On Writing

Rating:
Summary: Not One of My Favorite Authors, but King Knows His Craft
Review: Like many of the other buyers of this book, I was hoping for insight into how King writes, how he's made his fortune, how he kicks out idea after idea. Luckily, he doesn't reveal any of that, at least not in the form expected.

The book is mostly a personal bio of the man behind the books, his struggle as a former "average Joe," how he toiled like the rest of us until his skill and determination got him where he is today. It's his unexpected honesty, straightforwardness, and realism that make reading this work invaluable. He admits what other authors of "writing books" don't. He tells us the writing life is frickin' hard and instead of looking for an easy way through, we should learn to love our chosen path and use the skills we have to derive the desired benefits from our own careers.

There are a few sections of style guidance included, nothing more than you'd find in an academic style guide. Here, King confirms that the key to success is your own wealth of ideas, ability to be based in the real world while creating alternate worlds just as real for your reader, and putting your whole self on the page.

Kudos to King on a valuable book...if only I could get through more than just one of his actual fiction stories....

Rating:
Summary: Straight Shooter
Review: Anyone who loves Stephen King will enjoy reading this book whether they're a writer or not. And though I admit I'm addicted to reading books on writing, I loved the (Second Forward). It is a memoir sprinkled with writing tips; I love the fact that he included some " raw edited" writing in it to show you how writing develops. Many think it just "flows out from the muse..done".

Also a list of books recommended by Stephen King that he read "I believe" in the past year. Some good suggestions there too.

Bravo to a writer that has earned his laurels and can wear them proudly. When I used to drive an eighteen wheeler, I spent much time loading and unloading, so a had time to read. Never, never read King at night. Too DARN scary. King is underrated. Just because he is popular. He's a *#@!%$^^%$#$# good writer! If you don't believe it read "The Stand"; "The Green Mile", "Carrie", or "Dolores Clairborne"---Or "Shawshank Redemption". King did NOT have anything handed to him on even a tin platter; he and Tabitha earned everything they have through hard work and sacrifice and still give away smiles and "scares" to others. He's proof that behind every great man may be two women: his Mother and Tabitha.
A mucho big fan. I've met your buddy Dave Barry. Would love to get a book signed by the King. Oh, I thoroughly enjoyed another non-fiction King book: "Dance Macabre"
Steven, seriously do you write in your bathtub, while mowing the grass, at the breakfast table, in the _____________bedroom. In an ambulance on the way the the hospital. Does you typwriter even have an off button?

An admirer still haunted by the old lady in the bathtub in the hotel who appeared to the boy. Damn Scary.