On Writing

[ShootDaSquirrells]

How many of you read this and felt the need to try and write a novel (or at least a short story)?

[Bryan James]

Too many.

But that's OK. The 2010 'Writer's Digest' ships at the end of June, by the way...

BJS

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Or to put it another way, who hasn't?

Apart from it's sheer instructional value, it must be the most inspiring book about writing ever written; I believe it should be mandatory in high schools.

Welcome to the MB, and keep posting!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Bryan James]

*****I meant Writer's Market********

[jenboxer77]

I started trying to write again after reading, On Writing. It was very inspirational for me and I am sure we are not the only ones who were compelled to write after reading this. ;)

[IUSMPhD]

I got to page 200 of my novel and then lost steam. Some day maybe I'll finish the thing, although I suspect that if I went back and read it now, I'd probably think it's total crap.

[aneaglesangel]

I was already writing my book when I read On Writing. I hope it helps me to make less mistakes but I do have to say it inspired me. Now if I could only get this ghost to cooperate, I could finish the story. I'm sort of held up a bit on finishing it. I guess true stories can do that to you. They've got to play themselves out before you can finish them. Either way, for better or worse, I hope Stephen King has made something out of me. And I hope it's a writer!!

[JohnDalglish]

I got to page 200 of my novel and then lost steam. Some day maybe I'll finish the thing, although I suspect that if I went back and read it now, I'd probably think it's total crap.

Hi,

But perhaps not, give it a go IMO.

Long days and pleasant nights

[Haunted]

I requested and received as a Christmas gift Mr. King's On Writing for the sheer joy of reading about the writing craft and how my most favorite author approached it. I was not disappointed. And that book sits in a treasured spot on my book shelf nearest my computers. Thank You, Dear Sir.:biggrin2:

[BlueCeleste]

I was writing before I read it but it's very inspiring, to know how he struggled and then succeeded, now if only I could get there...
Everytime I get depressed about my writing, I go back to it and it's like an electric jolt, it jump start my creativity.

[MeLeesa Swann]

I wrote a short story based on something in the book. It wasn't an exercise or anything, but SK has a way of saying things in passing that spark your interest and inspire you to do something about it. I just entered the short story in a contest. (fingers crossed) I also started writing a book again. It felt so good to get back to it. I've focused on the kids for a while. It feels like finding a missing piece of myself.
by the way, if you think your story is a piece of crap, rewrite it. Change it to suit who you are now. I bet even SK looks over some of his stuff and says, "Man, I could have done that better." We will never see those mistakes ourselves, but we are not the greatness that is Stephen King.:cool2:

[Mr Nobody]

I wrote already, but it gave a new impetus. Even now, I'll reach over and get it off the shelf and read awhile whenever I get stuck, or just think the game isn't worth the candle. You can bet I'm back wanting to write again in no time. It's my rubber ring in the ocean of words.

[ShootDaSquirrells]

Hi,

Or to put it another way, who hasn't?

Apart from it's sheer instructional value, it must be the most inspiring book about writing ever written; I believe it should be mandatory in high schools.

Welcome to the MB, and keep posting!

Long days and pleasant nights


Yes, I agree, although I am more of a musician myself. I am now trying to take up writing as inspired by On Writing. But yes this book has certainly taught me more things than all the classes I have had in my educational years.

[Sundrop]

I have a true story that I've been keeping notes on for years. I will eventually write it all in a book format. I'm just waiting to ask my dad if it's OK for me to write about his family. Believe me when I say that truth is indeed stranger than fiction! My dad is the only one of his family left that I care about, and I'd like to have his seal of approval. :)

[michal]

I write for a living, and yet the book made me realize why I write and did make me want to read something that is not so... pointless as the commercial writing I do.
It made me realize why writing is a gift and how precious it is, if you use it well and practice with all your might

[Howler]

I just finished reading On Writing and was so touched by this book that I had to join the forum.

I've been writing professionally for 14 years and have had a few of my books published, three of them horror. When I'm not writing novels, I ghostwrite for other people. Occasionally I get desperate and write articles for magazines with headlines like, "Pamper Your Pooch Without Taking a Bite Out of Your Wallet!" It pays the bills...

I always believed that books and courses on writing were bullshit and for the most part they are. But not this one. As an old pro, I learned a hell of a lot and grew as a writer.

This book inspires me as a writer in a way that Ben Franklin's Autobiography inspires me in life. It had that much of an impact.

I highly recommend this book. Mr. King is truly a friend to all writers.

