Fight Club Author’s Tips for Aspiring Writers
American writer Chuck Palahniuk’s style of transgressive fiction has captivated and shocked audiences for three decades. He’s written 15 novels, dozens of short stories, and two graphic novels. …
Learn from the comedy legend’s prolific writing routine
Jerry Seinfeld is one of the most prolific comedy writers of all time. While he is most known for his eponymous sitcom, Seinfeld has produced multiple standup specials, hosts the popular Netflix series Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee, and recently published a book of his work. This tremendous output isn’t…
The Ugly Truth About Our Most Cherished “Flaw”
In today’s type A society, “the perfectionist” is a lauded title. Often one step removed from genius. A fraternal twin to the savant.
The perfectionist is a rare breed of person. He is the innovator with the tenacity to see an idea through to its most complete form. She is…
Start with a tease, and other ways to captivate an audience of 1 or 1,000
For me, the late-night talk show has always represented a shameless form of star worship. How could a serious consumer of culture enjoy it? The fake laughter. The manufactured drama. The over-the-top host. It all screams phony!
But recently I’ve reconsidered. Talk shows are one of the few remaining forms…
The Story Behind The Band’s Most Political Song
The year was 1968. Chaos enveloped the globe. In the United States, civil rights and anti-war activists clashed over the escalating conflict in Vietnam. The assassination of political and civil rights leaders like Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King spread distrust and panic amongst the populace.
In Europe, Soviet tanks…
What do we do with suffering?
This is a question Nick Cave — author, musician, and Bad Seeds front man — can answer better than most. The death of his son inspired his last albums, Skeleton Tree and Ghosteen- two highlights in an impressive and expansive discography.
How To Write Like A Natural Storyteller
How do you write an engaging story?
One that sounds smooth and relatable — the type told around pubs and campfires- rather than the stiff, cold ones that can find their way on the page?
In his latest book, Fight Club author Chuck Palahniuk gives writers a recipe to create…
How Embracing Your Shortcomings Leads To Creativity
I recently stumbled across a TED Talk from actor Ethan Hawke. In the presentation, Hawke cites the ability to play the fool as the essential part of the creative process.
As someone who’s long been a proponent of making silly art and giving yourself permission to suck, the idea of…
During the 90s, The Simpsons writers’ room was a mecca for up-and-coming comedians.
Legends like Conan O’Brien, Greg Daniels, and Pixar’s Brad Bird cut their teeth working on the show. While many notable writers filled the chairs, one name towers above all in Simpson’s lore- John Swartzwelder.
Critics consider Swartzwelder…
Do you remember Kindergarten art class?
For me, it was magic. I can recall memories of staring in awe at a blank page. Filling it with splashes of colors and patterns. And proudly displaying my crude (and likely crappy) work to my parents. It might not hang at the Louvre…
