#2 – On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Plot

Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have.

King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported near-fatal accident in 1999 — and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery.

Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it — fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.

Review

That favorite quote is inscribed on my bookmark – one that I’ve used for nearly every book I’ve read on this list.  Or at least every book I’ve read since reading On Writing.  Very few books have made a physical impact on my life, but On Writing is one of them.  Maybe THE one.  Yes, I know it may be considered cheating the list to have a non-fiction entry, but I don’t care.  It’s my list and On Writing deserves to be here right near the top.

My Creative Writing teacher in high school wrote on one of my papers that she hoped I was considering a career in writing.  To which the answer was a resounding yes.  I’ve always been considering it but never following through on it.  Too risky.  No security.  But to my amazement, people like Stephen King had had similar thoughts – and to hear King write about those insecurities in this memoir was incredibly inspiring.  

On Writing is a must-read for anyone who loves reading, enjoys writing, or is fascinated by the writing process.  It involves tips of the trade, how to go about getting published, which books King recommends reading.  It’s a one-stop shop for any aspiring writer/bookworm.  

King also talks about his own trials and tribulations.  Drug abuse.  Nearly getting killed by a van.  Alcoholism.  It’s a completely open look into how much King has struggled and yet persevered despite it all.  

I’ve re-read very few novels in my life, but I constantly find myself reading sections of On Writing from time to time.  I also tell anyone who is listening to read this book – even if they aren’t a fan of Stephen King novels.

And while I haven’t published any novels/transcripts/etc., On Writing gives me hope and as I learned in Shawshank Redemption, “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things.  And no good thing ever dies.”

Details

Pages: 320

Dates Read: Pre-2012

Quote: “Books are a uniquely portable magic.”

Best Part: Honestly, all of it. Although, I really enjoyed the thought of Stephen King washing dishes before his career took off.

Hint for #1: The one that started all of this.

 

Until next time, peace be the journey.