Chuck Wendig is a novelist, screenwriter, and game designer. This is his blog. He talks a lot about writing. And food. And the madness of toddlers. He uses lots of naughty language. NSFW. Probably NSFL. Be advised.

Last week’s challenge: Pick an Opening Line and Go. This week, I’ve given you 50 random character snidbits (gleaned from Seventh Sanctum character generators). You will choose five of these and include them in a 1500-word piece of short fiction. Post at your online domicile. Link back here in the comments. Due in one week — by May 2nd, noon EST. Fifty Characters The slothful, unheroic teacher. The fear-ridden, short-tempered theologian. The unathletic, boastful gigolo who belongs to a secret organization. The aggravated thief needing a friend. The athletic, cruel... Read The Rest →

(No super-spoilers, but this will talk in vague terms about the latest Game of Thrones episode.) (You are warned.) (No, really.) (WARNING.) (*flails*) (THE BRIDGE IS OUT) (FACEBEES) (AAAAAAH) Okay. The latest Game of Thrones episode has a rather, erm, pivotal rape scene in it. Without getting too specific, a normally very powerful woman is very clearly raped during a moment of weakness. And it’s super-gross, in part because the sex in the books is — reportedly, as I have not read them — consensual. In part also because one of these characters has... Read The Rest →

My newest e-book writing release is now available. You have a handful of ways to buy this, were you so inclined. First: Amazon, $2.99. Second: direct from me using this button (or link): Third: as part of a seven-book, name-your-own price bundle using this button (or link): Finally: B&N, $2.99. Book Description “Chuck Wendig’s Confessions of a Freelance Penmonkey is full of the kind of writing advice I wish I’d gotten in school. Practical, brutally honest, and done with the kind of humor that will make it stick in your brain. Whether you’re... Read The Rest →

The opening line challenge is always a fun one — and this time, we had ~500 entries (!!?), which took quite a bit of reading just to get through. BUT I DID, and lo, was rewarded by a great deal of awesome. I’ve picked my favorites below, but even still, had to pick three as winners. Those three are bolded and asterisked. Winners: write me at terribleminds at gmail dot com. Congrats! And well done, folks. * * * * The deck of the airship swarmed with wild-eyed girls gnashing... Read The Rest →

It is my birthday. I dare not say how old I am, though I will say that I have only one more birthday after this one where I can say I am not yet 40. Holy crap, 40? Who let that happen? *shudder* Anyway, it’s my birthday, and I would like to Reverse the Natal Polarity and give you something. Here’s a free e-book. This is 500 Ways To Tell A Better Story. You’ll find that I’m tossing you PDF, ePub, and Kindle versions. Link good for today only. So, enjoy... Read The Rest →