 For Authors: July 12, 2023 Issue [#12058] |
This week: On Writing Edited by: NaNoNette  
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| "I think I was forty before I realized that almost every writer of fiction and poetry who has ever published a line has been accused of wasting his or her God-given talent." - Stephen King. On Writing. |
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On Writing
Stephen King's book about writing has been around for more than twenty years. It is as much a memoir of his life as a human being as it is about the craft of writing. In a world where there are thousands of books that give good advice to authors, this one is surprisingly accessible and easy to understand. Sprinkled in with stories about his personal life, King outlines the journey from the first time he was paid to write; a solid 25 cents paid by his mother for a short story he wrote in elementary school all the way to the amazing commercial success he found as an adult.
Like all how-to or self-help books, not everything in the book will be the right kind of advice for every writer. Nevertheless, it seems to be a book that is broad enough that everyone can read it regardless whether they read it for fun and specific enough to be useful and encouraging for writers. If you have been on the fence, get it from the library. The book is short enough to be read in the usual amount of time that libraries lend out books.
Written in first person, most of the book is told in past tense. There are chapters that are written in first person and present tense. This struck me as odd while reading. It also reinforces my belief that each of us should write books in the way that we see fit. For some reason, King wanted some chapters to feel more immediate, so he chose present tense to make it stand out. There is no explanation for this. In the beginning, King profusely thanks his long-time editor for the help to polish his books for publication. If the tense switch were a mistake, the editor would have at the very least brought it up and it would have been changed or received some mention.
Write like Stephen King. That means, write all your stories and novels exactly in the way you want to tell them. Listen to all good advice, consider it, and then go with what you want.
Is On Writing on your must-read list?
In case you were wondering whether I am allowed to use the words "On Writing" as the title to this newsletter. Yes, Copyright.Gov clearly states: Titles, slogans, or short phrases are not protected by copyright. |
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A hole-in-the wall reading challenge with goals, incentives, and motivating adult banter.
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Replies to my last For Authors newsletter "Books About Writing" that asked Which books on writing have you read? Which one do you recommend the most?
s  wrote: I have read more than I can remember - when I had a personal library, two shelves were filled with "how-to-write" books!
However, the best by far is Stephen King's On Writing. I read it every 3 years or so to remind myself off what he says. Do I agree with everything? No; some of his advice has not worked for me. But do I read his toolbox and tips and realise that I've made errors in my own writing? Yes.
For books I recommend for writers: https://www.weekendnotes.com/essential-books-for-writers/
I have only begun reading On Writing this past June. It's easy to read and so many of the things Stephen King mentions make sense to me. I like that he doesn't give the impression that it is easy, but also dispells the idea that writing is somehow reserved for a few special people.
W.P. Gerace  wrote: Greetings Annette,
I do hope you are doing well today. The book I liked the best on writing is the one written by Stephen King. He breaks it down so simply for me. Also thank you for sharing Evie's blog on writing. This is something that will help me tons. Thanks for all you do. Have a beautiful blessed day Annette. :) )
Yours Truly,
Bill G.
Hello Bill. Thank you for your kind words and comment. I am currently reading On Writing and like you, I find King's explanations about writing very accessible. |
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