Summary of On Writing by STEPHEN KING

Stephen King’s On Writing isn’t just a how-to manual for aspiring authors; it’s a raw, intimate glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s most prolific storytellers. Part memoir, part masterclass, it chronicles King’s journey from a struggling writer selling short stories to drugstore magazines to the literary phenomenon he is today. This book is for anyone who loves to read, anyone who dreams of writing, and anyone curious about the life and work of a master storyteller. It’s a book about the magic and the slog, the inspiration and the perspiration, of crafting stories that resonate.

Key Concepts

Toolbox and Vocabulary

King introduces the concept of a writer’s “toolbox,” a metaphor for the essential skills and resources a writer needs. At the base level are vocabulary and grammar. He stresses the importance of a strong vocabulary, not for showing off, but for precision and clarity. He advises against reaching for a thesaurus every time you need a synonym. “Any word you have to hunt for in a thesaurus is the wrong word,” he writes. Instead, he suggests using the vocabulary you possess naturally. “Use the first word that comes to mind, if it is appropriate and colorful,” he advises. He emphasizes the importance of understanding grammar, not as a set of rigid rules, but as the underlying structure of language that allows writers to communicate effectively.

Reading as the Foundation

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that,” King declares. He emphasizes that reading widely and voraciously is crucial for any aspiring writer. King recounts how, as a child, he devoured comic books and later, as a teenager, plowed through paperback novels, absorbing the storytelling techniques of countless authors. Reading, according to King, is like feeding your writer’s mind; it provides the raw material for your imagination to work with. It exposes you to different styles, genres, and voices, expanding your understanding of storytelling and enriching your own writing.

The Importance of “The Ideal Reader”

King introduces the concept of the “ideal reader,” which, for him, is his wife, Tabitha. He writes for her first and foremost, aiming to entertain and engage her. When he writes, he imagines telling the story directly to her. This concept helps writers focus their efforts and tailor their stories to a specific audience, making the writing process more personal and less daunting. He argues that having a specific reader in mind helps to clarify the voice and tone of your writing. “I’ve never written a line thinking, ‘This will impress the critics,’” he writes. “I write to please myself and my Ideal Reader.”

Description and Narrative

King argues that description is the foundation of good storytelling. It’s about creating vivid images and sensory experiences for the reader, immersing them in the world of the story. He uses the example of describing a character’s clothes not just as “dirty” but specifying the type of dirt: “caked with mud,” “stained with grease,” or “peppered with sawdust.” “Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should end in the reader’s,” he explains. He advocates for showing, not telling, using concrete details and evocative language to paint a picture rather than simply stating facts. Narrative, on the other hand, is about the unfolding of events, the progression of the story. It’s the skeleton that holds the descriptive flesh. King explains this by using the metaphor of describing a buried corpse versus telling the story of how it got there.

Avoiding Adverbs and Passive Voice

King famously declares, “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.” He believes that adverbs weaken writing by telling the reader how to feel instead of showing them. Instead of saying “He ran quickly,” he suggests something like “He sprinted,” allowing the verb to carry the weight of the action. Similarly, he discourages the use of passive voice, arguing that it makes writing less direct and impactful. He provides the example: “The meeting will be held at seven o’clock” (passive) versus “The meeting starts at seven” (active). He prefers active voice, which places the emphasis on the actor and creates a stronger sense of agency.

The Importance of Story

For King, story is the heart of writing. “Story is primal. Story is fire,” he states. He believes that stories are inherently compelling and have a fundamental power to connect with readers on an emotional level. He uses the example of finding a box of old photographs – the snapshots themselves tell a story, even without a written narrative. He emphasizes that plot is not the same as story. Plot is the sequence of events, while story is the underlying meaning and emotional resonance of those events. He shares the anecdote about his mother-in-law’s reaction to reading Carrie: she was worried about Carrie, not the intricacies of the plot. This highlights the importance of emotional connection in storytelling.

The Writing Process: “Close the Door”

King advocates for a solitary and focused writing process. “Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open,” he advises. He describes his own writing routine, setting aside a specific time each day and working in a dedicated space free from distractions. He emphasizes the importance of creating a dedicated writing space free from distractions, where you can immerse yourself in your work and let your creativity flow. This is the time for pure creation, where you follow the story wherever it leads. The rewriting process, however, is more about refining and polishing the work, making it accessible to others. Opening the door metaphorically represents seeking feedback and editing for clarity.

Dealing with Rejection and Criticism

King’s own early career was marked by numerous rejections. He shares the anecdote of the nail on his wall that held his rejection slips, a nail that eventually bent under the weight. He shares these experiences to encourage aspiring writers to persevere in the face of adversity. He emphasizes that rejection is an inevitable part of the writing process and should not be taken personally. He encourages writers to learn from criticism, but to also trust their own instincts and vision.

Conclusion

On Writing offers a powerful and inspiring message about the craft of writing. King argues that anyone can write, but to write well requires dedication, discipline, and a deep love of the craft. He emphasizes the importance of reading, observation, and imagination in developing your writing skills. He encourages writers to find their own voice, to tell the stories that only they can tell. The book’s lasting impact lies in its honesty, accessibility, and its ability to demystify the writing process. It reminds us that writing is not just about talent; it’s about hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to put in the time and effort to hone your craft. It’s a timeless guide for aspiring writers and a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller.

Recommended Books

On the same topic:

1. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott: Lamott’s book complements On Writing with its humorous and encouraging approach, offering practical advice and insightful reflections on dealing with the emotional challenges of the writing process. While King focuses on the craft, Lamott delves into the writer’s mindset.

2. Zen in the Art of Writing: Essays on Creativity by Ray Bradbury: Bradbury’s passionate exploration of the creative process provides further inspiration for finding your voice, complementing King’s emphasis on developing a unique style. Bradbury’s emphasis on passion resonates with King’s own love for storytelling.

3. Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin: Le Guin’s book delves deeper into the technical aspects of writing than On Writing, offering a comprehensive guide to sentence structure, point of view, and other craft elements, making it a valuable resource for writers seeking to refine their skills.

On different topics, but which may interest the reader:

1. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk: This exploration of trauma’s impact can be insightful for writers interested in exploring complex characters and themes, aligning with King’s emphasis on drawing from real-life experiences and emotions.

2. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain: Given King’s advocacy for solitary writing, this exploration of introversion may resonate with writers seeking to understand and embrace their own creative processes.