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On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King

Start date: July 1, 2022

Finish date: July 31, 2022

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▶️ Book of The Month (BoTM)

* October 25 - Surrounded by Idiots
By Trisha , Founder · 1 post · 4 views

last updated 21 hours, 24 min ago

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May 17, 2014 Shay rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed, 2015

A fascinating look into the life and art of one of my favorite authors Mr. Stephen King. He offers some sound advice for potential writers and walks you through his life, from his first memory, to first book, to his accident and beyond.

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Aug 02, 2023 Graeme Newell rated it liked it

Shelves: overdrive, king, ebook

Unlike his suspense-driven novels, this book delves deep into the gritty realities of what it takes to be a writer. Written in an easy-to-read, personal style, King unravels the specifics of his creation journey and writing process. It left me both awed and enlightened.

One thing I relished about the book was getting a sneak peek into the world of King's daily routine. The fact that he's managed to devise a systematic daily regimen that ensures he’s productive is nothing short of fascinating. I m Unlike his suspense-driven novels, this book delves deep into the gritty realities of what it takes to be a writer. Written in an easy-to-read, personal style, King unravels the specifics of his creation journey and writing process. It left me both awed and enlightened.

One thing I relished about the book was getting a sneak peek into the world of King's daily routine. The fact that he's managed to devise a systematic daily regimen that ensures he’s productive is nothing short of fascinating. I mean, how does a man that successful manage to discipline himself so rigorously? It's like getting a behind-the-scenes look at a top-of-her-game athlete.

The shocker for me was that King writes without an outline. No planned chapters, no pre-set plot points. I sat there, blinking hard, thinking, "How on Earth does he keep all the details straight in his mind?" He begins with a few characters, then just starts writing, following the path where the characters tell him to go. It's a baffling concept to someone like me who's a stickler for planning. I bet there are many out there who might find this method unconventional, but hey, it’s Stephen King, and he’s allowed his eccentricities.

While many of my pals have often spoken of writing as if it’s as easy as whipping up a sandwich, King's book was an eye-opener. Writing isn't just about putting words on paper; it’s about weaving a tapestry of ideas, character arcs, and engaging plots. "On Writing" hammers home the point that to be a writer; one needs oodles of patience, unyielding dedication, and an insurmountable amount of hard work. If you ever thought writing was easy, this book will certainly change your tune.

Perhaps the most touching aspect of the book is how King portrays writing as not just a profession or hobby, but a calling. After finishing "On Writing," I was left with the deep-seated belief that the reason writers like King are so immensely successful is that writing is embedded in their very soul. These are people who can't escape the allure of the written word, even if they tried. It's not just about churning out best-sellers, but the sheer joy and compulsion of storytelling.

But, as with everything, there are parts of the book that felt a tad slow. King's rich backstory, while crucial for context, sometimes feels lengthy. Not everyone might appreciate the detours from the core subject. However, those sidetracks do paint a vivid picture of the man behind the scenes, making them forgivable, at least in my book (pun intended).

This book is more than just a guide or memoir; it's an intimate journey through the world of one of the most prolific writers of our age. While there are sections that could have been crisper, the book largely succeeds in drawing me into King’s world, making me appreciate the art and craft of writing all the more. Whether you're an aspiring author or just a fan of King's work, this book is definitely worth a read. And if you ever thought of penning your own story, remember: it's crazy hard. It really helped me understand why there are so many bad books out there. ...more

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