Pulling inspiration from successful writers is a practice every creative applies to their approach to the craft. Whether it be through style, tone, or lifestyle, every new writer aspires to someone who has crossed the threshold into creative success, making their dreams realities. Using these people as guides in our own journeys can create a sense of hope. “If they can do it, so can I.”

September’s Reading on Writing book of the month, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King, provides readers with a look into his life as a writer as he developed his craft and built a career. For those looking for solidarity in the struggle and to-the-point writing wisdom, King has got you covered.

Why I Liked It:

The thing that sets this book apart from any other guide is the memoir section, specifically tailored to the career of this particular writer. King begins at his earliest memories of feeling connected to the craft and describes how his passion for writing builds throughout his life.  In this section, King talks about the fear of becoming too comfortable in his job as an English teacher and being able to see himself giving up on a writing career. The idea of a life sustained in practicality started to take over. This resonates deeply.

I find it oddly uplifting to see that the up-and-coming King struggled with the same fears I do as a young writer. It creates an illusion of genuine power in resistance. Writers become rubber-bands, unwilling to let whatever here and now they currently dwell in disintegrate their dreams. If King can do it, so can I.

The actual guide portion of the book reads as though King is sitting next to the reader at a bar, talking casually about what he knows about writing. What strikes me here is his conspiratorial tone; he carries on assuming the reader knows the basics. In a small section highlighting the importance of grammar, King suggests that any serious writer planning on honing their craft should understand the core concepts. To-the-point, moving on.

In my favorite section, “And Furthermore, Part I: Door Shut, Door Open,” King shares his editing process. Using the first draft opening to what would later become 1408, he presents the plain and edited copies and explains his notes.

Every writer has heard the phrase, “Writing is rewriting.” Editing is essential to the process. King’s cut-and-dry presentation is a rare find in books like this, and it is fascinating to see his process.

Constructive Criticism:

King presents his concepts assuming that the reader has a level of understanding of the craft prior to opening the book. Though I would still recommend it to new writers and non-writers alike, new writers might do well to acquaint themselves with core writing concepts prior to reading.

Also, Stephen King is a novelist and prose writer, and the highlighted style of writing here is fictional literature. For screenwriters, King’s advice on finding a publisher might not apply. However, the wisdom here is expansive and can resonate with any style of writer.

As King states at the top, “...my attempt [is] to show how one writer was formed.”

Famous Last Words:

This book gets to the core of what it feels like to be a writer. Readers get unfiltered exposure to King’s history and process as a writer. For me, it was a reassuring read. Though King is only depicting his own evolution into a renowned writer, his struggles resonate. This book is for anyone interested in learning about the candid life of someone chasing their dream career. If that sounds like you, read on. 

For more work from this author: https://www.stephenking.com/

About the Writer

Mercedes K. Milner is a Co-Founder and Administrator of the Write or Die Chicks and the Writer’s Group Coordinator. She is a staff writer for the WODC Blog and she heads the Reading on Writing column.