Chuck is the author of the published novels: Blackbirds, Mockingbird, Under the Empyrean Sky, Blue Blazes, Double Dead, Bait Dog, Dinocalypse Now, Beyond Dinocalypse and Gods & Monsters: Unclean Spirits. He also the author of the soon-to-be-published novels: The Cormorant, Blightborn (Heartland Book #2), Heartland Book #3, Dinocalypse Forever, Frack You, and The Hellsblood Bride. Also coming soon is his compilation book of writing advice from this very blog: The Kick-Ass Writer, coming from Writers Digest.
He, along with writing partner Lance Weiler, is an alum of the Sundance Film Festival Screenwriter’s Lab (2010). Their short film, Pandemic, showed at the Sundance Film Festival 2011, and their feature film HiM is in development with producers Ted Hope and Anne Carey. Together they co-wrote the digital transmedia drama Collapsus, which was nominated for an International Digital Emmy and a Games 4 Change award.
Chuck has contributed over two million words to the game industry, and was the developer of the popular Hunter: The Vigil game line (White Wolf Game Studios / CCP). He was a frequent contributor to The Escapist, writing about games and pop culture.
Much of his writing advice has been collected in various writing- and storytelling-related e-books.
He currently lives in the forests of Pennsyltucky with wife, two dogs, and tiny human.
He is likely drunk and untrustworthy. This blog is NSFW and probably NSFL.
You may reach him at terribleminds [at] gmail [dot] com.
Related
Michael Goins
March 10, 2017 at 1:17 PM //
Here’s a piece of flash fiction I wrote a while back that I think might fit. It’s under “Work.”
William Walker
March 10, 2017 at 2:14 PM //
I was going to ask permission to use a human who acts like a monster. Then I said fuck it, I don’t need permission, it’s my monster. Stand by.
NoWorkingTitle
March 10, 2017 at 3:11 PM //
Here’s the monster from the middle grade book I’m writing. I ripped chapter one right from the unedited manuscript, so please pardon all the typos and inconsistencies. https://bpdstoryblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/10/pecunious-cloaked-ch-1-unedited/
Tsara Shelton
March 16, 2017 at 12:20 PM //
I love this!!
NoWorkingTitle
March 16, 2017 at 1:26 PM //
Thank you!
Carol J Forrester
March 10, 2017 at 3:28 PM //
https://caroljforrester.com/2017/03/10/curious-things-rotten-places/
NoWorkingTitle
March 10, 2017 at 3:29 PM //
Here’s one from a middle grade story I’m playing with. https://bpdstoryblog.wordpress.com/2017/03/10/pecunious-cloaked-ch-1-unedited/
David
March 10, 2017 at 3:37 PM //
Little Things – ~470 words
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12zQlHpVEkkhkLnOv-QE0d3cZyV_odnrmFQekSVWSu-s/edit?usp=sharing
The Urban Spaceman
March 13, 2017 at 8:42 AM //
Very surreal!
dcxli
March 10, 2017 at 6:11 PM //
Maybe not as monstrous as you’d hoped, but I’d like for you all to meet the rock-eaters.
https://dcxli.wordpress.com/2017/03/10/the-rock-eaters/
Let me know what you think!
Mozette
March 10, 2017 at 11:20 PM //
http://youcantgoback-andotherimpossibilities.blogspot.com.au/2017/03/the-demon-host-and-vinyls.html
enjoy!
The Urban Spaceman
March 13, 2017 at 11:34 AM //
Fun take on the prompt, and very unique! Those demons always make it to the best gigs. -__- One tiny niggle…. it’s all about the bass (not base) 😛
Mozette
March 14, 2017 at 8:52 AM //
Aaahh… thanks for the pick-up. I’ll correct it. 🙂
dutchman71
March 11, 2017 at 7:07 AM //
Here’s a monster for ya – and scary like hell it is: The Grim Reaper.
http://jaxlogan.com/index.php/2017/03/11/grim-reaper/
Sophie Giroir
March 11, 2017 at 4:34 PM //
Basically, I took the thing that terrifies me and created my monster.
https://lifeinmyshoesandsometimesout.wordpress.com/2017/03/11/memory-thief/
Sophie Giroir
March 11, 2017 at 4:41 PM //
**I did no research for this. It’s possible it’s completely impossible. Also…My grandmother was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, so lately that’s been on my mind.
