"on writing" and inspiring others

**Prince Chuck** · October 22nd, 2009

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** · April 2nd, 2010

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** · April 6th, 2010

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

**JulieD** · July 22nd, 2010

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** · July 22nd, 2010

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!