Another Newbie
Hi there, obviously I'm new here. I've only read a couple of Palahnuik's books, favourite is Choke. What I have read has had me at the edge of my seat, so it looks like I need to sort out a bookshelf to collect the rest of his books. Oh, by the way, I have a book fetish, can't pass a book shop without buying at least one book. Other authors I read are Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Shaun Hutson.
I write, I've had a few short stories publish, so I'm interested in the Writers' Workshop here--can I be cheeky and ask is it helpful?
If you want to know more about me just ask.
Have you actually had something published or just something put up online?
and yeah, the workshop is definitely helpful. The essays are worth the cost themselves so then anything you get on top of that is gravy.
.
hey, twisted.
dennis thought about this a while back and created a cult myspace blog featuring new member's thoughts on whether the workshop is worth it. here is that page:
Category: Writing and Poetry
By now you've all heard me talk about the ground-breaking Writer's Workshop at ChuckPalahniuk.net. You've heard that Chuck Palahniuk is directly participating with it by reading, critiquing and even possibly publishing writing submissions from his fans. You've also heard me include that the site contains 36 exclusive writing essays from Chuck, each containing a different craft or tool to help you improve.
Since the new site launched on February 1st we already have over 50 submissions to the Workshop. What's even more exciting for our writers though, is that every story is getting in-depth critical feedback from its peers. Come the end of each month, five of these stories will be sent to Chuck. He will then read and critique them himself, pointing out there strengths and weaknesses. He will make suggestions for improvement, all the while, making a list of the best stories throughout the year that he will then include in an anthology he'll publish.
This is an unparalleled opportunity for writers to not only improve their craft, but possibly even start a career.
Enough from me though. Let us hear what people who have joined our site recently have to say about the Writer's Workshop.
After years of thinking about joining The Cult’s online Writer’s Workshop, Chuck’s 2009 'challenge' removed all excuses for me not to join. For too long I have sadly only talked about writing. The workshop provides me with the incentive to actually write.
I’ve traded the time I used to spend online watching movies or reading political blogs with an excellent tool in the Writer’s Workshop to hopefully become that writer I’ve always daydreamed of becoming. All for the price of a fancy coffee drink once a month – almost nothing – just enough to make me committed. - Member: wildalton
Having been in and out of creative writing groups for about 7 years, an online course felt really impersonal. However, the format here is incredibly interactive, with the workshop, the forums and groups all highly active places.
The thirty odd essays by Chuck are full of valuable techniques I’d never considered before. I’m still working my way through them and can already feel the improvements to my skill.
The Cult is great; I didn’t feel intimidated upon joining such a well established group. Now I’m surrounded by other people like me; all interested in reading and writing. There’s a really inclusive vibe to the forums and people want to get to know you. - Member: Thessilian
At first it was about the money (as cheap as it is), whether spending it was really justifiable. Then, after realizing that it would be stupid to pass up, I made the plunge. Having read through 10 essays written by Chuck, the master, himself... imagining being without the things he teaches, it's just impossible. Trust me – You'll be asking yourself how you even had the ability to write before using The Workshop. - Member: RyanSnake
the three members above are all new to the workshop. since this posting, ive worked with all three of them and they are serious about their craft and very helpful participants. and damned good writers, each.
the workshop is how you take it. if you work hard, you'll gain a lot. i promise. i mean, i started in the workshop when chuck's lessons were brand sparkling new. i started as a reader, openly not a writer--it's funny how things change. chuck tends to have that effect on people. i think there's plenty of room for new members, especially if you wanna bring some stories to work on.
.
what stories have you thusfar published? where and when?
and welcome to the cult !
-kabol
..
__________________________________
play hard, like it's work to be done.
welcome 
you sure waited a long time to post, having joined in 2007.
lurkerrr.
STEPHEN KING FAN!
Dont you just think Cujo is the best name for a cat?
Nope, ain't read that one, will add it to my list.
oh, cujo. so cute. look at how cute that non-clancy shitter is 
__________________________________
play hard, like it's work to be done.
and yeah, the workshop is definitely helpful. The essays are worth the cost themselves so then anything you get on top of that is gravy.
I've had a few shorts published in anthologies and magazines.
I've been a member of other writing related workshops/groups in the past, some were helpful but the majority of the ones I found weren't so good--I'd rather someone say to me 'that was shite because of such and such', rather than a simple 'nice read'.
you sure waited a long time to post, having joined in 2007.
lurkerrr.
LOL
To be honest, I signed up and forgot all about it. Only remembered about it this week... I blame my kids... don't ask why, I just do. That excuse usually gets me out of things.
Dont you just think Cujo is the best name for a cat?
Suits a cat far better than a dog. lol
Thanks JKabol, that's very useful.
.
we had some of that when the workshop started here, back in late oh-two or early oh-three. the reviews now are comprehensive and intense. as the writing is. there's a lot of strong talent here.
__________________________________
play hard, like it's work to be done.
hiya fellow noob
Allison! nice to see you roaming around. i was beginning to think you were never gonna get to leave your intro thread 
__________________________________
have you read haunted? thats my favorite.