Vonnegut Advice: Short Stories

[Ravengaurd6]

many a great narrative has met an end at the gnawing maws of cockroaches. why even this very comment can be cut off b

[BloodyRageNoMore]

XD

[bryncomeaux]

they were going to get insted of the chair mabey thed think twice before driving past the bus stop in an old van. By the way im a van guy and th4e cops cao look in my van any day eith or without probable cause. All us van giuy should agree to this and the cops should agree that its not really necessary to write us a 100 dollar ticket just cause they felt like checking out the vans. Some people are pretty prejudice agains van guys and homeless people that live in them.

[bryncomeaux]

as far as punishing someone who rapes and kills a chile opviosly they are mentally ill. But indeed some peoples mental illness is simply that they are evil and what greater mental illness is there thathn evil itself. A real punishment is solitary conmfinement. I see bricking up the door turning out the light and a drip nutrient tube. And just let them go nuts for 30 or 40 years. Now thats a punishment! if every on who killed a kid after raping them knew that was what

[bryncomeaux]

i also oppose the death penalty i out of seven people have on d3eth row have been proven innocent by dna evedindce . until that track record is drasticly improved that y have absolutly no right to imnpose a death penalty in any state. Now on to theory. It is nor a deterant. people who kill do not value life in that it means that they do not value themselves or being alive. So killing them is no deterant. Your not taking me alive mf il die before i go back top prison!! now prison is a deteran

[mrdgall]

Interesting Voice

[veestormcourage]

Style can be learned: that's a part of imitation. But at the same time, it's something only learned through imitation, trial, and error. If you want style advice, I'd suggest try meditating. If you want to learn how to construct a story where you can put your style to use, watch this vid.

[AdamLikesVids]

Thank you for posting. Vonnegut is great.

[twashballur]

I followed Vonnegut's advice and I got published.

Thank you!

[INFPownage]

@twashballur Congrats on getting published. :)

[twashballur]

@INFPownage Thank you!

[fknclarky]

9. Don't be afraid to break all the rules that people place on writing

[WoodSugars]

Sometimes it is fun beating up on your characters. Guess I am a sadist...

[musiciswine]

If that isn't nice I don't what it.

[spottswood]

@musiciswine I always loved that quote.

[PeterRoeder31]

Lousy advices. He says nothing about style. Style is everything in writing.

[spottswood]

@PeterRoeder31 Having problems finding style advice on the internet, are we?

[garrettaldenashley]

@PeterRoeder31 if you want to know what he has to say about style read his stories.

[Wallylex]

@PeterRoeder31

What can he say about developing your own style, except "keep writing"?

[yodasodaskoda]

@PeterRoeder31

Great advice. Lousy advices.

As for style...you've either got it or you'll spend you life searching for it.

Take up knitting perhaps.

[morbitron6]

@PeterRoeder31 Lol, Peter, or should I call you Dick? You're right, Style is everything in writing- you want Vonneguts style, go to war, become a pow, witness one of the worst atrocities in said war, get repatriated by the reds, come home, start writing. A writers style comes from his life experiences, you can't teach that. If your writing has no style... do the math.

[Nautilus1972]

@morbitron6 Bollocks. A writer's style comes from within, it has nothing to do with experience. Content and subject matter, yes. Style, no.

[morbitron6]

@Nautilus1972 You are hands down the dumbest cunt on the planet. Do you really think he could have written Slaughterhouse 5 with out what he went through? Without the experience? Cadence, tone, all of that has the underpinnings of his life attached to it. The entire attitude of the story is in the tone, not the actions. Just goes to prove how fucking vapid you are, especially if you've read that book and only seen the surface of it. You fuktard. I hate your mom for having you.

[Nautilus1972]

@morbitron6 Go and look up 'style' in the dictionary. Are you even a writer? 'Style' is not content, it's voice. A writer's style has NOTHING to do with experience, only the subject matter relates to one's experience. Of course a writer needs experiences to write about, but experiences bear nothing towards the voice. That is the brush which the which the writer takes to the palette. It can change, as can the brush, depending on the job at hand. I suggest you look up 'tone' as well. Get laid 2.

