Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Consider This summary
Brief summary
Consider This by Chuck Palahniuk is a captivating exploration of the craft of writing. Palahniuk shares valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring writers, drawing from his own experiences to offer a compelling and instructive read.
Topics
Table of Contents
Consider This
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Art of Storytelling
In Consider This by Chuck Palahniuk, we embark on a journey through the art of storytelling. Palahniuk, best known for his novel Fight Club, shares his insights on the craft of writing, drawing from his own experiences and those of other successful authors. He begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the audience and their expectations, urging writers to consider the reader's perspective.
Palahniuk then delves into the concept of "show, don't tell," a fundamental principle in storytelling. He illustrates this with examples from his own work, explaining how to create vivid, immersive scenes that allow readers to experience the story rather than just being told about it. He also discusses the significance of using sensory details to evoke emotions and create a lasting impact.
Exploring the Power of Voice and Style
Next, Palahniuk explores the importance of voice and style in writing. He emphasizes the need for authenticity, urging writers to find their unique voice and not be afraid to experiment with different styles. He shares his own journey in discovering his voice, highlighting the significance of taking risks and pushing boundaries in one's writing.
Palahniuk also discusses the role of structure in storytelling, advocating for unconventional narrative techniques. He encourages writers to break free from traditional storytelling norms and experiment with non-linear timelines, multiple perspectives, and other innovative approaches to keep their work fresh and engaging.
Understanding the Business of Writing
Shifting gears, Palahniuk addresses the business side of writing. He provides valuable insights into the publishing industry, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that writers face. He discusses the importance of building a strong author platform, engaging with readers, and navigating the complexities of the publishing process.
Palahniuk also offers practical advice on managing the creative process, dealing with rejection, and staying motivated in the face of setbacks. He emphasizes the need for resilience and perseverance, reminding writers that success often comes after numerous rejections and failures.
Embracing the Writing Life
In the final section of Consider This, Palahniuk reflects on the writing life itself. He shares personal anecdotes and experiences, offering a candid look at the realities of being a professional writer. He discusses the challenges of balancing creativity with the demands of daily life, managing self-doubt, and coping with the pressures of success.
Despite the obstacles, Palahniuk remains a passionate advocate for the power of storytelling. He encourages aspiring writers to embrace the journey, savor the process, and stay true to their artistic vision. He concludes by reminding us that writing is not just a profession, but a way of life—a lifelong commitment to the craft and the stories we have yet to tell.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Consider This about?
Consider This is an insightful book by Chuck Palahniuk that delves into the craft of writing. Through personal anecdotes, practical tips, and thought-provoking analysis of famous works, the author offers a unique perspective on storytelling. Whether you're an aspiring writer or simply curious about the creative process, this book challenges you to reconsider the way you approach writing.
Consider This Review
Consider This (2020) by Chuck Palahniuk is a thought-provoking exploration of the craft of writing and storytelling, offering valuable insights for both aspiring and experienced writers. Here's why this book is a gem worth diving into:
- Delving into the nuances of crafting compelling narratives, it sheds light on the art of captivating an audience.
- Through personal anecdotes and industry wisdom, it provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, inspiring readers to hone their storytelling skills.
- With its unconventional approach to writing advice, the book challenges traditional norms and encourages readers to think outside the box.
Who should read Consider This?
- Aspiring writers seeking practical advice and insights into the creative process
- Readers interested in the behind-the-scenes of the literary world
- Anyone curious about the power of storytelling and its impact on society
Categories with Consider This
Book summaries like Consider This
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Consider This FAQs
What is the main message of Consider This?
The main message of Consider This is the craft and art of writing as shared by Chuck Palahniuk.
How long does it take to read Consider This?
Reading Consider This takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be finished in minutes.
Is Consider This a good book? Is it worth reading?
Consider This is a must-read for its insightful writing advice and engaging storytelling.
Who is the author of Consider This?
Chuck Palahniuk is the author of Consider This.
What to read after Consider This?
If you're wondering what to read next after Consider This, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- Mastery by Robert Greene
- Bounce by Matthew Syed
- The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
- How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
- Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
- Don’t Go Back to School by Kio Stark
- How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- The Education of a Value Investor by Guy Spier