Stephen King On Writing

Okay...I'll admit that I'm horrible at reading craft books. I love to learn craft and try to always better my writing, but I usually stick with articles. So after years of hearing about this book, it finally decided to bonk me on the head (actually, it was in my RWA chapter's library and I snagged it).

I wish I would have read it sooner.

Seriously.

EVERY page is loaded with so much. About life. About writing. Plus King is just an interesting person. His writing resonates and every other sentence contains some kind of nugget that I'd love to tape up on my wall.

Needless to say, after I finish King's memoir I'll be checking out some of his fiction.

I've asked before about your favorite writing craft book, but now I'm wondering why it's your favorite? What makes it stand out? And if you could choose to meet any author, who would it be and why?

Comments

Anita Grace Howard said…
YAY!!! I'm so glad you read this! I read it several years ago and LOVED it, just like you. I think what makes it so good is he's so relatable/authentic throughout. Not to mention he's just plain amazing. Heh.

Can't wait to see what you think of his fiction! Just don't start with "It." *shudders*
December 10, 2012 at 8:33 AM
Jeanette Levellie said…
Good for you! I've heard lots of positive feedback about this book, Jessica. Thanks for the review. One of my favorite craft books is On Writing Well by William Zinsser. I'd like to meet you, and Ann Lamott.
December 10, 2012 at 8:33 AM
Jessica Nelson said…
Anita, I have something else I'm going to read of his first, no worries! LOL
I agree about his honesty...and I love what he says about us being honest in our writing.


Jeanette, there's language in the book but it is very well worth the read! Hahaaa, you want to meet me? I promise I'm nothing special and there are many more interesting authors out there...though I know I'd love to meet you too. :-)
December 10, 2012 at 8:35 AM
Janet Smart said…
I don't think I've read that one either. I've got lots of craft books and I really don't know which one I like best. Of course, a lot of mine are for writing for children. I would like to meet Jane Yolen.
December 10, 2012 at 9:09 AM
Gabrielle Meyer said…
I can't stop talking about Susan May Warren's workbooks: "From the Inside Out," "Kiss & Tell" and "Deep and Wide." Each time I start a new book I read through them again. I answer all the questions she poses, because it really does help you craft a great story with all the important story threads. I havent' written a single scene in my next story, but I feel like I know it as well as I know my last one already.
December 10, 2012 at 9:34 AM
Linda Kage said…
On Writing has to be one of my favorite writing books because it's one of the few that I was actually able to read all the way through!! Plus I loved that one line about how he was an adult before he was able to not-be-ashamed of the types of books he writes. He says lots of stuff that resonates well.
December 10, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Georgiana Daniels said…
It's been a long time since I've read that one. Unfortunately it's all packed in boxes right now but I'd like to read it again. My personal favorite craft book is "Write Away" by Elizabeth George. I just love everything about her process and the accuracy, detail, and skill that she approaches her writing with. It's one of those books you need a nice hot beverage and a free afternoon to savor.
December 10, 2012 at 10:44 AM
Nancy said…
I have read many craft books, but it was some time ago. Can't remember any names.

I would love to have met C.S. Lewis. I would love to meet Sharon Creech or Nina Bawden, children's book authors.
December 10, 2012 at 1:19 PM
Karen Lange said…
Thanks for the info! I've heard good things about this book. I like James Scott Bell's books on writing. He's always got something good to share.
December 10, 2012 at 3:31 PM
Sarah Forgrave said…
Still haven't read this book, but it sounds like I should move it to the top of my TBR list. :) My favorite craft book lately is Jeff Gerke's "Plot Versus Character." I'll never write or plan a novel the same way again.
December 10, 2012 at 4:11 PM
Erica Vetsch said…
Yup, this was a great one that kept me thinking about it long after I finished it for the first time. I think I've read it three times now? Each time I take away something different. You're right, he's an interesting guy.
December 10, 2012 at 4:14 PM
Brandi Boddie said…
I found Gail Gaymer Martin's book on writing Christian romance to be very helpful. I reference it whenever I need to work on characterizations and getting the theme of a story down.
December 10, 2012 at 4:56 PM
Julie Jarnagin said…
I love that book, but it has probably been 10 years since I read it. I should read it again.
December 11, 2012 at 7:53 AM
Jaime Wright said…
I've never heard of this booK!! COOL!!!!!
December 13, 2012 at 9:10 AM
Rhonda Schrock said…
I think it would be lovely to have coffee with Jan Karon, author of the Mitford series. She is one of the only authors I can read and re-read and re-re-read.

Haven't read any craft books yet (I'm not a novelist), but I'll file this little tidbit away. Thanks!
December 13, 2012 at 9:48 AM
Susan J. Reinhardt said…
Maybe if they wrote craft books wrapped up in story form I'd be able to get through them. :)

I like blog posts and articles so much better. Those long textbooks make my eyes cross.

That said, I did enjoy Jill Elizabeth Nelson's ebook on Deep POV. She gives bite-sized nuggets that don't stick in my throat.

December 15, 2012 at 8:37 PM
Jennifer Shirk said…
Someone gave this to me to read when I first started writing. It's a fav for sure. But it's been so long. I would to re-read it.

PS. You won an ebook on my blog. Well, really Jule Jarnagin's blog. LOL
December 17, 2012 at 5:40 AM
Michelle Griep said…
I thought I was the only one horrible at reading craft books. Good to know I'm not alone!
December 20, 2012 at 10:21 AM
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