Stephen King may always be known as a horror writer, but with over 50 published novels and 200 short stories — spanning from the epic fantasy Dark Tower series to the prison-break novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, which earned earned seven academy award nominations as a feature film, including best picture — he’s penned a range of tales. Simply put, King is a master storyteller. And he has a lot to say about writing.
In 2000, one year after suffering a near-fatal accident, King published On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, a beautiful and at times tragic account of his life, told in the candid style that has made him one of America’s most successful authors. It’s full of practical advice for aspiring writers. Here three quick lessons from the book.
Read and write constantly.
There is no shortcut to improvement as a writer other than through observation and practice. Even a bad book demonstrates what not to do. Reading a good one, on the other hand, provides a sense of what is possible and teaches style, graceful narration, plot-development, and characterization. For a writing goal, King suggests 1000 words a day, with one day off a week.
Writing is about enrichment.
An author’s goal should be enriching reader’s lives as well as one’s own. Good writing — and good blogging — should entertain the reader. “It’s about getting up, getting well, and getting over,” King says. “Getting happy, okay? Writing is magic, as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free. So drink.”
Write for yourself; revise for your audience.
Writing fiction can be a difficult, lonely job, King says, with plenty of opportunity for self-doubt. That’s why he suggests the first draft should be written with as little help (or interference) from anyone else, in the hope that the original enthusiasm for the story can be sustained until the story is complete. Then revise for the audience, be receptive of feedback, and trim anything that isn’t essential. Judging from his comments about writing Misery and The Tommyknockers, this is one lesson even King learned the hard way.
On Writing is a fascinating read for longtime King fans and writers looking to hone their craft. Check it out.
The Aberrant Rag 