Stephen as a rolemodel???

[Cash & Carrie]

I wanted to write something about ON WRITING initially, then decided I must say something about DANSE MACABRE as well. And then reminded myself that it's not just these two great books but the interviews as well. And this beautiful website.

I'm a professional (screen)writer working in Europe and one of my rules is: never read stuff about writing and absolutely never read stuff about writing written by people who can't even write themselves. I would like to make an exception for Stephen King (the above books) and Patricia Highsmith (Plotting And Writing Suspense Fiction).

But it's not just the books. It's the whole cool, approachable, guy next door-thing he does and the simple back to basic way he tells us about the craft of writing. He's really open about it and that teaches us that it's a beautiful craft.

So I would definitely say this guy is a great role model for writers.

And don;t get me started on the selfless way he endorses other peoples work.

[Mr Nobody]

"...absolutely never read stuff about writing written by people who can't even write themselves."

Doesn't apply in SK's case, though, does it?
I did once read something by a relatively famous author who made iron rules about this and Thou Shalt Nots about that, despite the fact that his own writing was nothing but staid and formulaic. I've got no gripes against SK or On Writing, though.
Anyway, as a writer yourself, didn't you find writing a beautiful craft already? (Yeah it's hard work, not just sometimes but all the time, but it's always worth it in the end.)

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Can I also recommend Secret Windows (only available on the secondary market) and Faithful (cowritten with Stewart O'Nan)?

Long days and pleasant nights

[sgmonje]

I agree, I think he is an amazing role model for writers or anyone. He had amazing determination getting started and got everything he deserved with his fame, and money security for his family. He was able to give his family the security that his own never had growing up and I think that is the best thing that someone can give to the world. He raised a family of writers and they're all amazing. I respect him more than any other writer, and any other person I've ever met. I wish I had a father or role model like him growing up. I think I speak for many people when I say "Thank you Steve, thank you for being the best role model that I've ever known in my entire life."

[teejay17]

I think he's a great role model too. He's the reason I have an English degree, having been inspired to read and write while I was a rebellious youth. And then you know what happens when you get "turned on" to books: your whole perception of the world changes.

[*Iris*]

I agree with all of you, he's a wonderful Role Model. For me, "On Writting" was the best educational book about writting and I liked a lot the way he approaches this craft. It was a really great idea of him, to write this magnificent book. He gave me the strength I needed, so to begin and write eventually my own book.

[annetacey]

He's a absolutely great role model, no airs or graces, says and writes what he wants and lives his life to the full.

[teejay17]

The greatest lesson to others was his perseverance when things were really hard. There are many out there who are struggling in the same way, having to rotate bills every month and all that other stuff.

[am78]

I think you should all the books on writing possible. I think learning to write good fiction never stops. I admire anyone who writes what they want and lives their life, and agree King does this. He says in one of his books living life is very important to writing (I don't remember the exact words), and I agree.

[king family fan]

Iam not much of a writer but do write more after reading On writing.