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alexconfoo's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
A no nonsense approach to writing and storytelling. As King asserts throughout, there is no 'magic formula' -- the only dictum that comes close is 'read a lot and write a lot'. This angle is wholly refreshing, a satisfying stepback from the traditional 'structure & literary theory is everything' approach. Throughout the entire book, thematically in the 'CV' section, and at the fore in the 'On Writing' section, King constantly defines how one improves at writing -- just keep doing it.
The aspect that resonated the most was King's description of stories as 'fossils' just waiting to be unearthed. How large that fossil is, how intricate, how intact, and ultimately, how interersting it is, is determined by the craft and care of the author who reveals it. Stories, he says, are not supposed to be fixed and rigid, but flexible, instinctual. The best thing to do while writing is trust your instincts. Sure, throughout life story structures may have permeated into your subconscious, but it's trusting that subconscious to make the right decisions at the correct times that crafts the grander, rawer, more engaging story.
The more you practise writing, the better your subconscious 'toolbox' will improve in its decision-making, and hence the greater you will become at your craft.
Probably the best book about the writing craft out there, because it's not about writing, it's about art, culture, society, sociology, and inherent human nature, all wrapped into the simple, no nonsense, highly engaging prose of Stephen King.
The aspect that resonated the most was King's description of stories as 'fossils' just waiting to be unearthed. How large that fossil is, how intricate, how intact, and ultimately, how interersting it is, is determined by the craft and care of the author who reveals it. Stories, he says, are not supposed to be fixed and rigid, but flexible, instinctual. The best thing to do while writing is trust your instincts. Sure, throughout life story structures may have permeated into your subconscious, but it's trusting that subconscious to make the right decisions at the correct times that crafts the grander, rawer, more engaging story.
The more you practise writing, the better your subconscious 'toolbox' will improve in its decision-making, and hence the greater you will become at your craft.
Probably the best book about the writing craft out there, because it's not about writing, it's about art, culture, society, sociology, and inherent human nature, all wrapped into the simple, no nonsense, highly engaging prose of Stephen King.
its_jess24's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
cecilialau_'s review against another edition
3.5
Gave great insights on King’s personal experience and that’s all someone can do and therefore all we can ask for. I liked how it was contemplative and self-reflective, and I enjoyed hearing about his life and how the stories came to be.
It was outdated in parts imo but I’m glad I read it - but even more glad that I decided to see if Libby had it on audio, which I switched to at around 50%.
It was outdated in parts imo but I’m glad I read it - but even more glad that I decided to see if Libby had it on audio, which I switched to at around 50%.
troyhamilton's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think I've ever read a Stephen King book before, but really enjoyed this one.
danijoy's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Thank you King for this memoire about your life and on writing. More contemplative and less instructional. But still very informative and inspiring. I really enjoyed it. I’ll try to avoid adverbs when possible.