the point. I like that he just says things without sugarcoating or coddling. Writing is a hard job and he is the first person I've come across, writing advice wise, that is honest and up front about that.
This has to be the most entertainingly earnest list of things to do and not to do in writing I've read to date. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Anyone that is not offended by the occasional use of, ahem, strong language. Very funny strong language. Off to the next list!
Loved it! despite the author's strange obsession with pants, it's very witty and no-nonsense book. The advice is sound, the insights - great. The language is crude, but funny. Recommend to everyone wanting to write better and not fainting after seeing bad words in print.
i started marking my favorite bits to quote in the review and half of each page was tagged for the first 1/3 of the book. The last 2/3 was just as good, though his style started to grate a bit by the last 40-50 things. and it was *still* good even then :- ) Seriously fun.
I love reading advice books written by authors who pass along their experience and/or suggestions about the writing, editing, and publishing process. So I did enjoy this book -- which didn't go into any real depth but offered, rather, a snapshot-type look at such things. While this author's style in delivering the message was sometimes funny, I was actually put off more often than not by the over-use of lewd descriptions and metaphors. I haven't read this man's published work, but I have heard t...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Chuck 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 th...more
More about Chuck Wendig...
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 th...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Gotta have a head like a wrecking ball, a spirit like one of them punching clown dummies that always weeble-wobbles back up to standing. This takes time. Stories need to find the right home, the right audience. Stick with it. Quitting is for sad pandas.”
—
8 people liked it
“Writers are made--forged, really, in a kiln of their own madness and insecurities--over the course of many, many moons. The writer you are when you begin is not the same as the writer you become.”
—
5 people liked it
More quotes…
Feb 28, 2012 08:56pm