The road to hell is paved with adverbs. —Stephen King
About a month ago, my friend loaned me a copy of Stephen King’s On Writing. The friend, Mari Naomi, is a brilliant San Francisco based graphic memoirist and cartoonist, whom I look to as a mentor. The book—well, it is a genius piece of insight that I think every writer should look to as a mentor of sorts.
In my younger years, I read a lot of Stephen King (fun fact: I originally wanted to write YA horror). I tore through his tales because I found his work riveting for content, but also because he used blatant and perfectly concise language. Cut to many years later, and Mr. King completed a book about the craft! It took me a long time to stumble upon it, but thank goodness I did.
Besides a compelling section on the path that led to the King of Horror becoming such, the book contains a thoughtful and articulate take on the writing craft. King shares his views on the “writer’s toolbox,” as well as clarity on things all writers should avoid (for example, excessive use of adverbs or passive voice). His is a lesson in get to the point, and one warranting of every writer’s attention.
Personally, I’m delighted I found the book just before I tore my own apart for its final edit a couple of weeks ago. The advice is invaluable, and it would be a shame to not have checked it out.
I think non-writers can also enjoy the book, both because it reveals some of the work and secrets behind the craft, and because King’s distinctive voice is present throughout—the same clever master of horror we all know and treasure, but this time talking about something personal and craft-based instead of purely fictional.
So, in summary, if you have not yet read this book, I suggest you rush right out to grab it and start. 🙂
Happy reading!
Eva Rieder 
August 4th, 2012 at 5:52 pm
I also loved the book. I read it just before I started writing fiction again, and I think it was one of the things that pushed me along.
August 4th, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Agreed! That book is a hugely recommended book among writers (it was recommended to me by three people before I read it). It’s really quite helpful. Thanks for commenting, Felicia!
August 4th, 2012 at 6:12 pm
“His is a lesson in ‘get to the point’.” Though I have not read “On Writing” I find it odd that you would make this sentiment; Stephen King is one of the most verbose and description filled writters I have ever tried to read. Your opinion may vary of course. I didn’t mean to offend so please don’t take it that way, I just had to say what I had to say.
That being said, I still want to read, On Writing.
August 4th, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Ah, yes, I see what you’re saying. What his lesson is, though, isn’t about not meandering through detail of a scene (which he definitely does), but instead not using a bunch of “fluffy” words to get there. While he does tend to use long narration of his characters’ inner thoughts, he does it without a ton of adverbs, adjectives, and unnecessary helper words. That’s what I mean by “get to the point.” His writing is clean and concise in that way. Does that make sense? It’s a great book, so I still recommend it. And thank you for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
August 5th, 2012 at 3:26 am
Yeah, I can see that. It stills funny to hear that being said about him, but yeah, I can definitely agree in that context.
August 5th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
🙂
August 5th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
I love this book, too. I’ve read it twice. And I’ve never actually read one of his fiction books.
August 5th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Awesome! But really? You’ve never read one?! I highly recommend The Dark Half; it’s my absolute favorite. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear about your trip to Ireland!
August 6th, 2012 at 5:42 am
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