"on writing" and inspiring others

[diem_seven]

Hi,

I am a long-time SK fan and occasional lurker on this message board. Tonight, I decided to make it official and register here.

I am smack in the middle of my third read of On Writing and I cannot begin to describe what an invaluable, tasty brick it is. There are a lot of books about writing taking up space on retail and library shelves; none cut through the BS like this one. Honest, straight, sharp - like a good razor, built to smooth an otherwise scrubby landscape. Love it.

I've read a lot of other King. His books tend to pop up when I need to read them most. Dude's got some kind of weird eye in the sky that drops hilariously appropriate fiction whenever things start to turn too serious. Or maybe God is a rabid SK fan, too.

My two favorites are Bag of Bones and Lisey's Story. Both of these left me wondering how the eff the author came up with the stuff. Booyah Moon, especially, and all the unexpected devices like the acrostic messages in Mike Noonan's writing.

You've helped me become a better writer, Stephen.

Truly inspired. Truly grateful.

A fan

[delores 74]

I fancy myself a writer as well, although life tends to get in the way of the creative juices flowing, so to speak. I have meant to pick this book up, as it's the only SK I don't have. Your post confirmed my need to read this book and it will be added to my collection in the very near future.

[Matthew.Degnan]

I am a writer and I found that SK has taught me more about the English language and writing than 15 years of schooling ever did. I hope one day that i can tell SK this in person. Heres to hoping.

[Haunted]

I found this review in the book section on Sunday. The book reviewed was Blue Jesus by Tom Edwards. In the review Mr. Edwards says "I bought Stephen King's book on writing and I thought, 'He sells a lot of books, let's see what I can do'. Edwards who worked without an outline for the first time in his writing career, trusting the story to find an ending and a willing publisher. "I'll tell you, I am just as surprised as anybody else by how this turned out."

[bobbi comet]

I just finished reading On Writing.
I was very moved by this book, its enormous generosity, and its truthfulness.
But what I was MOST affected by was Stephen King's huge nods to his wife, his mother(and single mothers everywhere), and his brother.
And, on page 265, (middle of the page, first seven words of the second full paragraph) for the first time, Stephen King made me cry:
"Tell Tabby I love her very much..."
And, here all along, I thought he was just a horror writer.
Wow.
Stephen King is a romantic!
Amazing book and look into your world.
Thank you.

[Mr Nobody]

Stephen's story generally is an inspiration, looking at what he had to get through (and Tabby, of course! Who IMO is too often the unsung hero(ine)). He also serves as a warning of where success can take you (his addictions), so there's a lot to learn right there before you even get to the 'writing stuff' - which, as Matthew said, can teach you more about the language and how it should be used than school ever did.
I've said before (elsewhere) that I read On Writing for the first time in one sitting, and that's rare for any book, let alone a work of non-fiction. It also made me feel empowered. I didn't just have some vague idea of writing anymore; I had a burning need. In truth, it was probably always there, tamped down by layers of stuff I'd labelled 'Life'. This book stoked the embers and started a proper blaze. I don't know if that's a good thing or not, at times, but I can't be anything but grateful for it.

[cellfan1992]

i just got done reading on writing. it was great it show some of his ideas he got from his stories i think it is one of my favorite sk books

[Duma D]

I really liked On Writing too. I need to read it again. I also think it has helped me to read the books King recommends, because they illustrate his concept of style, along with his own works, of course. Currently reading Nora Roberts' Tribute. This winter read Abigail Thomas's A 3-Dog Life And before that The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.....All three works draw you in the way a King novel does, the only difference being that whereas the first 3 make you want to cozy down with your favorite Labrador for comfort, King's works make you seek not just comfort but a little curtailing of terror, so good thing the Lab is also a great watch dog. All three styles are natural, uncontrived, gifted in imagery and intensity of feeling and use of language. Just like King's--and hugely imaginative.

[Albie]

I am a wannabee novelist. I have authored short stories, tech articles, and a variety technical writing. I am nearing the end of my educated career, engineering, and the passion to follow my passion of writing has bitten.


The movie "Stand By Me" and book "The Body" has pushed to giving this a real push. I am very happy to have found this MB and I have ordered and will be devouring "On Writing"

For all the other authors to be.. Good luck

[Doc Wilson]

It exceeded all my expectations, without a doubt the most engaging nonfiction I have ever read.

[Prince Chuck]

I am a long time fan also and am reading on writing, which i am absolutely loving. In a strange way I am enjoying this more than his fiction though I don't want to admit that cause I really love Stephen and his work. It's been a while since I have sat down and read a book by him and this being one after a long hiatus it is oh so refreshing to be back. Stephen may you continue to inspire me forever. I absolutely adore you and respect you with all my heart.

When I'm finished on writing, you're new book will be out and ready for me.

Sweeet.

Prince Chuck

[Mark R]

I echo every word Doc. The only reason why I was keen to look at this was the fact that it was part of SK's work. It is a great insperation and very well put together. It has so much to offer and anybody who doubts that they can succeed should read this book.

[StatesideVilla]

It is a fabulous and well written book. I have no interest in becoming a writer, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned a lot, then best of all I went to the library armed with his list of recommends and have enjoyed a lot of books I would not have heard of. My daughter does have a yearn to write and as soon as I deem her old enough she will be getting advice from the master. Poor child, she is reading Bram Stoker's Dracula when I am sure Salem's lot would be a better read :wink2:

[JulieD]

This is just the book that keeps on giving. Like Mr. Stateside (above), I too culled a list of recommended writers and titles from King's On Writing. I look forward to plowing through said list at a rate that rivals King's own habit of slow reading - I just love good books too much to read them quickly. I leave the speed to my thinking. ;)

That said, my deepest gratitude goes to the experiential insights and opinions King lists in this personal-yet-technical memoir. For one thing, although I have been routinely published or produced (poetry and screenplays) my output has been low. King's opinion that output does not flag potential so much as publication does, was incredibly validating, and undid damage left by years of criticism from other quarters.

Next were his personal recountings of almost reliquary story ideas that popped into his head from the seed of daily experiences (Carrie), the experience of characters coming alive as a sign of good character development, and the compulsion to work on a story to find out what happened. All of these events have happened to me, so it was immensely heartening to hear someone so experienced value them, and who felt they flagged potential.

I had also read one other opinion that writers work as journalists to benefit from editor's mentorship and deadlines; to hear it this time from King cemented that advice for me.

And of course there is the fossil metaphor. This has been a godsend. The fossil idea (including the writer as archaeologist, using increasingly fine tools) is even helpful in recognizing themes, symbolism, and thinking above the curve - all of which I had trouble seeing or naming before, even when I felt them. Never an English major, that jargon intimidated me before.

In short, King's book demystified at the same time it validated. I have a very short shelf of books on writing, but my highlighted and notated copy of On Writing is front and center. I would recommend it to anyone interested in writing.

[SeventhSinger]

I am also a writer and have gleaned more real life and applicable knowledge from On Writing than any of the other writing books I have read.

Also the book showed me the joy of another indispensable reference in The Element of Style that Mr. King mentioned multiple times along the way.

I always refer to Elements when a grammatical question arises.

I one day hope to thank Mr. King in person for the inspiration and teaching he has done for me as a writer. Cheers Mr. King!

[JamesMWatts]

On Writing is like my writer's bible. I keep next to my other reference books while I write.