by Mark Dykeman

Created on: May 19, 2007   Last Updated: March 02, 2010

If you want a practical guide to the art of writing from one of the most successful authors of all time, you're in luck. On Writing is a marvelous gift that Stephen King has given to his Constant Readers, especially those fans who yearn to write and write well. While part of the book is auto-biographical, King's thoughts on the mechanics of writing and the creative process are thought provoking and extremely useful.

King's example of an edited manuscript is a striking visualization of one of the least appreciated aspects of writing: editing and rewriting. Let's face it: virtually no great works of literature were ever produced in one draft without changes. My own experience leads me to believe that it's almost impossible to do so. Why? Simple: the act of creative writing is not dictation where you are merely transcribing a whole idea onto paper. Creative writing, while it can be made easier by outlining, planning, and preparation, does not always lead the writer to the best manuscript on the first try. You have to write, read, assess, critique, and often rewrite something until it's as good as it can be. It rarely, if ever, comes all at once. King makes this point very, very clear.

King also provides the useful metaphor of the toolbox to represent the knowledge and skills that any good writer needs to possess, from the basic skills of grammar, spelling, and punctuation to more sophisticated skills. He provides good advice about plot, story, description, dialog, and more.

Besides the writing lessons, On Writing is an interesting and enjoyable read about the life and methods of one of the world's most famous writers. The story about King's recovery from a near fatal hit and run accident is moving, as is the story of his life from his childhood to the time that he sold the paperback rights to his first big novel, Carrie. Some people would argue that the personal anecotes were there just to pad the book and to get it to a more sellable length. This is nonsense.  The tales of King's development as a writer are very important. Some people may think that great writers are born with immense talent and skill and that they easily crank out best selling prose. The recurring image of the nail on which King stuck many, many rejection slips tells a different story. Writing entails lots of hard work. It's about persistence, discipline, and the need to believe in yourself despite the odds against you.

This book is incredibly useful to anyone who wants to hear the wisdom of one of today's most successful writers.

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