I’m on meds after surgery so thank you, Chuck, for spelling all this out so clearly for me, the brain fogged. I am already thinking of places in my projects where I can use vaguer language and force the reader to decide!
Loads to think about in this one. I really do appreciate this stuff coming so regularly. It's a fantastic feeling being challenged or made to think by someone else every day or so.
“I am Jack’s memory. I will not allow Jack to forget what he has read. No matter how much it may turn him off of doughnuts...”
Chuck (Mr. Palahniuk), the first thing I ever got published happened last year. It was a short story published under a pseudonym. The story itself is, to some degree, I think, written using some of the technique(s) described above, which I believe I vicariously picked up on through reading your work. Having something published was on my bucket list. I achieved that at 19 and I want to express my gratitude for teaching me to create through your own creations. You and your work has a cemented influence in my life for which I’m grateful.
Also, will this story and the upcoming ones which were too hot for Hollywood see a physical publication one day? I mean, I can’t say I (and I’m assuming others) would be averse to these short stories being collected in a single volume.
“Rejected Offerings” - Stories that’ll make you wish you could rinse your brain out.
"Oh, Sherman, I will be with you forever, and I will love you forever, only not quite yet."
Brilliant line.
Also, Chuck: Why did you decide to pitch this of all stories for the proposed anthology? I'm guessing one of the other stories you planned to include would have gone over better in the boardroom, no?
Reading anything, ANYTHING, by Mr. P. makes me feel so energized and powerful, somehow. My boyfriend got back to the place just now and, noting my mood, asked if I banged someone while he was out. Noooo, I was catching up on Plot Spoiler.
After reading both of the stories provided and the writing lesson that followed, I’m pretty sure I will continue to see you as a snipet from a Bugs Bunny cartoon— he’s full frame his hands go up, the sides of his mouth curl into an @ sign, then the ears and eyelids lower just slightly— he lets out an elongated, “Mmmmmm—Cooooould be.”
May you never waiver!
Remember when I mentioned I was in the ER on my birthday? If I told you the real reason— and the whole intact story— you would laugh your donut off. I also can’t look at Sassy’s new toy the same. hahahaaa. (Groan)
I can't imagine the stones it took to ask what their interpretation of a doughnut was (in this situation at least). The tension just ramping up; the self-doubt of an entire room.
Still: PERFECTLY INNOCENT.
And it still turned out kinda sweet. Who says romance is dead?
Before October started, an internet friend asked for horror recommendations for his one-a-day themed postings. The one I dredged up from my mind was the French 2003 “High Tension” which I remembered feeling had cheated me when I first saw it. Last night I rewatched it with my teen, a non-binary-identifying (female at birth) who loves practical gore and tasty cinematography. The high and low brow collide quite well in Aja’s tribute to American film. As it’s listed as being NC-17, I wonder if our Yankee entertainment execs would have given it a green light. Although it eventually shows its hand, almost like another favorite’s reveal, there’s still a bit of mystery even after the credits roll.
Just now realized that there was a story I was supposed to read. The instructions have been plainly stated in thick letters the whole time and I chose to completely ignore them. My explanation is that, up until now, the bold print has been used in this Substack as repetitive text. Since it’s a magazine formatting gimmick that’s kind of annoying to me and breaks up the regular structure of the text, my brain has been just skipping the bold words for a while and, as a result, I didn’t notice that there was suggested/required reading. I just read it and now some of the comments in this thread make much more sense. I figured that the pastries were anuses, though, because what else would they possibly represent? I’m often tired and often a bit daft, but nowhere near oblivious. Good bonus story, though, now that I’ve read it. Are the bold bits your favorites or does someone else help pick them?
That Derrida one is a lot like life; expectations meeting reality. Nice to get a detailed behind the scenes.
These tips are super useful. Also: my friend and I are doing a writing challenge. We amended the rules a little 500-1000 words for 31 days on the theme. Relating to the Greener Pastures manifesto JUST FUCKING WRITE it's a really good prompt. Not being able to ache over every line of prose because work or no work you have to get those words in; will have you writing faster and better in 3 days. And it gets easier to conjure ideas and problem solve the more you do it. I'd advise anyone who struggles to write regularly to jump on it or one that suits your tastes
I’m on meds after surgery so thank you, Chuck, for spelling all this out so clearly for me, the brain fogged. I am already thinking of places in my projects where I can use vaguer language and force the reader to decide!
