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| Books & Authors Recommended and not so recommended reading. |
05-19-2007, 07:48 PM
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#1
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Writer
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 41
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How is Stephen King's "On Writing"?
It was recommended to me. Is it worth reading?
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05-19-2007, 09:48 PM
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#2
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Best Seller
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 654
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Yes.
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"A terrible energy and strength began to grow in him. It grabbed his emotions and forged them into a solid bar of anger with one word stamped on it: revenge." - Eragon by Christopher Paolini, an international bestseller
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05-19-2007, 10:01 PM
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#3
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Manager
Manager
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Great White North
Gender: Female
Posts: 2,956
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The search function is your friend. 
Here.
And here.
I know there are others, but that should get you started.
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"...make your own nature, not the advice of others, your guide in life." --Pythia, Oracle of Apollo at Delphi
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05-20-2007, 03:36 AM
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#4
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Profound Writer
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Twyford, UK
Gender: Male
Posts: 1,275
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It's worth reading as an autobiography, but it is not a writing guide. It's King explaining how he writes, and what he thinks about the craft. If you go into it with the wrong expectations then you'll be disappointed.
__________________
"Who is the third who walks always beside you?
When I count, there are only you and I together
But when I look ahead up the white road
There is always another one walking beside you"
-"The Wasteland" by T.S. Elliot
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05-20-2007, 04:50 AM
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#5
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Writing Machine
Join Date: Sep 2004
Gender: Private
Posts: 1,748
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It's not the best book of its kind that I've read if you're looking for something to help you improve your writing, but we all come at writing from different backgrounds, with different abilities, and with different experience, so what works for you may differ from what works for me. It won't do you any harm, but don't expect too much from any single book.
Cheers,
Rob
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05-21-2007, 06:43 AM
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#6
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Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: South-east UK
Gender: Male
Posts: 5,566
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rob
It's not the best book of its kind that I've read...
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I'd tend to disagree, because King doesn't set out to teach you to write. It's one man's perspective. My opinion of the 'how to' books is pretty low, but I found 'On Writing' to be informative and entertaining. |
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05-22-2007, 09:59 AM
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#7
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Profound Writer
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Glasgow, UK
Gender: Male
Posts: 1,117
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It's probably the most page turning thing he's written.
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05-22-2007, 10:25 AM
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#8
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Prolific Writer
Join Date: May 2007
Location: earth
Gender: Male
Posts: 220
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that is an interesting thought, stewart. that a fiction book he wrote isn't the most page turning thing he wrote, but rather a book on how he writes those books. 
i've yet to read it, btw. i just might pick it up (after i finish the other 6 books i've started -- yeah its a bad habit.) |
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05-25-2007, 06:44 AM
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#9
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Profound Writer
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Glasgow, UK
Gender: Male
Posts: 1,117
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by starStuff
that is an interesting thought, stewart. that a fiction book he wrote isn't the most page turning thing he wrote, but rather a book on how he writes those books. |
I think it's because it's non-fiction and it's Stephen addressing the reader. For that, I can accept his voice when reading as it's just like a (one-sided) conversation with someone. But, when it comes to his fiction, I just don't think that he has the talent that keeps me interested and, as he has said before, he knows that. |
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05-27-2007, 06:37 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: ass end of England, by the sea
Gender: Female
Posts: 6
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I really enjoyed reading this book. I wouldnt go as far as the most page turning, but definately one of the most, because it gives an insight into the man, and not just the mind. you see him as an actual person. I also found it very informative.  |
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05-27-2007, 11:13 PM
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#11
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Prolific Writer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 286
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I think his advise for writing wouldn't work for me. I like to plan things out instead of just writing whatever comes to mind and throwing out the poop. I don't think any writer with a real job or life has time for that.
The book was totally funny though. The best part was at the end when he writes about the time he got hit by a car.
CF
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05-28-2007, 12:41 AM
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#12
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Prolific Writer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: st. louis, misery
Gender: Male
Posts: 413
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by CaptainFreedom
The best part was at the end when he writes about the time he got hit by a car.
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Don't you mean the worst? It's so annoying to hear him whine about it over and over again. Other than that I really liked the book, but he takes it way to personally when someone makes a mistake that harms him. He acts like the person meant to hit him, and everyone knows that isn't the case.
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My solo music: www.myspace.com/constantbullshit
Quote:
Originally Posted by winner
I want to thank you TinyMachines for your post. I printed it out and am doing some research on the things you listed.
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05-28-2007, 01:52 AM
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#13
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Prolific Writer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 286
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The guy didn't step on his foot or cut him off in traffic , he turned Stevie's leg into potato salad and almost killed him. Then he didn't even come visit him or attept to apologize. I'd say he's jutified in taking it personally.
CF
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05-28-2007, 02:36 AM
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#14
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Profound Writer
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Twyford, UK
Gender: Male
Posts: 1,275
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He does act a bit miffed towards the driver, yes, but I think that's fair since the guy almost killed him. But I did find it amusing when he woke up and saw the guy just sitting there next to him.
"Is it just a sprain?"
"Nope, it's definitely broken"
Haha, that made me laugh.
__________________
"Who is the third who walks always beside you?
When I count, there are only you and I together
But when I look ahead up the white road
There is always another one walking beside you"
-"The Wasteland" by T.S. Elliot
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05-30-2007, 05:08 AM
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#15
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Prolific Writer
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: East coast of Australia
Gender: Male
Posts: 260
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I have heard mixed reviews about that work by King, I must admit I am sort of an on/off fan of his works. I enjoy his books as page turners but I do not find them scary or haunting or shocking - and the ending to the dark tower series made me want to choke him.
I am reading it now and it is informative and in parts humorous. It does offer some insights but for me personally he does go on a bit about his car accident, no doubt a life changing event but please one chapter is enough
__________________
When you look into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you: Friedrich Nietzsche.
I live in a cemetery full of good will and integrity: Silverchair
Last edited by red lantern : 08-05-2007 at 05:44 AM.
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