How to Write Like the King of Horror: A Snarky Guide to Stephen King’s “On Writing”
Ah, the art of writing. That noble pursuit which has driven countless aspiring wordsmiths to madness, alcoholism, and the occasional bestseller. But fear not, dear scribblers, for Stephen King, the undisputed monarch of macabre literature, has deigned to share his wisdom with the unwashed masses in his memoir-cum-writing guide, “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft”.
Forget Your MFA: Embrace the Gas Station Hot Dog Approach
Let’s dive into the murky depths of King’s literary mind, shall we? First things first: forget everything you learned in your MFA program. King’s approach to writing is about as pretentious as a gas station hot dog. He advocates for a no-nonsense, blue-collar work ethic that would make your average creative writing professor weep into their artisanal coffee.
The Heartwarming Tale of King’s Early Years
King’s magnum opus on the craft begins with a charming stroll down memory lane, recounting his childhood and early career. It’s a heartwarming tale of perseverance, rejection, and triumph that will either inspire you or make you want to hurl your laptop out the window in a fit of jealous rage.
The King’s Commandments for Aspiring Writers
But enough about King’s life story. You’re here to learn how to write like the master of horror himself, aren’t you? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because King’s advice is as straightforward as a sledgehammer to the kneecaps.
Read a Lot and Write a Lot
First and foremost, King insists that aspiring writers must do two things: read a lot and write a lot. Revolutionary, I know. Who would have thought that to become a better writer, one must actually engage in the act of writing? Truly groundbreaking stuff.
Set Daily Word Count Goals
King suggests setting a daily word count goal. His personal target? A measly 2,000 words a day. That’s right, while you’re struggling to compose a witty tweet, King is churning out enough prose to make Tolstoy blush.
The Writing Process: Door Closed, Door Open
Now, let’s talk about the writing process itself. King advocates for a “write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open” approach. In other words, your first draft should be a private affair, free from the judgmental eyes of others. It’s only during the rewriting phase that you should consider the opinions of your readers. So go ahead, write that vampire-werewolf-zombie love triangle set in space. Just don’t show it to anyone until you’ve had a chance to make it slightly less ridiculous.
The War on Adverbs
King also has some choice words for those who rely heavily on adverbs. In his view, these pesky little modifiers are the literary equivalent of dandelions in your lawn – a sure sign of lazy writing. So the next time you’re tempted to describe someone as “walking quickly,” just remember: Stephen King is judging you.
Authentic Dialogue: Eavesdrop Like a Pro
When it comes to dialogue, King advises writers to listen to how people actually speak. This means eavesdropping on conversations in public places like a creepy literary spy. Just try not to get arrested in the process.
Plot vs. Situation and Characters
One of King’s most controversial pieces of advice is his stance on plot. According to the horror maestro, plot is less important than situation and characters. He argues that a strong situation and well-developed characters will naturally lead to a compelling story. So throw out those meticulously crafted outlines and embrace the chaos, you wild literary rebels.
Theme: Story First, Theme Later
King also touches on the importance of theme, but warns against starting with a theme in mind. According to him, good fiction always begins with story and progresses to theme. So if you’re planning to write the Great American Novel about the decline of civility in modern society, maybe reconsider your approach.
King’s Battle with Substance Abuse
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: King’s infamous battle with substance abuse. While he doesn’t recommend following in his chemically-altered footsteps, he does acknowledge that his experiences have informed his writing. So perhaps there’s hope for all you tortured artists out there. Just remember, kids: say no to drugs, but yes to writing about them.
In Conclusion: The King’s Blueprint for Success
Stephen King’s “On Writing” is a refreshingly honest and practical guide to the craft of writing. It’s part memoir, part instruction manual, and entirely devoid of the pretentious navel-gazing that plagues so many writing guides. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist or just someone who wants to improve their writing skills, King’s advice is as valuable as it is entertaining.
So there you have it, folks. The secret to writing like Stephen King: read a lot, write a lot, avoid adverbs like the plague, and maybe develop a slight caffeine addiction. Now go forth and create the next great American novel. Just don’t blame us when your family stages an intervention for your newfound writing obsession.
Memorable Quotes from “On Writing”
- “Books are a uniquely portable magic.”
- “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”
- “The scariest moment is always just before you start.”
- “Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well.”
- “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.”
- “Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open.”
- “Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.”
- “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut.”
- “Life isn’t a support-system for art. It’s the other way around.”
- “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.”
These quotes encapsulate King’s practical approach to writing, his philosophy on the writer’s life, and his insights into effective storytelling. They highlight the importance of dedication, hard work, and focusing on what truly matters in the craft of writing.
People Also Ask
What does Stephen King say about writing?
Stephen King emphasizes the importance of reading a lot and writing a lot. He believes these two activities are fundamental to becoming a good writer. King also advises writers to “kill your darlings,” meaning they should be willing to cut out parts of their work that don’t serve the overall narrative, even if they are personally attached to them. He encourages writers to listen to critics to improve their work and to follow where the story naturally goes rather than forcing it into a preconceived plot.
How many hours a day does Stephen King write?
Stephen King writes every day for about four to six hours. He aims to produce 2,000 words each day, maintaining a disciplined routine that allows him to complete the first draft of a book in about three months.
What is Stephen King’s style of writing?
Stephen King’s writing style is characterized by its straightforwardness and accessibility. He often uses simple, direct language and avoids overly complex sentences. King is known for his vivid descriptions and ability to create suspense. He is a “discovery writer” or “pantser,” meaning he writes without a detailed outline, allowing the story and characters to develop organically.
Is “On Writing” by Stephen King an autobiography?
“On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” is part autobiography and part writing guide. The book includes personal anecdotes from King’s life, detailing his journey as a writer, as well as practical advice on the craft of writing.
Is Stephen King writing a new book?
As of the latest available information, Stephen King is always working on new projects, but specific details about a new book were not provided.
Is Stephen King writing a sequel to “Fairy Tale”?
There is no information available about Stephen King writing a sequel to “Fairy Tale.”
What genre is Stephen King’s “On Writing”?
“On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” falls under the genres of autobiography and writing guide. It provides insights into King’s life and his approach to writing.
Does Stephen King remember writing “Cujo”?
Stephen King has admitted that he does not remember writing “Cujo” due to his struggles with substance abuse at the time.
What is Stephen King’s writing style?
Stephen King’s writing style is known for its clarity, simplicity, and ability to create suspense. He uses vivid descriptions and focuses on character development. King avoids adverbs and passive voice, preferring active and direct language. He is a “discovery writer,” allowing the story to unfold naturally without a strict outline.
What influenced Stephen King’s writing?
Stephen King’s writing has been influenced by his extensive reading habits, his personal experiences, and his interest in horror and supernatural themes. He often draws from his own life and asks “what if” questions to develop his stories.
What is Stephen King writing now?
Specific information about what Stephen King is currently writing is not available.
What is Stephen King’s writing process?
Stephen King’s writing process involves writing every day, aiming for a daily word count of 2,000 words. He writes the first draft quickly, usually within three months, and then lets it sit before revising. King believes in writing with the door closed (first draft) and rewriting with the door open (subsequent drafts).
What is Stephen King’s writing routine?
Stephen King’s writing routine is highly disciplined. He writes every day, including holidays, for about four to six hours. He aims to produce 2,000 words each day and maintains a consistent schedule to stay productive and focused.