Tsara Shelton
March 16, 2017 at 12:51 PM //
Fantastic!
J.W. Martin
March 17, 2017 at 9:41 AM //
Great story. Loved every word!
dougkzeigler
March 11, 2017 at 11:03 PM //
My monster…the worst of them all. https://scotchfullyyours.wordpress.com/2017/03/11/game-master/
NoWorkingTitle
March 15, 2017 at 8:27 PM //
Excellent! I thought I was reading about a CEO or an operations manager until I got to the water pockets.
dougkzeigler
March 16, 2017 at 1:17 PM //
Thanks! Much appreciated.
Tsara Shelton
March 16, 2017 at 1:00 PM //
This is soooooooo good!!
dougkzeigler
March 16, 2017 at 1:18 PM //
Thanks! I was a bit worried at the offense some might take, but I’m really happy with how it turned out.
Tsara Shelton
March 17, 2017 at 1:16 PM //
Psst! Did ya see today’s Flash Fiction Challenge? 😉
J.W. Martin
March 17, 2017 at 9:48 AM //
Wonderful! Very clever.
dougkzeigler
March 17, 2017 at 1:14 PM //
You’re too kind, sir.
Nancy Cupp
March 12, 2017 at 9:49 AM //
Great idea! I wish I could participate, but I’m off on vacation for the next 10 days. Please keep this stuff coming, I love your stuff.
the story hive
March 12, 2017 at 12:35 PM //
This is something a bit older – “the problem with magic” (here: https://thestoryhive.wordpress.com/2016/03/28/the-problem-with-magic/)
Adan Ramie
March 12, 2017 at 1:55 PM //
You’ve heard of the love bug, but no one has ever seen it like this before. http://adanramie.com/you-never-know-when-its-going-to-get-you-flash-fiction/
Tsara Shelton
March 16, 2017 at 4:19 PM //
What a fun monster! tee hee!
Adan Ramie
March 19, 2017 at 9:46 AM //
I thought so too, Tsara. Imagine a world in which everyone had a taste of what they fear – what a happy place it would be.
The Urban Spaceman
March 12, 2017 at 5:10 PM //
In 862 words, I give you: The Cannileech
https://theurbanspaceman.net/2017/03/12/the-cannileech-flash-fiction/
curioushart
March 14, 2017 at 10:25 PM //
I like the format and the complexity of this piece. This is worthy of a Grimm episode.
Tsara Shelton
March 16, 2017 at 4:11 PM //
This is fantastic! A quick read because of the style but lacking nothing. I love it!
The Urban Spaceman
March 16, 2017 at 4:55 PM //
Thanks! I’m working real hard on saying more by writing less. Glad to know it worked in this case! 🙂
b.b.kemp
March 13, 2017 at 7:18 AM //
Hey, Chuck. Here’s a link to William Walker’s idea, ‘use a human who acts like a monster’. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ND473OS
Marcia Bourgeois
March 13, 2017 at 11:57 AM //
I’m new here. Please explain what it means what it says to post on your on line space. I’m just starting to write after many years of putting it aside and have never worked with an on line group.
The Urban Spaceman
March 13, 2017 at 6:29 PM //
Post a story on your own personal blog. From the URL bar, copy the link from your published blog post, and paste it into the comments section here.
