Stephen King on Writing

 

Image credit: Booktopia

As we’ve established from previous posts, there are many little things in life that I enjoy the experience of, particularly when it comes to literature: closing a book and then just innately knowing what to read next, plucking a volume from the shelf at random and discovering a new favourite, to name a few. The newest experience to add to this list is picking a book that might help research or gain insight into something you’re writing about, not doing exactly that but sparking some new inspiration. I just closed the cover on Stephen King on Writing, a truly engaging, helpful, and down-to-earth read. 

Part biography and part memoir on the craft, On Writing is both entertaining and insightful. King regales his readers with true adventures and misdemeanours from his life –most of which revolve around the inspiration and the creation of his well-known stories- as well as helpful little titbits about everything from plot, to character development, to dialogue, editing, and publishing. 

While King strives to remind readers that these tips are just his personal opinions and way of doing things, there’s a certain level of authority mixed with a down-to-earth vibe that infuses the paragraphs and inspires full attention and respect; like a nonchalant uni professor you could also have a beer with after class. 

Image credit: Goodreads

Balancing against the insightful pointers about the creative process is the anecdotal stories that King inserts about his own life, creative episodes, and even his own thoughts towards some of his most celebrated characters. It’s particularly interesting hearing about his disdain or reluctance towards certain works that ended up winning him acclaim or recognition (e.g. Carrie). 

Filled with humour, hints, and heart, On Writing is a great memoir: helpful as a tool for aspiring writers and entertaining for anyone who likes Stephen King. Definitely worth the read!

Author: Stephen King, 2000

Published: Hodder & Stoughton, A Hachette Company (UK)