Book Review: On Writing by Stephen King

On Writing

by Stephen King

The Premise

There's a series of books titled "On Writing" by various writers. This book is written by the one Stephen King. Fascinatingly told, he described his life from the beginning, about his extremely hard life from childhood to marriage, to Carrie, his first big sale, and to general advice he gives to other prospective, hopeful writers to be. It's a pleasant read, one that can entertain, as well as educate. Or so I like to think.

The Early Life

The fact is, the author relived his childhood life for the first one-third of the book. Brilliant read as always, but what's that got to do with writing? If the author had intended that a sorry boy like him can make it big with hard work, despite all the hard knocking life throws at him, then I'd say that he's successful. However, the passages are rather light on advice, and more of an expository nature. Sometimes I wonder if there's a life lesson in it, but as far as I can discern, there's none.

The Writing Life

A rather abrupt change can be found during the passage of him describing the event when the manuscript of Carrie get sold. After that, it's easy living being a writer. A big desk in the middle of the room. Alcoholic drinks. All that jazz of being a writer.

Which, of course, as he later pointed out, that's not what being a writer is all about. Being a writer means to write, and you need to read, and do it judiciously. He later described the change. The big desk is out, and a smaller cozier desk is in. Make yourself comfortable, and that's what's being a good environment for a writer. I think I can describe it using fewer words than him, but there's no disputing that his words flow well.

He also eschews the use of plotting, preferring the spontaneity of the characters to steer the plot. Unfortunately, I don't work like that, but I understand the constant division between plotter and pantser. Both method are equally valid, but the author belongs firmly of the latter.

The Writing Work

The latter part of the book details the process of writing: Two drafts and a polish. Wait a minimum 6 weeks between drafts. Work on something else in the meantime until you forget the old draft. How first reader is the most valuable of all. These things are things that experienced professionals know, gained from hard experience. And yet, it's all narratively told. Like a kind, elderly grandpa telling his life's story in order to impart wisdom to the grandchildren. 

It also book ended with the tale of his accident. An unfortunate meeting with a van, as it were. It's just as tragic in the latter phase of life as it was in the early one. Yet, it gives me a glimmer of hope, that maybe, I can make it, too, despite being no longer young and strong. That, no matter what may come, I can be a writer. I just need to write 1000 words per day, every day. That's 4 double spaced pages per day. And you can, too.

The Conclusion

Reading the book gives me somewhat conflicted feeling. The book itself is eminently readable, and actually pleasant to read. However, I keep thinking, what's a concise autobiography has anything to do with "On Writing"? Now, if the book is actually called "On Stephen King", then it would be a wonderful book. Brilliant, even. However, after reading one third of the book, it was still on the author, and not on authorship. So, I was confused. Read the book if you want to know what a highly successful writer, being an expert in his craft, is like, to appreciate the book's whole worth. Highly recommended.