“If it weren't for Chuck Wendig's advice, I'd have fallen off the writing map long ago.” — Karina Cooper, Author of Blood of the Wicked “In terms of style, Wendig reminds me most of Stephen King. There's a way of using somewhat fevered, rugose prose to describe both the beauty and horror of the mundane, then switching to a plainer mode when describing the outer limits stuff, that brings to mind King's 80s and 90s work." – io9.com * * * 500 WAYS TO TELL A BETTER STORY aims to help you be a stronger writer and a savvier storyteller. You’ll learn how to infuse your narrative with mystery and gain tips on tackling the first chapter or mushy middle of your story. The book answers questions like, “What is transmedia? Why is now the coolest time to be a storyteller? How do I write a fantasy novel? What’s this guy’s fascination with unicorns, pornography, whiskey, and profanity?” And, finally, “Where are my pants? I was wearing pants when I started reading this book.” The book roves giddily between advice that is practical, abstract, and downright satirical. Whether you’re a novelist, screenwriter or game designer, contained within you’ll find an exploration of what it is that we do – and how we do it better. (Warning: Okay, seriously? This book really is NSFW. It features a heaping helping of naughty language. Proceed with filters off.) 500 WAYS TO TELL A BETTER STORY contains the following: 25 Lies Writers Tell (And Start To Believe) 25 Realizations Writers Need To Have 25 Reasons I Hate Your Main Character 25 Reasons Now Is The Best Time To Be A Storyteller 25 Reasons You Should Quit Writing 25 Things All Writers Need 25 Things I Learned While Writing Blackbirds 25 Things I Want To Say To So-Called “Aspiring” Writers 25 Things To Know About Writing The First Chapter Of Your Novel 25 Things Writers Should Know About Creating Mystery 25 Things You Should Know About Creativity 25 Things You Should Know About Transmedia Storytelling 25 Things You Should Know About Word Choice 25 Things You Should Know About Writing Fantasy 25 Things You Should Know About Writing Sex 25 Things You Should Know About Writing Short Stories 25 Ways To Earn Your Audience 25 Ways To Fight Your Story’s Mushy Middle 25 Ways To Unf-ck Your Story 25 Ways To Write Full-Time
Author
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 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.
