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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"On Writing" - Reaction to Stephen King's memoir

I've really enjoyed the book "On Writing", so far. During the first 50 pages I could relate to many of Stephen King's anecdotes, in one way or another. The most relateable would be when King is telling the audience about his re-occuring ear infections as a child and the next story about tonsil removal. King recalls being coaxed into a taxi cab by his mother to go to an ear specialist (otolarynologist), not once, not twice, but three times. He recounts the doctor and nurse reassuring him nothing would hurt before jamming a needle into his infected ear to release pressure and let the fluid drain. He admits the last time he saw the ear specialist that he had caught-on to their lie. The third time he says "I screamed so long and so loud that I can still hear it. In fact, I think that in some deep valley of my head that last scream is still echoing." I am able to relate to this anecdote because my daughter had re-occuring ear and sinus infections and she had

Part III of my reaction to "On Writing," by Stephen King

In "On Writing" Stephen King takes his own advice and shows the reader how to write well, unlike most textbooks that just tell. King's specifics and details allow for easy comprehension and a smooth read. It's like he took the reader into account... For me, this is a book I will keep in my writing toolbox. There is relevant and crucial information King shares with the readers/writers. Regardless of where someone is in their writing path I would recommend reading "On Writing," by Stephen King. What I learned from Stephen King (Three most important things): Writing with the door closed and rewriting with the door open/Rewrite formula. I feel these two pieces of advice from King go hand-in-hand. This has been one of the most difficult things for me.I think due to my last writing classes requiring more technical style my sory telling ability is lacking. I find myself having to go back on the second draft to fill in a lot of parts that need impr

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