On Writing by Stephen King

Although I’ve never been a fan of the horror genre, just does not grab me like a great thriller, a friend suggested I have a look at “On Writing by Stephen King – A Memoir of the Craft.” I don’t think I’ve ever finished a Stephen King novel, but I’m aware of his success as a writer, and some of his books that have become very successful movies (like Carrie and Misery). Given my aversion to horror movies, I can’t imagine going to see a movie titled Misery. I go to the movies to be entertained, not to be reminded of other people’s misery and horror. But, I was pleasantly surprised by this nonfiction work which is partly about his writing method and style, and partly a memoir. I can imagine that someone who is really a fan and has read most of his books would thoroughly enjoy this book.

For me, the most remarkable part of his writing experience is that he does not start with an outline of his books and characters, and where he wants the story to go. He starts with some event/situation and then develops the stories from where his characters lead him. He describes a sort of passive role in the story creation, just lets the story take him wherever the characters tell him. Actually, it's quite similar to what Anne Lamott describes in her own writing, as will be reviewed shortly.

 

In the memoir, King recounts his difficult childhood and his escape into literature, both reading voluminously and writing stories from an early age. Clearly he is obsessed with the written word and has spent a lifetime at being good at it. Notably, he is an alcoholic who was able to respond to his wife’s demands that he give it up. He has had one long marriage with a woman he deeply loves. He obviously thinks about and studies his craft, and he is able to quote his own literature as well as others for examples of good and bad prose. 

 

For me, this is a weird example of being impressed with a writer, but not liking the genre in which he has produced some of his most famous works. However, if you’re a King fan, then I think this is a must-read book.

 

WCD