[morbitron6]

@Nautilus1972 Look dude, it's cool, you're fucking hopeless. I'm sure the five followers on your blog think your a sweet ass writer, but do the rest of a favor and keep your shit opinions to yourself. Hemingway didn't write the way he did be because he fucking threw a dart at his 'style board'. They write the way they do because it's who they are, it's THEIR voice. You don't pick and choose that it comes with experience & gets translated into their art. It's cool though, stay vapid you fuck.

[stickyjam1]

@PeterRoeder31 It is everything in writing, that's what distinguishes author from author, how could one author tell YOU how to write?

[PeskyPanda]

@PeterRoeder31 style can't be taught, if you suck, then you suck.

[aleakypen]

@PeterRoeder31

Advices? Brilliant.

[DragonKingSaix]

@PeterRoeder31 your right to a certain type of writing. only things longer then 20 pages or less does style not really matter so much.

[Madvideoclips]

No need for the drum beat.

[Wallylex]

What is it that he says at the end of #7? "If you open the window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get no ____." Thank you!

[Wallylex]

@Wallylex

Is it "pneumonia"?

[Tsavatar]

@Wallylex pneumonia

[jmoney507]

I love Vonnegut's fiction, though I think that my approach to my fiction might differ slightly to his approach to his fiction. As far as suspense goes, sometimes I think the best literature can come from how little we are given at the beginning and where we are led. But I guess it's different rules for different writers, and I think Vonnegut's approach has given us some of the best short stories in the 20th century.

[carsanookdotcom]

the musicgood

is also

good

jkl

bangKOK

[myroncope]

I agree with him about suspense. So many TV shows, movies, books, etc put deliberate confusion in the place of an actual narrative. If I wanted a jigsaw puzzle I'd buy one. I want a damn story! RIP KV!

[coolvidzman]

Vonnegut is the effing man!

[Bubdylan524]

This is great.

[Elric33239]

Nice photo album. For those who didn't know, the girl sitting next to Young Vonnegut in Advice #7 was the "one person" that he wrote for: his sister Alice. I believe he lost her after "Slapstick" was published.

[spottswood]

@Elric33239 wow, I'm surprised you got that. Reveal character or advance the action had a similar sentiment.

[Elric33239]

@spottswood Maybe we belong to the same "karras." Welcome to the team!

[Elric33239]

@spottswood That's what I meant by "Nice photo album." It looks like you skimmed through his album and spotted some parallel references to his life "as a story." The "Advice #4" reference that you made, for example, was nicely illustrated between 0:35 and 0:38 as "Corporal Kurt Vonnegut - Infantry Scout" and "Dresden - post firebomb drop." The "Be A Sadist" entry (0:49- 0:54) could be "Vonnegut's bout with unfiltered Pall Malls" or as he put it, "classy way to commit suicide." Nicely done!

[spottswood]

@Elric33239  Tried not to be too literal. I preferred to portray concepts: Innocence of youth, life-changing events of Dresden, his kindness & courtesy despite, his self loathing & disappointment in humanity, his relationship with his sister even after her death, his role as an educator and advocate, and finally end with a montage displaying his varied life & 'If this isn't nice, I don't know what is." Yes, he died alone but he was all right. His novels end with a lonely departure.that's happy.

[Elric33239]

@spottswood I guess your photo collage of Vonnegut's life is a matter of interpretation like most art forms. What you would define as "a lonely departure that's happy" I would define as "a series of endings with open passages tinged with mild sadness that could make one smile." Was the last photo "The Author and his youngest adopted daughter sharing a moment of quiet affection?" If so, I like it. If not, please elaborate.

[spottswood]

Happy Birthday Kurt! Or as I like to say "Happy Womb Eviction Day!"

[christinelovesyou124]

this is easily the best short story advice i've gotten. everyone seems to enjoy complicating it.