Be warned, this isn’t a group. It’s a chaotic, mania-induced FFA. You might get some reads, maybe some likes and a few comments, but you won’t get solid crits. If you’re looking to ‘work with’ a group for genuine feedback and crit, you’d be better looking around writing forums and buddying up/mentoring/script-swapping with like-minded folks (the people around here are crazy.)
grahamwrites
March 13, 2017 at 12:08 PM //
Couple of false starts that ended up in dead ends. Didn’t know where this puppy was going to go, but kinda like where it did. Hope you do too. http://grahamwho.com/grahamwrites/2017/03/13/flash-fiction-serenity/ Now off to read yours.
curioushart
March 14, 2017 at 10:31 PM //
I like your story. Well done.
grahamwrites
March 15, 2017 at 7:55 PM //
Thanks, Curious. Had to read yours twice. Either it’s too deep for me, or I’m too stupid for it. But hey, like i said, I read it twice.
curioushart
March 15, 2017 at 8:53 PM //
Thank you. I thought your story was complex and deep; I like that stuff.
Tsara Shelton
March 16, 2017 at 4:31 PM //
Very cool!
J.W. Martin
March 17, 2017 at 10:01 AM //
This was great. Anytime there’s a legion approach in something, I’m in.
Cameron Mount
March 17, 2017 at 12:18 PM //
Of all the stories posted for this prompt, this one is definitely my favorite.
grahamwrites
March 20, 2017 at 10:10 AM //
Cheers Cameron.
Skye
March 18, 2017 at 1:47 AM //
Ooh! Good one!
The Penultimate Universe
March 13, 2017 at 12:25 PM //
I’ve used an excerpt from my current WIP for this challenge. Enjoy!
https://penultimateuniverse.wordpress.com/2017/03/13/the-darkling-wakes/
grahamwrites
March 13, 2017 at 1:32 PM //
Will astronauts ever learn not to go opening canisters they find in space?
The Penultimate Universe
March 14, 2017 at 6:42 AM //
I guess they never learn but as long as they do, it should still make for exciting stories! 🙂
Susan B Cogan
March 13, 2017 at 10:21 PM //
Monster for Hire, A Button Man Story
There’s more than one monster out there…
https://medium.com/@SusanBCogan/monster-for-hire-bd539e84f0d#.4l2jfm1bk
curioushart
March 14, 2017 at 10:37 PM //
Problem-Solution situation well played.
michelledevilliersart
March 14, 2017 at 1:14 PM //
I could only muster a poem-monster: https://cadmiumdiamond.wordpress.com/2017/03/14/flashy-poem-monster/
The Urban Spaceman
March 16, 2017 at 5:05 PM //
But well mustered, and funly done! That’s definitely no frail deed you’ve achieved.
michelledevilliersart
March 17, 2017 at 9:07 AM //
Thank you!
The Writer
March 14, 2017 at 1:44 PM //
An old idea, that was brought back to life. Enjoy!
https://atcrump.com/2017/03/14/the-night-that-stood-the-longest/
Thomas Diehl
March 14, 2017 at 7:06 PM //
Finally a use for an old concept of mine. The Predator of Fire turned out more creepy than scary, but it does fit the monster monicker nicely.
http://en.thomasdiehl.eu/?p=352
Tsara Shelton
March 14, 2017 at 7:36 PM //
Here’s one that my son wrote a while back. I love this excuse–errrrr, good reason — to share it!
Summary: Lieutenant James Harwood is sick of sitting around doing paperwork and wants to go chase bad guys. However, when the danger comes to him, hunting clues might be what kills him. Or worse….
Tonight You Die; Tomorrow You Wake by Shay Shelton
https://www.inkitt.com/stories/horror/41190?ref=v_1f4687da-5dd5-41d1-a685-a5ae7d02d5ad&utm_source=shared_web
curioushart
March 15, 2017 at 10:32 AM //
Here is my story (446 words). It is a faithful retelling of what Trevor told me.
https://curioushart.wordpress.com/2017/03/15/this-rough-beast/
The Urban Spaceman
March 16, 2017 at 5:08 PM //
Nicely done! A very powerful and punchy piece.
