lets work together Topic Tuesday #1: On Writing by Stephen King

[Brayon]

On the advice of a good GA friend, I was able to check out a copy of On Writing by Stephen King. It's a book about how he was formed into a writer, and a couple of exercises in it as well. I've read about a quarter of it so far, and as of right now, I would recommend it to all writers to read.

 

So, what about you. Have you read this book? Have you read a writing related book, you feel is a great read for writers to learn a bit about our craft? Let's talk, and let's work together.

 

 

 

OP Side Note: Topic Tuesday is something, that I'm starting, on my own initiative, in order for us writers to talk, discuss issues, and learn from each other.

[MacGreg]

Great topic, A. I received this book at Christmas, and I devoured it pretty quickly. Everything King describes in the book clicked with me immediately. Reaffirmed my passion for the craft. Even his childhood memories hit home for me. I was like, "Are we twins separated at birth?"

 

His advice for writing is brilliant and applicable. Cut the adverbs! Kill your darlings! Read, read, read! Be brave with your writing, don't worry about offending someone! And so much more. 

 

I recommend On Writing to all writers, seasoned or just starting out. It's not a technical essay; it's practical advice that makes good sense. And Mr. King will entertain you along the way. 

[FormerMember4]

I have not read this one. I do recommend another one as well.

 

Writing Tools, by Roy Peter Clark

This is informative and broken down in sections.

1. Nuts and bolts

2. Special effects

3. Blueprints for stories

4. Useful habits

[FormerMember4]

Roy Peter Clark also has a motto he follows. Something @Mikiesboy has told you. The motto is Tools, not rules.

[Daddydavek]

Here's a link to a great blog that inspired me which quotes from King's book.

 

https://ambradleyblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/13/dont-be-hard-on-yourself-for-writers/

[Comicality]

 

I actually have never read this book from Stephen King! And I'm a HUGE King fan too! But I've watched a lot of his assemblies on YouTube about writing, and found them really interesting. I need to pick it up some time. I've always been a loyal fanatic.

 

Still haven't read his sequel to "The Shining" yet, but it's been getting mixed reviews. Not that it matters. I've GOTTA see it!

[Brayon]

This was a good start to Topic Tuesday. I'm working on the next one's theme now.

 

Thank you to all that joined in.

[Sam Wyer]

I’ve not read this, but now I’m thinking that maybe I should, so thanks   And I like this concept too.

 

On a (almost) related note, I’d point people towards The View From The Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman.  It’s not specifically ‘a book about writing’ or ‘how to write’, but in it he talks a lot about writing, the process, and the experience, which as a novice I’ve found very useful, reassuring, and occasionally inspiring too.

[CassieQ]

23 hours ago, Comicality said:

 

I actually have never read this book from Stephen King! And I'm a HUGE King fan too! But I've watched a lot of his assemblies on YouTube about writing, and found them really interesting. I need to pick it up some time. I've always been a loyal fanatic.

 

Still haven't read his sequel to "The Shining" yet, but it's been getting mixed reviews. Not that it matters. I've GOTTA see it!

Are you referring to Doctor Sleep?  It's okay.  Not bad by any means, but it's hard to write a follow up to something as cool as The Shining

 

That being said, On Writing is great.  Whenever people ask about a good book on writing, this is always the first one that comes to my head.

[VampireMystic]

I haven't read King's book, but it's referenced all over in books I have. 

 

I do have one that, come to think if it, I'm going to reread. Plot and Structure by Scott Bell. It's part of a series where in different authors tackle different parts of story and craft. But the author Bell clicked with my thinking more than the others. 

 

Even if I can't claim to following his advice, it always gets me thinking and motivated. 

 

For the King book, I've put myself on the wait list for the local library ebook copy. 

[Hudson Bartholomew]

I enjoyed On Writing a lot. It's half biography and half writing tips. I think most of his advice is good, but might not work for everyone. Like, I think he recommends writing everyday, but that might not be practical for everyone. As with all advice, take it with a grain of salt and figure out what works for you.