Diamondrose9
01-28-2012, 11:09 PM
Okay, I've never done a book review before, but here goes.
Lately I've been digging up every single book about the art of writing in my school's media center. I recognize myself as a pretty good writer already, but I want to know as much as possible (this is beside the point).
The second book I've found - after Lawrence Block's How to Write the Novel: From Plot to Point - is Stephen King's On Writing. Even if you aren't a horror/sci-fi fan, this book is sure to be amazing.
The first part of the book is about King's life from when he was a little boy to when he got married, had kids, etc. It sounds boring, but he had a pretty interesting life and he retells it very well. It also helps the reader identify King as a real person, not just a famous author - he went through painful moments, sad moments, glorious moments, aka everything we, as humans, go through.
The second part is actually about the art of writing. Unlike a lot of authors who write about writing (the word "write" is starting to sound very redundant) King gets down to the nuts and bolts of the craft. He gives specifics, tells what he personally likes and dislikes in others' novels, and warns against things like using too many adverbs (admit it, it's annoying when people say "He ran quickly to the kitchen." I mean obviously he's running quickly because he's running). King talks about pacing, editing, publishing, all the works.
The third part of the book is more about his life. He includes a very long story of the incident in which he was hit by a van in the late 1990's, and it's written so well that you'd think you were there when it happened.
If you're a fan of Stephen King, read this book. If you aren't, but you're looking for some writing tips, read this book. If you like the pretty cover, read it. If you have nothing else to do, read it.
You'll definitely get something out of it.
Anastasia
03-22-2012, 08:02 PM
I love when I am in sync with people. And this is one of those times. I have read the first part about his life but somewhere in the middle I got lost and left it behind. Thanks for reminding me. Also I am a stephen King lover even If I haven't read much of his work. I loved the review by the way :D
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