Chuck's February Feedback Of Workshop Submissions
Remember earlier this year when we unveiled the awesome news that, not only would Chuck Palahniuk be reading five original fan stories every month, submitted via our Workshop, but that he'd also be critiquing each story and providing invaluable feedback? And remember when we also said that at the end of the year, Chuck would choose his favorite stories and publish them in an anthology on his dime? Well yeah, all that's happening right now. Chuck may have already even found a publisher for the project. But let's not get ahead of ourselves here.
First, we have Chuck's story critiques on the five February selections that were sent his way last month.
http://chuckpalahniuk.net/forum/1000160/get-your-chucks-critiques-of-february-submissions-here
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Premium Membership is what allows you to join our unique Writers' Workshop AND participate in this amazing opportunity. Once you have this Membership, you are eligible to be selected to have your work read by Chuck, and possibly even included in this ground-breaking Anthology next year.
Still not convinced this is worth it? Well, let us alleviate any hesitation you may have. Mark Vanderpool, our diligent Workshop Administrator, has graciously allowed an excerpt of his selected story to be published on the site for all members to see. Not only that, but it also includes the direct criticism and feedback Chuck gave it last month.
http://chuckpalahniuk.net/blogs/vigorous-puppy/a-look-at-whats-going-on-inside-the-workshop
Read Mark's story. Then scroll down further to read Chuck's criticism of the story. And if you're still not convinced, then frankly, you're nuts.
This is an opportunity unlike any other you may be given for your dreams of becoming a published writer. I can liken it to Radiohead asking fans of theirs who are in bands, to submit demo tapes to them that they would then listen to, provide helpful feedback on, and then, if they liked it... they would produce, mix and distribute it for you a year later.
So what the hell are you waiting for already?
Comments
Here's a snippet of my story too, and Chuck's critique of it. Most of what he comments on are from other parts of my story, but his review is so focused. He suggests looking at your story from different technical angles, things that really open up what you're trying to say. In short, he shows you what it takes to be a great writer. And it's in the revisions no public reader ever sees.
http://chuckpalahniuk.net/blogs/golding/my-story-critiqued-by-chuck
Here's the link to my excerpt and critique as well:
http://chuckpalahniuk.net/blogs/gtowell/my-chuck-critique
The workshop is definately worth it!
One of my stories went before Chuck's eyes and his feedback was like a two year degree from whatever college. It is amazing, the insight that can be gained from the attention of an author, particularly to a novice such as myself. I guess, not entirely unlike the attention Chuck received from Spanbauer so many years ago. That advice certainly took him places.. And they write nothing alike.
I created a blog about my experience with Chuck's review, so others can read for themselves some of His thoughts on some of MY words:
http://chuckpalahniuk.net/blogs/jkabol/chucks-review-of-jonah
-kabol
..
Terrific stuff, guys and Gayle. Thanks for adding your own excerpts to demonstrate the great diversity of work that's getting considered for the Anthology, and the depth and elegance of Chuck's critiques. That should be evidence enough for anyone who's weighing the seriousness of a personal writing habit against other considerations.
This is an excerpt from my novel, RESISTANCE, with Chuck's feedback at the end. I've already taken some of his advice, as well as trimmed 500 words off the chapter. It is already much stronger.
http://chuckpalahniuk.net/blogs/burner/chucks-review-of-the-routine-nove...
Glad to see Burner, Pup and JKab's work here. Nice to see old cult master's class people still kickin' around work