Saturday, October 07, 2006

Stephen King On Writing

I'm not one for reading a lot of writing books. Those I do read, I tend to dip into here and there. But I just finished reading Stephen King's On Writing cover to cover and absolutely loved it.

Part honest, unflinching memoir, part writing advice, this is not like any other writing book out there. I don't agree with all of what he says - I don't think any writer would, as we all have our own likes and dislikes, our own ways of doing things. But that's what's so great about this book - he doesn't try to say that his way is the only right way. It's simply a compendium of what he knows.

I really liked the blunt, no-nonsense style in which the book is written. SK gets the balance just right - he talks about the hard work it takes to be a writer without losing the sense of magic that drives writers to do what they do. Even if you're not a writer, I think you'd find this an interesting book, in terms of the insight it gives into the mind of one.

7 comments :

Anonymous said...

I have this book in my tbr pile. I really need to get to it! Thanks, girl.

Anonymous said...

I really love this book. I'm not a fan of books on writing, either, but this one just...I dunno, it was right. I think if I hadn't been a King fan before I read it, I definitely would have been after.

Nalini Singh said...

You'll love it, Kendra!

Meljean - I know, it's hard to articulate exactly what made it so good, but it definitely is. I just liked his voice, the way he was so real.

Anonymous said...

Nalini, I've never read the book, but I heard about it a lot. After this post, I think I should check it out.

Sara Hantz said...

I love this book - really hits the mark!!!

Josie said...

Oh, I love it too! I've read it several times and I always find something new to appreciate about that wonderful book.

Meretta said...

I love this book, too. It is, in my opinion, a must read for every writer even if they don't read Stephen King's novels. The man's insights are AMAZING and so inspiring.

If you don't have it, go BUY it. It's well worth the $$ and you'll read it time and again. I promise.