Part memoir, part writing guide from the King of horror (sorry!) We review On Writing.
On Writing – the blurb
There is a reason why Stephen King is one of the bestselling writers in the world, ever. Described in the Guardian as ‘the most remarkable storyteller in modern American literature’, Stephen King writes books that draw you in and are impossible to put down.
Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have.
King’s advice is grounded in the vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999 – and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery.
From the pro
When I happened to say I was reading On Writing somebody asked me whether I was wanting to get some tips for writing. As a huge Stephen King fan my reply was no (although – always!) I was reading it because I wanted to hear from the pro as to how he came upon his ideas and how he writes towns so damn well.
The book breaks down into three parts. The autobiography part is first detailing King’s early life and the success of Carrie (his FIRST BOOK). It then goes on to give a writing 101 guide – vocab, grammar (something I have never mastered), style, closing doors, opening doors and formulas for editing (first draft – 10%). The last third of the book details the terrible accident King suffered at the hands of a truck driver in 1999 and how, with the help of his wife, he picked up the writing mantel again. Each part is very different yet it holds together and somehow feels cohesive. I loved all three sections, the latter in particular when Tabby sets his writing room up was deeply touching.
Read a lot, write a lot
Whilst not setting out to research how to write, I did feel inspired by King’s tips. Close a door and write a 1000 words seems achievable to anyone. Quite frankly with 3 children I would do anything during week 10 of lock down to be in a room by myself. So who knows maybe I’ll give it a go. The writing inspiration wasn’t the thing for me though, it was the back stories behind the actual stories that got me. The idea behind From a Buick 8 stemming from a simple trip to pump gas. King writes so passionately about his books throughout On Writing that I now want to read practically all of them. I’ve added The Dead Zone and The Stand immediately to my ‘Want to Read’ list with many more waiting in the wings. The Stand really is my nemesis of a book. I’ve dilly dallied with it for years but been put of by its 1400 odd page count. One day, one day.
Shut the door
It’s an easy book and the page count is just right (excellent cutting Mr King). If you are a fan of King you will enjoy it and come out with a way bigger TBR pile. If you are an aspiring writer I’m not sure you will learn a whole load of stuff but the overwhelming message is simply do it “you can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” I’m off to find a room with a door I can close…
