Amor Fati's picture
Amor Fati from Canada is reading George RR Martin June 20, 2016 - 11:24pm

Hello fellow space monkeys and/or victims of Tyler Durden,

We've all imagined meeting the man, the myth, the legend; how the encounter would be, where we would end up; whether we'll survive or perish. Now, let's tell some stories about how his fellowship and human sacrifices live (or die) with the name Tyler Durden in mind.

It would be a compilation of flash fiction stories, short stories, maybe even a novella--any form you like, told from the POVs of the "space monkeys" and victims of their crimes. How they entered the club; what they think of it, of themselves, others, society, etc; whether they've met the legend, seen him talk in the center of the crowd, or only heard of him through rumors; the fight club sessions, the assignments and projects of mayhem, enlisting in Rize or Die. 

Like a Rant version of Tyler Durden, but more along the lines of a short story collection with a common theme--in this case, a common fictional character--the stories would intensify what it means for the man to have become a cultural icon. In this light, how might the stories be told? What would the stories be like, since their author (you) is detached from the cord of their genesis (that is, how "fictional characters survive their readers" and are born again in other minds)? What has Tyler done for you, or your character? What is the world beyond "Jack"/Sebastian's split mind? How would the world and its characters look like? be like? 

Now, the pencil is in your hand to depict a personal engagement with Tyler Durden. 

This could be a fascinating thought experiment for anyone who's read and loves the books and movie. You might have already come up with a tale of your own fictional encounter with Tyler Durden. If I may start the thread here, attached is a piece I started last year while reading at work. Mr. Palahniuk, thank you for getting me through the hours!

Jose F. Diaz's picture
Jose F. Diaz from Boston is reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel June 21, 2016 - 10:21am

I really dig the idea of writing characters that embody the world Chuck created.

If I were to go at it, I think I would push toward something parellel and not perpendicular to Fight Club. Something that recognizes the world it embodies, something that recognizes the other characters, but is not connected. Perhaps there would be a scene that overlaps, someone in the background who was there when X happened. Then, the story, character(s) would have to move on and live outside the narrative Chuck created. My characters would hunt for their own existential self in their own way.

The world is large and plentiful. Scarcity is the lie.

Thuggish's picture
Thuggish from Vegas is reading Day of the Jackal June 21, 2016 - 8:32pm

This could be fun...