American Psycho

Iain H. McLean
Sep 2, 2018 · 2 min read
  • Bret Easton Ellis

There is an idea of Patrick Bateman, some kind of abstraction, but there is no real me, only an entity, something illusory, and though I can hide my cold gaze and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably not comparable; I simply am not there.

Haven’t read American Psycho yet? It’s a phenomenal book. The Hollywood movie really doesn’t do it justice. For my money it has some of the finest writing of modern literature.

Applaud for a few great words from Bret Easton Ellis.

In this one sentence the entire premise of the novel is handed to you along with the neuroses of the main character. It’s wonderful.


A Few Great Words posts examples of great writing. Nothing more. No rationales, no critiques, no synopses, no reviews. Just a few great words.

It’s a commonly held belief that to improve your ability in a chosen discipline you should surround yourself with those who excel at at. Without having to read the entire book, A Few Great Words highlights passages that capture the skill and dexterity of the best writers in the business. Emulate them or read them in-depth . The choice is yours.

A Few Great Words

Iain H. McLean

Written by

Copywriter & novelist. Former screenwriter & winner of the BAFTA Rocliffe Screenwriting Award.

A Few Great Words

How to write great fiction: excerpts of prize winning novels, critically acclaimed books, classics and genre fiction. Various styles but each made me want to be a better writer. Learn from the best. A Few Great Words. Exceptional writing. Nothing more.

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