(Audiobook)
While out for a walk In June 1999, Stephen King was hit by a van. It was only after several major operations that he was able to start writing again. ‘On Writing’ is the story of how King picked himself up from this near tragedy, as well as recalling the many steps that launched him on a journey to become the master of horror. The book is packed with advice for novice and experienced writers and is a must for anyone wanting the low-down on how this highly talented individual got to the top of his game.
I read the paperback version of this several years ago and always intended coming back to it. Hearing Stevie read the book himself is an added bonus, and I’d forgotten a lot of the great stories he tells about his early years. There are some classic tales, like the one where he threw the first few pages of ‘Carrie’ in the waste bin only to have it retrieved by his wife, Tabitha, who thought it was worth another look. He also dishes out his thoughts on the techniques of writing, giving examples of good and bad prose, along with his constant mantra that we only become great writers by doing two things: reading a lot and writing a lot.
Essential reading for writers everywhere.
Back to the Blog
This is interesting, Colin. I didn’t know about this accident. Stephen King would have already written many of his best works by this time. I don’t read his more recent books as they have changed. Maybe this was due to the accident he had but his writing is not as clever as it was originally. I actually wondered if he has someone writing his books for him.
LikeLike
One of the things he says is that it takes much longer to write now that it use to, so maybe that’s got something to do with it.
LikeLike
Thanks for the reminder. It seems that each time I have the book, my intentions are good, but it sits on the shelf unread. I really just have to read it. I’ve heard good things about this book.
LikeLike
It’s a great book to get you motivated. Read it! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person