Dude! Brilliantly nerdy. My favorite flavor. ✊🏼👏
Loads to think about in this one. I really do appreciate this stuff coming so regularly. It's a fantastic feeling being challenged or made to think by someone else every day or so.
“I am Jack’s memory. I will not allow Jack to forget what he has read. No matter how much it may turn him off of doughnuts...”
Chuck (Mr. Palahniuk), the first thing I ever got published happened last year. It was a short story published under a pseudonym. The story itself is, to some degree, I think, written using some of the technique(s) described above, which I believe I vicariously picked up on through reading your work. Having something published was on my bucket list. I achieved that at 19 and I want to express my gratitude for teaching me to create through your own creations. You and your work has a cemented influence in my life for which I’m grateful.
Also, will this story and the upcoming ones which were too hot for Hollywood see a physical publication one day? I mean, I can’t say I (and I’m assuming others) would be averse to these short stories being collected in a single volume.
“Rejected Offerings” - Stories that’ll make you wish you could rinse your brain out.
"Oh, Sherman, I will be with you forever, and I will love you forever, only not quite yet."
Brilliant line.
Also, Chuck: Why did you decide to pitch this of all stories for the proposed anthology? I'm guessing one of the other stories you planned to include would have gone over better in the boardroom, no?
Chuck: as Greener Pastures was originally planned as a young adult, I'm curious if you read any YA authors to prepare?
Footnote #5 brilliantly explains why Meryl Streep is better in "Death Becomes Her" than in "Devil Something Prada"
Reading anything, ANYTHING, by Mr. P. makes me feel so energized and powerful, somehow. My boyfriend got back to the place just now and, noting my mood, asked if I banged someone while he was out. Noooo, I was catching up on Plot Spoiler.
After reading both of the stories provided and the writing lesson that followed, I’m pretty sure I will continue to see you as a snipet from a Bugs Bunny cartoon— he’s full frame his hands go up, the sides of his mouth curl into an @ sign, then the ears and eyelids lower just slightly— he lets out an elongated, “Mmmmmm—Cooooould be.”
May you never waiver!
Remember when I mentioned I was in the ER on my birthday? If I told you the real reason— and the whole intact story— you would laugh your donut off. I also can’t look at Sassy’s new toy the same. hahahaaa. (Groan)
I can't imagine the stones it took to ask what their interpretation of a doughnut was (in this situation at least). The tension just ramping up; the self-doubt of an entire room.
Still: PERFECTLY INNOCENT.
And it still turned out kinda sweet. Who says romance is dead?
Before October started, an internet friend asked for horror recommendations for his one-a-day themed postings. The one I dredged up from my mind was the French 2003 “High Tension” which I remembered feeling had cheated me when I first saw it. Last night I rewatched it with my teen, a non-binary-identifying (female at birth) who loves practical gore and tasty cinematography. The high and low brow collide quite well in Aja’s tribute to American film. As it’s listed as being NC-17, I wonder if our Yankee entertainment execs would have given it a green light. Although it eventually shows its hand, almost like another favorite’s reveal, there’s still a bit of mystery even after the credits roll.
Do you want me to have my 11yr old read it to see if he gets traumatized? It’s ok we’re saving up for therapy anyway.
Just now realized that there was a story I was supposed to read. The instructions have been plainly stated in thick letters the whole time and I chose to completely ignore them. My explanation is that, up until now, the bold print has been used in this Substack as repetitive text. Since it’s a magazine formatting gimmick that’s kind of annoying to me and breaks up the regular structure of the text, my brain has been just skipping the bold words for a while and, as a result, I didn’t notice that there was suggested/required reading. I just read it and now some of the comments in this thread make much more sense. I figured that the pastries were anuses, though, because what else would they possibly represent? I’m often tired and often a bit daft, but nowhere near oblivious. Good bonus story, though, now that I’ve read it. Are the bold bits your favorites or does someone else help pick them?
That Derrida one is a lot like life; expectations meeting reality. Nice to get a detailed behind the scenes.
These tips are super useful. Also: my friend and I are doing a writing challenge. We amended the rules a little 500-1000 words for 31 days on the theme. Relating to the Greener Pastures manifesto JUST FUCKING WRITE it's a really good prompt. Not being able to ache over every line of prose because work or no work you have to get those words in; will have you writing faster and better in 3 days. And it gets easier to conjure ideas and problem solve the more you do it. I'd advise anyone who struggles to write regularly to jump on it or one that suits your tastes
https://twitter.com/Olovia/status/1440025951887400969