[spottswood]

@christinelovesyou124 christine, I know! it's so inspiring, yet somehow really concise

[codename617]

that is some good advice. But i do believe that suspense plays a great part in mysteries. Especially in my short story.

[youlosez]

Wow amazing advice and a catchy tune to go along with it. Does he have any tips on improving as a writer?

[philnoll]

I never finished breakfast of champions, because I read it at the bookstore. But I still got a good idea of where he was going with it. Thanks, kurt.

[Elric33239]

@philnoll If you have access to a local library, I suggest that you check it out. It's one of two of his books where he appears as a character in it. Slaughterhouse 5 is the other. Excellent!

[philnoll]

@Elric33239 Really! Thanks, I never finished slaughterhouse five either. But I did get to the point where Vonnegut appears in Breakfast of Champions. That was maybe one of the most riveting novels I've ever read, but then at the ends of books I get depressed that its over, and lose interest.

[Elric33239]

@philnoll Many people feel that way after they read a classic novel. Sadly, that's why some sequels that should never have been attempted tend to be written: to renew interest in the characters and create the illusion that the story isn't over. I believe that the only time that Vonnegut ever indulged in this practice was "Jailbird." In that story, he re-imagined Kilgore Trout as a former Watergate collaborator. While his description didn't match BOC's, some could say that it was a sort-of sequel

[americanwatcher]

I love Vonnegut's works! And hearing this kind of adds a new light to his books. I never heard his voice or writing technique before. Love the video

[spottswood]

@americanwatcher He's done some other introduction of audio books. But he never narrated the stories so finding this was so refreshing.

[Elric33239]

@spottswood It's possible that they're no longer available but I've listened to Vonnegut read both "Slaughterhouse 5" and "Breakfast of Champions" on tape years ago. He actually sang several of the songs that he wrote about in "Slaughterhouse!" It was great!

[spottswood]

@Elric33239 thanks, I'm really wanting to track those audio books down now. I had NO idea and I love hearing him speak.

[Elric33239]

@spottswood If that means "there's more Vonnegut on audio to come," I guess I'll have to subscribe. Good hunting!

[alwaysthetomboy]

this was so exceptionally simple and perfect. one viewing and i remembered everything. and it IS also useful fro screenplays.

[spottswood]

@alwaysthetomboy I think that's why it's such good advice - it's simplicity.

[spottswood]

@alwaysthetomboy I'd love to read one of your stories!

[vinoberg]

Probably the best, most concise writing advice on youtube. The last book I read on Creative Writing couldn't teach this much in 200 pages.

[spottswood]

@vinoberg Vonnegut would be flattered.  I'm just glad my backing track is included, lol

[JimmyPeep]

9. Break all the rules.

[spottswood]

@JimmyPeep remember these are suggestions for beginning writers.

[SusanKayne]

brilliant....

[burpo]

Thank you so much for posting this.

[spottswood]

@burpo you're welcome! I've been locked out of my account so it feels good to be back!

[catawba909]

Thanks for the advice...I'm not much of a writer so I just use a website called STORYJOIN You start a story and other members contribute to your story. It works for me, lol.

[Aeozify]

1. Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted.

Can someone elaborate on this?

[Audiodump]

@Aeozify

In other words don't stall or waste the reader's time with meaningless text. When a reader finishes the story he should feel that his time was well spent, not wasted.

[Aeozify]

Ah yeah I was thinking about that, but was still in doubt of a probable meaning behind that. Thank You

[PhilosophicalPsycho]

How about 7?

Write to please just one person. If you open a window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia.

Does 5 (Start as close to the end as possible) mean that the opening setting should more or less already be near the conclusion? In a way sort of like "The Sniper" or "Of Men and Mice?"

[PhilosophicalPsycho]

What do rules five and seven mean?

YouTube is acting up again.

[thecrimsonfloyd]

These rules, along with George Orwells six rules, are rules I always try to follow when I'm writing. I'm not published, or anything. It's just fun to create stories.

