Book of the Week: On Writing

09 Feb 2013

This is the first Stephen King book I’ve read. It’s a nonfiction book that is about writing. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

Writing is seduction. Good talk is part of seduction. If not so, why do so many couples who start the evening at dinner wind up in bed? - Stephen King, On Writing

Like many of the other books I have read, this book is divided into two parts. The first part covers how he learned to become a writer. The second part are thoughts about how an average writer can become a good writer. If you’re a bad writer, you’re out of luck. If you want to become a great writer, you’re also out of luck. It’s more geared toward how to become a good novel writer if you’re an average novel writer. The book is very focused on novel writing, because it is Stephen King’s area of expertise. He frequently refers to The Elements of Style, which is my favorite book on learning how to write better. Read The Elements of Style if you want to become a better writer. Read On Writing if you want to be a novel writer like Stephen King.

Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid or making friends. In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. - Stephen King, On Writing

Even though writing isn’t about all those things, I wouldn’t mind having some of those as a side benefit. Now I want to read some of Stephen King novels. When I first started my Book of the Week, I was a little afraid I would get bored or run out of books to read, but it is the opposite. Reading is an adventure. It’s exciting to start a new book. The more you do something, the better you get at it. Reading and writing are awesome. Purchase On Writing on Amazon.com or check it out from your local library.