Two things from Chuck I've already internalized: 1) avoid abstractions and 2) cut the tennis match dialogue. The first is really useful because I write contemporary corporate thrillers, meaning there's loads of numbers. By using metaphors or similes instead, it's really improved the flow and keeps the reader engaged. On the second, I tend to have lots of dialogue heavy scenes. I'll continue to do that, but what I've learned is to cut the fluff lines, which really does ratchet up the intensity.
Wil: hopefully you saw that in the Bruce vs. Tony back and forth. By never letting Bruce get a word in, the tension/dread just kept escalating. Or so I hoped.
Great post. What’s the submission process for Chuck’s Substack? I’ve seen him reading stories in a cafe, and posting critiques. Does he still do this? Super cool.
I am so glad I discovered his Substack!! I agree wholeheartedly, his generosity is astounding. Such a gift to writers everywhere.
Two things from Chuck I've already internalized: 1) avoid abstractions and 2) cut the tennis match dialogue. The first is really useful because I write contemporary corporate thrillers, meaning there's loads of numbers. By using metaphors or similes instead, it's really improved the flow and keeps the reader engaged. On the second, I tend to have lots of dialogue heavy scenes. I'll continue to do that, but what I've learned is to cut the fluff lines, which really does ratchet up the intensity.
Wil: hopefully you saw that in the Bruce vs. Tony back and forth. By never letting Bruce get a word in, the tension/dread just kept escalating. Or so I hoped.
Yes, I agree; the tension escalated!
Feel free to comment how Chuck has helped/inspired you.
Great post. What’s the submission process for Chuck’s Substack? I’ve seen him reading stories in a cafe, and posting critiques. Does he still do this? Super cool.
Subscribe to his substack to share one of your stories and to read his previous critiques, under his Gloves Off: posts.
Thank you for the tip! Going to go paid, making 2 paid subscriptions for me. Both writers I admire. I guess this is my unofficial MFA lol
He chooses randomly. Super cool.
https://chuckpalahniuk.substack.com/p/a-call-for-stories-iii?r=7wj54&utm_medium=ios