[Not2Sane]

Brilliant advice from a brilliant author.

[chinaownsusa]

good guidelines, but there are ALWAYS exceptions.

[madmethod21]

This is perfect advice for anyone looking to write short stories. How can you go wrong when you listen to a master like Mr. Vonnegut?

[texasB666]

I'm 23 years old and i'm from Belgium so pardon my mistakes. I am a short story writer (ATM) and i couldn't do anything else because short stories can be so powerful. From Poe to Amy hempel. It's amazing and this guy is spot on. I don't want to sound superiur but you have to be a bit perverted sometimes :) especially when you write short stories. i've written 3 and they are being published next week. I can't wait !

[vespacurry]

Brilliant, inspiring, method and advice. I don't see any other Authors offering such clarity.

[SkyeNite]

Though great advice, I feel the need to contest the last one.

If a reader can finish the story them self, then why not leave the last pages for cockroaches to eat?

[momwentcrazy]

Damn, I've been starting as close to the beginning as possible this whole time.

[Aeozify]

Lol same here

[louiselah]

be a sadist! yes :)

[corcoranwilson]

I interviewed Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., when he was teaching at the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop in 1965. (I was a college sophomore at the time). An interesting experience.

[louiselah]

i bet that would have been :) lucky you :)

[PhilosophicalPsycho]

I'm blueprinting out a story all about sadism. More specifically, there's sex and World War II involved, but not really directed connected. I just hope it doesn't clash with rule 1. It also goes in nicely with rule 4 and 8.

Wish me luck guys! I feel as if it can really be something!

[louiselah]

@PhilosophicalPsycho good luck :)

[PhilosophicalPsycho]

Thank you :D

Unfortunately, life is hard, and I can't find decent time to write. I also hold doubts whether it will actually be worth reading once completed.

I just thought that putting this story idea out of the way would be easier than getting to work on my main piece, "Flip." I have two videos currently up on that story.

[louiselah]

@PhilosophicalPsycho write for just one person :)

I checked your page for "Flip" but couldn't find it.

[PhilosophicalPsycho]

Lol, I write not only for myself, but for the whole world.

"Flip" features new countries from Atlantis and Antarctica.

"The Trek of Promise" is the national anthem for Tenchibi.

"Erudite Sense over the Unknown" is the national anthem for Eriaqua.

[Elric33239]

@louiselah Agreed! That would explain why so many of his protagonists go through so much suffering: Paul Proteus, Malachi Constant, Harrison Bergeron, Billy Pilgrim and Howard W. Campbell Jr. to name but a few! So it goes!

[rievans57]

"The heck with suspense"? I'm gonna' have to let that marinate. Fascinating video. Thanks for sharing......................p­eace!

[ErichoTTA]

He was my favorite author.

[Messjuh1]

I particularly like number 6 and the consequence if you don't heed advice number 7 (your story will get pneumonia). What a writer!

[smillar98]

I think that's great advice, and darkbuster I agree. Sometimes its ok to break a rule.

[darkbuster13]

I think he was being "real." But like he later said, the great ones always break the rules (except for #1)

Although I think many of his short stories go along with most of these rules.

[mmmdelicious153]

I followed his advice, and got an A on an English paper.

[spottswood]

@mmmdelicious153 awesome dude!

[wolfparade77]

What a fantastic writer! I love his work

[nunnio]

Some good pointers for those thinking of writing. Short stories are a good way to start.

[XiristhevirisX]

ok ok i realize that you all think im just a ignorant lunatic for my comments for this i am truly sorry i guess the way i interpreted the "advice" is as a witty inside joke from a awesome old man i truly am sorry if i REALLY offended anyone BUT with that said...do you all SERIOUSLY think he was being REAL? i guess i dont get it then????

[CBGB42]

Some of them make really good sense.