Sam Brady
March 15, 2017 at 8:10 PM //
I realized that I created a pretty cool monster last year when we did a genre mashup here, so I am bringing back my Southern Gothic/Kaiju fire-breathing possum. The story is called “Burn”. Please to enjoy.
https://sambrady.wordpress.com/2017/03/15/chuck-wendig-burn/
Tsara Shelton
March 15, 2017 at 10:23 PM //
Here’s my story. My word count is a bit high (1,670), sorry about that. But according to my son the ending is pretty good. When I asked if it was spooky he said, “Not really. It’s kind of cheesy.” But, you know, he did say the ending was pretty good. Wait, could he have meant that it was good that it ended? Yikes!
I hope you like cheesy monster stories with endings!
Lonely Spirit: http://autismanswersbytsara.blogspot.com/2017/03/short-story-lonely-spirit-flash-fiction.html
dougkzeigler
March 16, 2017 at 1:28 PM //
LOVE this!
Tsara Shelton
March 16, 2017 at 4:19 PM //
Thank YOU!!!!
The Urban Spaceman
March 16, 2017 at 5:27 PM //
Very well written, and very sad! I liked that we don’t ever see the tree man ourselves, we only see him through a mother’s longing, a little boy’s imagination, and an errant drawing. Sometimes the best (worst) monsters are the ones we never see with our own eyes.
Tsara Shelton
March 16, 2017 at 6:23 PM //
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I admit to loving scary movies but I rarely read and never write spooky stories. So I almost didn’t bother trying this challenge. But when I heard myself avoiding a challenge because it was a challenge, well, I had to laugh at myself and then give it a try!
I truly appreciate the comments.
Hugs!!
Cameron Mount
March 17, 2017 at 3:14 PM //
Very creepy. I wouldn’t say it was cheesy at all.
Tsara Shelton
March 17, 2017 at 5:06 PM //
Thank you! Actually, it gave my mom nightmares and I had to talk her down last night. So she didn’t think it was cheesy either. tee hee!
RachelDPanda
March 15, 2017 at 11:39 PM //
Sometimes we are the monsters. And no, this is not a zombie/monster story where humans are terrible. I think we’ve seen those before. Story fuel by anger and red wine. 😛
http://racheldpanda.tumblr.com/post/158461160423/gringita-feminism-or-how-white-feminists-are
curioushart
March 16, 2017 at 10:35 AM //
Great story. What is an WOC?
RachelDPanda
March 16, 2017 at 11:25 AM //
Woman Of Color. And thanks!
The Urban Spaceman
March 16, 2017 at 5:37 PM //
Aww, sorry to hear about your job! 🙁 Horrible human beings come in all shapes, sizes, genders and colours, but it stings even worse when such meanness comes from someone who ought to be in your corner. Hope the red wine managed to make you feel a little better, at least, and that your story was some small catharsis! 😛
Tsara Shelton
March 17, 2017 at 1:15 PM //
This one is sadly recognizable and familiar. (Also, sorry about the loss of your work. I hope writing this story gave you a helpful release.)
Helene
March 16, 2017 at 8:56 AM //
My monster is a human who becomes the little voice in your head. The fucking nagging nasty voice. I’ve met and defeated a few in my time, but this one is mor epowerful. After the intro in French, at http://www.campagnonades.com/fiction-un-monstre/
Rebecca Douglass
March 16, 2017 at 1:09 PM //
My monster just *might* be metaphorical. The story will go live this afternoon, probably before this comment gets approved.
