A Memoir Of The Craft By Stephen King Summary
If you're a fan of horror, suspense, and mystery novels, then you're probably familiar with Stephen King. He's a well-known American author who has written countless bestsellers, including The Shining, It, and Carrie. But in addition to being a successful novelist, King is also a master of the craft of writing. In fact, he's written an entire book about it called On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.
Overview
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft is part memoir, part writing guide. In the book, King shares his personal story of how he became a writer, as well as his philosophy on the craft of writing. He also provides practical advice and tips for aspiring writers who want to improve their skills.
The book is divided into several sections. The first section, called "C.V.," is King's personal story about his childhood, his struggles with addiction, and how he became a writer. The second section, "What Writing Is," is a more philosophical discussion of the nature of writing and what it means to be a writer. The third section, "Toolbox," is where King gets into the nitty-gritty of writing, providing practical advice on everything from grammar to plot.
The final section of the book, "On Living: A Postscript," is a reflection on King's near-fatal accident in 1999 and how it changed his perspective on life and writing.
Key Takeaways
One of the key takeaways from On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft is King's emphasis on the importance of reading. According to King, "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." He also stresses the importance of writing every day, even if it's just for a few minutes.
Another important lesson from the book is King's advice on how to approach the revision process. He advises writers to "kill their darlings," meaning that they should be willing to cut out any parts of their writing that aren't working, even if they're emotionally attached to them. He also emphasizes the importance of getting feedback from others and being open to criticism.
Finally, King stresses the importance of writing honestly and authentically. He writes, "The most important things to remember about back story are that (a) everyone has a history and (b) most of it isn't very interesting." In other words, writers should focus on telling the story that's in front of them, rather than getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
Conclusion
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. King's personal story and practical advice make for a compelling and informative read. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, there's something in this book for everyone.