[Insomniak]

I read it years ago don't know what I did with it, but it's worth a read. Even if your not going to be a pro it's probably worth checking out. Anything King says is like taking to a billionaire if you are interested in writing. In other words if my main interest in life was to make money I listen when a billionaire speaks. Now Stephen King is the King. A person like me looks at his work and says, "I can do that upside down because I'm burning, I mean if I didn't write the book I would have to climb Mount Everest." So it's not do I want to wright and be a pro, oh no It's more like, "Do I want to be him." And that takes work. And if I can't, be him, then for me, what's the point in it at all? Joy comes from the read not the write, but ultimately if you stick with it, then the write starts giving you the joy, but then again Mr. King did say, if you suck you suck, in so many words. That's what I liked about the book-it was just straight talk.

[blunthead]

sK's work has encouraged me to try my hand more than any other author, and I started a short story. So far, though I like some of what I've written, I feel that I don't know what I'm doing. I suspect that, to a degree, that doesn't matter.

I think having the germ of the story intact--a kind of mental outline--is enough; after that you just keep digging and discovering.

[Doc Wilson]

Its a great book. For me the most enlightening part was the idea of not editing until you've written the first draft all the way through. Too much of my work has been ruined or aborted from doing just the opposite, and I'd never realized that was the reason.

[Lina]

I've just started reading On writing and I really enjoy it. I also like to write and I hope I will find something useful in this book. I hope it will inspire me.

[Duma D]

I was driving my old Toyota truck to the canal to walk my Lab who sat patiently beside me almost reading my thoughts. I was thinking about On Writing and how if nothing else learning to write, with its guidance, helped me to deal with the even more real nightmares that blindside the aging increasingly responsibility-laden baby boomer. That was when I noticed the sound of my brake pads starting to fail, a rough scraping reverberating up through my airconditioning almost. Each stop sign required a little more anticipation. We made it to the shop a few blocks from the canal, where kind Ernie said best not to drive the truck anymore until he replaced those pads. "It goes quick, when it goes." Who knows? Stephen King's On Writing may have saved lives today.

[Abbie]

Too many.

But that's OK. The 2010 'Writer's Digest' ships at the end of June, by the way...

BJS

I think libraries carry last years copy and also the Writer's Market tome. May not be up to date but... then hmm. --Abbie

[Haunted]

Came across an article about a romance writer who after her first manuscript was crushingly criticized says 'she took a grammar class and read Stephen King's book On Writing'. She then spent five years writing like 'a crazy woman'. She eventually had her first romance novel published by Harlequin in 2008.

[Denise Marsden]

On writing is such an inspiring book, Ive always wanted to have a go.They say there is at least one novel in all of us.Im am not surprised that so many ''would be authors'' are attracted to Mr.Kings work. He makes story telling seem so effortless even though some of his tales must have felt like giving birth.I liked the autobiographical bit as well it lent the book that personal touch that prevented a perception of reading a text book.I suspect he was an excellent teacher.

[malarabid]

I grew up writing stories. Once, in 8th grade, my mom found something I wrote and did not like its contents and made me tear it up. Things were never the same after that.

I really shouldn't worry about that anymore. On Writing reminded me that the first draft is for me, with the door closed.

Thank you for that!

[bilinguru]

On page 170 of 'On Writing' Mr. King offers up a writing exercise and encourages the reader to write 5 or 6 pages of unplotted narration based on a situation he lays out. He then asks us to send the results to www.stephenking.com after which he promises to at least read part of what he receives. Well, I've finished the exercise and would like to submit it. Where should I direct it moderator?

[Moderator]

Sorry, but we're no longer accepting submissions--see FAQ (http://www.stephenking.com/faq.html#1.5)

[Athena Cooke]

OW defiantly inspired me to start writing again. It got me back on track. Even though I have so many other things to do, thanks to Mr. King I now dedicate 1,000-1,500 words per night where there are no children, no schoolwork, no job, and no telephone distractions.
It was such a great resource and source of go-get-'em, I'm much more confident in myself than I was before. If Mr. King can do what he's done and dealt with addiction at the same time, why can't I?

[jsurgener]

On Writing changed my outlook on how I felt about writing. Thank you Mr. King

[Pastor Tom]

This is simply a great book. Period. Of the many books on writing I've read, this one simply brings it home in such a way that I can understand and grasp hold of. I will recommend this book to all aspiring writers. Wonderful read.

[SeleneM1]

Every time I re-read this book, I'm reminded of how good it is...And encouraged by it. At some point, Mr. King points out that our fictional characters have tremendous egos. No matter how idiotic they might be to other people, they're masters of their own destinies. While I consider myself in the level of "competent writer," as Mr. King classifies it, I believe I have the power to get better, to the level of "good writer." (Although "great writers," the transcendent kind, are born, and I don't kid myself about that!)...But then, is that just my own ego talking? I certainly hope not! :laugh:

[Inspector Karamazov]

I'm in the middle of readng it now. I've always been a writer, ever since I was able to write, but reading it is making me want to sit down and write something.

