Title: On Writing
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Non-Fiction, Writing, Memoir
My Rating: 5/5
I have a confession to make: I have never read a Stephen King novel. If I’ve seen a movie of his, it was accidental. Stephen King was fixed in my mind as a horror writer, the one genre that is an instant NOPE! (Close the eyes! Cover the ears!) for me. (What can I say? As a writer, my imagination is WAY too active).
This is a slim book that is part memoir, part instruction manual about the craft of writing, and it was an utter delight to read. I knew pretty much nothing about Stephen King, besides that he is a master of the craft, and yet I was drawn in immediately by his short biographical snippets. It speaks to his talent as a writer that I, someone who had no interest in his works or his life, was captivated from page one. The voice is friendly, colorful, no nonsense, and it made reading this book a pleasure.
After the biographical section, King spends some time covering broad topics on writing, grammar, and crafting a story. I had heard that On Writing was a must-read for aspiring (or published) writers, which nearly led me to avoid this book entirely as I tend to steer clear of mainstream, hugely popular media in any form. I’m not sure that anything should be considered “required reading,” but it’s certainly worthwhile. Some of the major takeaways were that writers, above all, need to read, that they need to have a dedicated writing time during the day, and a door to close while they’re working, and that anyone who promises a “magic bullet” for writing success is full of shit.
I don’t have a lot to say on this book because I’d end up repeating King’s words here. I’ve already returned this book to the library, but I think I’ll be taking it out again in the future for a reread and some note taking. If you’re a writer, I’d recommend On Writing as the most worthwhile “how to” book I’ve read to date.
Bonus: I love the fact that Stephen King absolutely adores his wife, Tammy. She is painted as the hero in his sometimes difficult life and his love for her is steeped in every page of the book.
Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It’s about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy okay? Getting happy.
Stephen King, On Writing
Damn, if that ain’t the truth.
If any of you have read Stephen King novels, could you recommend one that isn’t too scary?