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Lesson's from "On Writing" -Part II


I would recommend Stephen King's memoir "On Writing" to almost anyone! Fan or not, Stephen King's memoir is entertaining and full of relatable material. King maintains a very casual tone, allowing his humor and sarcasm to shine through.


     One of the most interesting and surprising things I've learned so far about Stephen King would be his struggle with addiction and the intervention his family staged to save his life. I think his candid recollection of such a sensitive personal issue, like many other memories he shares, makes him a trustworthy and reliable source of information.

    King shares a piece of advice with the reader that he was given by Editor John Gould- "write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open." King claims Gould taught him more in ten minutes than all his college courses.

     Right before we get to the "Toolbox" section of King's memoir, he reminds the reader that writing "isn't a popularity contest, it's not the moral Olympics, and it's not church."

     King's Toolbox has been insightful. As a class we were able to discuss the different tools King shares. The ability to discuss the tools as a group helped me further solidify King's advice.

     For me, King's insight on sentence structure will stick with with me and my writing. King reminds us that simple sentences are just as relevant as long ones. Any noun and verb will do!  "...simple sentences provide a path you can follow when you fear getting lost in the tangles of rhetoric-" Stephen King (pg. 121)

     Another bit of advice Stephen King brings to light is the use of passive verbs. King states that writers should avoid using them. Don’t make the subject a victim. King says to avoid the passive tense.... and he's "not the only one who says so."

     There's a mountain of informational wealth in this book. I believe this has been the best book I've been required to read. I am looking forward to reading the rest of "On Writing", while tucking some more tools in my box.

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