[DwayneHoover]

Hello all (Newbie here). I am almost done with "On Writing" and want to take a stab at the "assignment" on pages 171 to 173. The Dick and Jane exercise. Just wondering if anyone else has tried, and if this is the place to post it? The book is fantastick by the way. Especially the chapter on Telepathy!

[Bryan James]

Dwayne--No one's holding a bean-filled chihuahuah to your head forcing you not to write the story....

There are also a few writing goups in the "private" sections of the board. There might be one for "The Exercise." Or maybe you could start one...people inquire regularly about that.

[DwayneHoover]

Your right, that chihuahua claws might be sharp and scratching me up. i will write it in a bit, but I can't send it yet til i have enough posts. When i do. i will look for those groups. Thanks.

[DwayneHoover]

All right I did it. Took three hours. Took a totally different take on the idea. Hope that is ok. I like it. It scarred me a little. Trip into the mind kinda stuff. Maybe one day when i have enough posts I could put it somewhere here.

[Bryan James]

All right I did it. Took three hours. Took a totally different take on the idea. Hope that is ok. I like it. It scarred me a little. Trip into the mind kinda stuff. Maybe one day when i have enough posts I could put it somewhere here.

Dwayne,

Thanks for the PM of your Dick and Jane story. You write well (need to "tighten it up" a bit for my taste...which is not popular), and I liked the brainbender at the end.

Writer's Digest Magazine has a monthly competition called "Your Story." The mag provides a prompt and writers can send in a short story.

Subscribe.

~BJS

[~Ally~]

Dwayne,

Thanks for the PM of your Dick and Jane story. You write well (need to "tighten it up" a bit for my taste...which is not popular), and I liked the brainbender at the end.

Writer's Digest Magazine has a monthly competition called "Your Story." The mag provides a prompt and writers can send in a short story.

Subscribe.

Ya know what?? I'm going to dig my copy out and do this exercise.
I mean sure, we all know I ain't no writer, but could be fun.
Expect an extra special PM entitled "Dick and Jane" one day soon.
I'm pretty sure I have some good ideas for how this one could go. :smile2:

[DwayneHoover]

Sorry if I sent it more than once, i could not tell if the message was sent or not. I am still getting used to the functions. Thanks for reading, you inspired me to, and I couldn't let my lazyness get me. I definatly have to tighten it up. My grammer is pitiful. I will check out the Writer's Digest.

[justherb]

Reading this now for the first time and love it. I don't know if I have a novel in me, but I have written a few short stories in the past and feel like I need to get back on that wagon.

[GunslingerEddie]

I have long been an avid SK fan but have never read On Writing, but , my daughter who is only 14 writes incredibly interesting little stories I was wondering if I should try to get her to read this book as she is also an avid reader of books.

[wilhem spihntingle]

I have long been an avid SK fan but have never read On Writing, but , my daughter who is only 14 writes incredibly interesting little stories I was wondering if I should try to get her to read this book as she is also an avid reader of books.

I would say 100 % that it would be the best thing she could read. I was given this advice by many respected writers and it was without a doubt the best advice I ever received. There might be some "salty" language that you'll have to use our own discretion as to whether you recommend it, but Sk even addresses his take on profanity in it.He;;, you should read it yourself first, it is that good.

Hope this helps.

Peace,

Sean

[SeleneM1]

Hi, gunslinger Eddie. As to getting your daughter to read it...If she expresses an interest in learning more about the craft, certainly point her toward On Writing. If, however, she just wants to do her own thing, it really should blossom on its own. Many writers don't like to follow rules until they're ready to investigate the bigger possibilities of what they're doing. Just a thought. :)

[Silhouette86]

I've been writing for as long as I could remember. There was a time when I was seven that I started writing; then, again when I was ten, and yet again when I was eighteen. I believe when I'm on a groove is when I almost feel hypnotized and just see my fingers typing away, almost as if someone else was typing. I am twenty-four now and feel that I'm getting better by the year. And when the ideas don't come, I just write away, enjoying the moment.

[BlackWater1969]

It's probably premature to give her the book. If you do, give her the audio book and a copy of the text book for notes and quick references.
The highlights of the book for a 14 year old are essentially this:

Write using active verbs.
Spend alot of time reading and writing.
Love what you do.

Also in terms of novel length manuscripts, the second draft should equal the first draft minus 10%.