Consider This

What's "Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different" about?

• Author's Journey: The book is a memoir by Chuck Palahniuk, detailing pivotal moments in his writing career that changed his perspective and approach to storytelling.
• Writing Advice: It offers practical advice and insights into the craft of writing, drawing from Palahniuk's experiences and those of his mentors.
• Personal Anecdotes: The book is filled with personal stories and anecdotes that illustrate the lessons Palahniuk has learned throughout his career.
• Creative Process: It explores the creative process, including the challenges and triumphs Palahniuk faced while developing his unique voice and style.

Why should I read "Consider This" by Chuck Palahniuk?

• Insightful Guidance: The book provides valuable insights into the writing process from a successful and experienced author.
• Inspirational Stories: Palahniuk shares inspiring stories about his journey, offering motivation to aspiring writers.
• Practical Tips: It includes practical tips and techniques that writers can apply to improve their craft.
• Unique Perspective: Readers gain a unique perspective on the writing world, enriched by Palahniuk's distinctive voice and experiences.

What are the key takeaways of "Consider This"?

• Authority in Writing: Establishing authority is crucial for engaging readers and making incredible stories believable.
• Tension and Conflict: Creating and managing tension is essential for maintaining reader interest and driving the narrative forward.
• Writing from Experience: Using personal experiences and unresolved issues can fuel compelling storytelling.
• Community and Feedback: Engaging with a community of writers and seeking feedback is vital for growth and improvement.

What is Chuck Palahniuk's advice on establishing authority in writing?

• Authority Speech: Characters can demonstrate authority by delivering a speech filled with technical knowledge, surprising the audience.
• Get Small Details Right: Accurate details in storytelling help make the incredible seem believable to readers.
• Use Truisms: Incorporating universally recognized truths can lend credibility and relatability to a narrative.
• Nonfiction Forms: Borrowing structures from nonfiction can make fiction more plausible and engaging.

How does Chuck Palahniuk suggest creating tension in a story?

• Vertical vs. Horizontal: Balance the progression of plot events (horizontal) with increasing emotional and psychological tension (vertical).
• Clocks and Guns: Use time constraints (clocks) and hidden plot devices (guns) to build suspense and drive the narrative.
• Avoid Quick Resolutions: Prevent dialogue from resolving tension too quickly; instead, introduce larger conflicts.
• Occupatio Technique: Introduce threats by denying their possibility, creating suspense through implied danger.

What is the "Kitchen-Table MFA" mentioned in "Consider This"?

• Informal Education: Palahniuk describes his writing education as a "kitchen-table MFA," gained through informal workshops with other writers.
• Collaborative Learning: These workshops provided a space for writers to share work, receive feedback, and learn from each other's successes and mistakes.
• Mentorship: The workshops were led by experienced writers like Tom Spanbauer, who offered guidance and support.
• Community Building: The gatherings fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among writers, encouraging growth and experimentation.

What are some of the best quotes from "Consider This" and what do they mean?

• "Establish your authority, and you can do anything." This emphasizes the importance of credibility in storytelling, allowing writers to take creative liberties.
• "Action carries its own authority." Suggests that clear, physical actions in a narrative can engage readers and lend authenticity to the story.
• "Write about the moment after which everything was different." Encourages writers to focus on transformative experiences that drive character development and plot.
• "Language is not our first language." Highlights the importance of nonverbal communication and physicality in storytelling.

How does Chuck Palahniuk use personal anecdotes in "Consider This"?

• Illustrative Stories: Palahniuk shares personal stories to illustrate writing techniques and lessons learned.
• Relatable Experiences: His anecdotes make the advice more relatable and grounded in real-life experiences.
• Humor and Honesty: The stories are often humorous and candid, providing an engaging and entertaining read.
• Learning from Mistakes: Palahniuk openly discusses his mistakes and failures, offering valuable insights for aspiring writers.

What is the significance of "textures" in storytelling according to Chuck Palahniuk?

• Variety in Communication: Textures refer to the different forms of communication—description, instruction, and exclamation—that can be mixed in storytelling.
• Engaging Style: Using a variety of textures creates a natural, conversational style that keeps readers engaged.
• Authority and Intimacy: Shifting between first-, second-, and third-person points of view can control the authority and intimacy of a story.
• Big Voice vs. Little Voice: Alternating between objective descriptions (little voice) and subjective commentary (big voice) adds depth and meaning to a narrative.

How does Chuck Palahniuk suggest using objects in storytelling?

• Recycling Objects: Introduce and conceal objects throughout the story, allowing them to gain new meanings and significance with each appearance.
• Symbolic Evolution: Objects can morph into symbols that reflect character development and plot progression.
• Emotional Resonance: Recycled objects can evoke emotions and create connections with readers as they recognize their importance.
• Narrative Cohesion: Consistently revisiting objects helps maintain narrative cohesion and reinforces themes.

What is Chuck Palahniuk's perspective on writing workshops?

• Permission to Write: Workshops provide writers with the validation and encouragement needed to pursue their craft.
• Feedback and Growth: They offer a platform for receiving constructive feedback and learning from peers.
• Community Support: Workshops foster a sense of community and camaraderie among writers, promoting collaboration and support.
• Learning Environment: They create a space for experimentation and growth, allowing writers to refine their skills and develop their unique voice.

What are some unconventional writing techniques suggested by Chuck Palahniuk?

• Unconventional Conjunctions: Use unique conjunctions to create run-on sentences that mimic natural speech and build momentum.
• Subverting Expectations: Allow readers to anticipate outcomes, then surprise them with unexpected twists and revelations.
• Occupatio Technique: Introduce threats by denying their possibility, creating suspense through implied danger.
• Burnt Tongue: Use flawed language to create authentic, character-driven narratives that resonate with readers.