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A review by kbkittyb
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
5.0
I can't fault it at all. As with a lot of his work it is absolutely brutal, but honest.
It is the first book that has actually taught me something that I can actively use in my writing (and I have a degree in creative writing, bear in mind.) But this is not for the fainthearted writer. King is not one to pussyfoot around the obvious - not everyone can be a great and famous author. If this fact hadn't even occurred to you, this book is not for you.
It is written with a satisfying combination of non-fiction and fiction stylistic approaches, which means that his trademark dark humour and horror shines though despite the somewhat mundane topics. Making it a joy to read as well as a useful resource.
I'm afraid he does come across as a guy going through a mid-life crisis at points; the motorcycle, the rock band, the tendency to use alpha-male phrases. He would probably laugh at this, but I stand by it all the same. But he clearly loves Tabby and his family dearly which is refreshing (the way he talks about Tabby is something that I have only heard about in books unfortunately.) Lucky lady.
King is clearly very knowledgable and has garnered many tips and tricks over his extensive career in the industry. The only downside of this book is that it has a similar effect as a Da Vinci has on a budding artist - it sucks all the ambition right out of you. 'I can never be as good as that.'
He is brilliant, has worked hard and deserves everything he has earned.
A note for British readers - the book itself does obviously lean towards a more 'American English' approach (which he does talk about in the book) so brace yourself for lots of Hemingway-esq rules and references. I would also aim to find British alternatives to the grammar and style guides he recommends, of which there are many.
It is the first book that has actually taught me something that I can actively use in my writing (and I have a degree in creative writing, bear in mind.) But this is not for the fainthearted writer. King is not one to pussyfoot around the obvious - not everyone can be a great and famous author. If this fact hadn't even occurred to you, this book is not for you.
It is written with a satisfying combination of non-fiction and fiction stylistic approaches, which means that his trademark dark humour and horror shines though despite the somewhat mundane topics. Making it a joy to read as well as a useful resource.
I'm afraid he does come across as a guy going through a mid-life crisis at points; the motorcycle, the rock band, the tendency to use alpha-male phrases. He would probably laugh at this, but I stand by it all the same. But he clearly loves Tabby and his family dearly which is refreshing (the way he talks about Tabby is something that I have only heard about in books unfortunately.) Lucky lady.
King is clearly very knowledgable and has garnered many tips and tricks over his extensive career in the industry. The only downside of this book is that it has a similar effect as a Da Vinci has on a budding artist - it sucks all the ambition right out of you. 'I can never be as good as that.'
He is brilliant, has worked hard and deserves everything he has earned.
A note for British readers - the book itself does obviously lean towards a more 'American English' approach (which he does talk about in the book) so brace yourself for lots of Hemingway-esq rules and references. I would also aim to find British alternatives to the grammar and style guides he recommends, of which there are many.