[XiristhevirisX]

do you people realize he is being witty and not REALLY giving advise?

you are the kind that sit in coffee shops and act SMART ugh fucken ART FAGS!!!

if you need a video telling you how to write a short story then you should read the all time classic

"how to off your self" by YOUR A FUCKEN IDIOT

[eilykish]

Ok, XiristhevirisX. Do you feel better after your tantrum? I suspect it was a genuine tantrum and that you are only 8 years old, or else how to explain your inability to spell basic words? It's giving advice', not 'giving advise' (wrong tense) and it's you're, as in YOU ARE a FuckING idiot -- which, clearly you are.

[doctorsanchiz]

Hi...I´m from México...I really love Kurt´s books, and I trying to learn your lenguaje. I was reading you, and you really made me laught...you´re a genius...it was so funny and elegant.

[jess89UK]

that made no sense...

[ramblingvine]

I disagree... I thought his advice was useful.

[surrected4526]

This is constructive advice. --Thank you for the video.

[NevilleRhysBarnes]

Are we sure this is about short stories, and not writing generally? I think Vonnegut was more a novelist than a short story writer.

[ShopReel]

Some of these only apply to short stories: "heck with suspense" and "start near the end" for instance.

Yes most of them also apply for ANY narrative fiction.

Kurt was a novelist but an even better writer of short stories. Read Monkeyhouse and let me know what you think. Also, that's Kurt's voice in the video and he specifies "Short Stories" as this was an introduction for an anthology of shorts Bagombo Snuffbox"

[KALSoundProductions]

suspence is alright

[StephenBanham]

I think it's all great. Although, I am not 100% sure on the last tip

[JasperandAlice4eva]

ditto, seems a little odd

[wedgieman9999]

You forgot the part where he says "although most of my favorite authors break at least one of these rules".

[EvanTopham]

Yes, that was the most important rule, I think. He said that the only you cannot break is the first one.

[laloobeckaboo]

THANK YOU!

i have to write a short story for tomorrow and i was soo confused on what to do :)

[spottswood]

you're welcome.  I think this advice can really help with screenplays too.

[Phabulouso]

@spottswood You are correct in that. My writing instructor at the New York Film Academy mentioned a lot of these tips. Especially the sadism. :) Good post. Thank you, StumbleUpon.

[spottswood]

@Phabulouso Sweet!  High five to your instructor.

[jaxkipi]

This is awesome. Thank you!

[writetothepoint1960]

my writing can benifit from this kind of advice.

[thisisclarke]

I think I've seen this in text version, and the ending added something to the effect of: the best writers continually break all of these rules.

[Glassis50full]

Vonnegut also said that great writers like Flannery OConner break most if not all the rules. These are guidelines for beginners. If you think this method is a waste of time, then how did Vonnegut become one of the best, if not the best writer of 20th centruy American lit?

[winterhat]

Vonnegut's stories DO have suspense, particularly "Welcome to the Monkey House" but he is trying to help young writers avoid rookie mistakes of having no substance and all fluff. Kurt is right in this situation. Weigh Kurt's stories against Poe's stories that both wrote for publications and you'll find that Kurt writes a concise emotional filled story whereas Poe builds up suspense to one sustained moment of real substance. I love both men but would trust Kurt over Poe any day.

[VTVStudios]

Simply Brilliant!

[cjone234]

So great, and so little the number of views. I love that he says "screw suspense". I'm writing differently.

[PHANTOMFIREX]

This is some of the best advice for aspiring writers. @_@

[losttribe3001]

This is great.

[theogore]

ThX sooooo much for this upload.

[spiritofboz]

Useful tips !

[Unsquaro]

Haha, good!

[Unsquaro]

Brilliant!

[TheBlueFlamingo]

Excellent advice!

[vespacurry]

Great Great Great!!! Simple is brilliant.

[NGS712]

This is good advice since I want to be a writer myself.

[spottswood]

Vonnegut recorded the introduction for one of his books on tape. I believe its Magumbo Snuffbox.

[ThePointSymbol]

where did you find this soundbite?

[vargaboy]

Awesome. I can't believe there aren't more comments and views.