http://www.ninjalibrarian.com/2017/03/flash-fiction-friday-create-your-own.html
The Urban Spaceman
March 16, 2017 at 5:29 PM //
“Sorry, the page you were looking for in this blog does not exist.” My god, that’s the worst monster I’ve ever seen; the monster of a blank/missing page! 🙁
I’m guessing the story hasn’t gone live yet. Will check back tomorrow. 😛
Rebecca Douglass
March 17, 2017 at 12:20 AM //
Wouldn’t you know it, the post got approved too soon! It’s live now 🙂
Jemima Pett
March 17, 2017 at 4:39 AM //
I posted mine last night, just after midnight my time, but it’s still waiting for approval this morning. That’s not a complaint, Chuck – we’re just trying to work out how best to deal with your spam filter 🙁
Tsara Shelton
March 17, 2017 at 1:53 PM //
This is fantastic!!
Rebecca Douglass
March 17, 2017 at 8:00 PM //
Thank you!
The Urban Spaceman
March 18, 2017 at 11:34 AM //
Let’s see if Blogger recognises me as human today!
Great story, and I loved the very old-world, scientific zeitgeist. I can picture Mr. Archibald. D. Jones as a Victorian-era explorer, full of his own pomp and grandeur, believing that a superior mind can overcome any adversity. An unexpected style, but very enjoyable!
(Note: Blogger did not recognise me as human today)
Vicente L Ruiz
March 16, 2017 at 7:09 PM //
I’m completely out of my comfort zone with this one. I almost couldn’t make it. Then I chose a children-story-like approach that somehow took a bitter twist. Here’s Azad:
https://medium.com/@VicenteLRuiz/azad-5bec6418fba2#.pg1tyf87m
Tsara Shelton
March 17, 2017 at 2:03 PM //
I like it! The children-story approach makes it a quick read and the seeking of what “Monster” means is a fun take on the theme.
Vicente L Ruiz
April 6, 2017 at 3:49 AM //
Many thanks! I thought it would look child-like, while at the same time touching on deeper themes… Something I usually don’t pull off.
(Sorry to answer so late, I missed your comment completely).
Jemima Pett
March 16, 2017 at 8:18 PM //
Mine should go live in ten minutes, so with any luck it’ll just fit neatly with the approval process 🙂
A strange sort of monster, but one all of my own …
http://jemimapett.com/blog/2017/03/17/fridayflash-fiction-the-monster-at-the-gates-of-hell
Rebecca Douglass
March 17, 2017 at 8:01 PM //
I’m loving this story.
calebtrenton
March 17, 2017 at 1:56 AM //
My first piece. I just started this week because I saw this challenge. Enjoy “Shattered”.
https://intermittentanecdotes.wordpress.com/2017/03/17/shattered/
grahamwrites
March 17, 2017 at 6:52 AM //
Thought I’d have a second go at this one, a bit of a laugh. http://grahamwho.com/grahamwrites/2017/03/17/flash-fiction-shit-monster/
J.W. Martin
March 17, 2017 at 9:18 AM //
This was a ton of fun to write. Look out for… Torrent!
http://www.jwmartin.com/writing/torrent-a-flash-fiction-story/
Tsara Shelton
March 17, 2017 at 12:48 PM //
Well, I won’t be feeling my usual calm when I hang out by our pond for a while. 😀
xtina morris
March 17, 2017 at 10:34 AM //
http://www.xtinamorris.com/monster/
first draft! Thanks for the idea!
Cameron Mount
March 17, 2017 at 11:40 AM //
Right under the wire. Keep your eyes peeled for hemadips.
https://cameronamount.wordpress.com/2017/03/17/the-hemadip-wendig-challenge/
Tsara Shelton
March 17, 2017 at 1:08 PM //
Clever and creepy!
Cameron Mount
March 17, 2017 at 3:05 PM //
Thanks!
Skye
March 17, 2017 at 7:39 PM //
This is late, late, late, but I hope someone reads it and likes it anyway. Here goes: http://runnerskye.ca/beware-hydrobeast-part-2/
Tsara Shelton
March 20, 2017 at 11:40 AM //
I read it! I liked it!