On Writing A Memoir of the Craft is part memoir, part writing guide, providing a unique insight into King’s life and his journey as a prolific author Stephen King. In spite of the book being short and sweet, it has a lot of tips that are drawn out with examples King provides from the vast resources of his readings he has done.
The first part of the On Writing book offers a deeply personal account of King’s early years, the struggles and experiences that shaped him, and his path to becoming a writer. It presents anecdotal experiences that are both entertaining and enlightening.
Second Part Summary Of On Writing A Memoir of the Craft
The second part of the On Writing A Memoir of the Craft book review presents invaluable advice for aspiring writers. He gets into the nuts and bolts of the writing craft, covering topics like character development, plot structure, dialogue, and description. He discusses the importance of reading extensively and writing regularly. He also covers revising work, offering practical suggestions for improving drafts and making stories more compelling.
The book concludes with an account of King’s life-altering accident in 1999 when he was hit by a van while walking, and his subsequent recovery. Despite his severe injuries, King’s grit to continue writing played a significant role in his healing process, underscoring the book’s central theme: the indispensable and inextricable link between life and writing.
On Writing is celebrated for its honest and straightforward approach, providing both a glimpse into King’s life and practical advice for writers at any stage in their career.
Having read the Memoir I have been able to draw out some pointers which I have listed below :
Important Pointers which I have listed below On Writing A Memoir of the Craft
Start with the Situation:
- Begin your story by narrating a situation, then let the characters and action develop from there.
Avoid Passive Voice:
- Use active voice to make your writing more engaging and direct.
Adverbs are not Your Friends:
- Minimize the use of adverbs, especially in dialogue attribution.
Read a Lot:
- Reading frequently enhances your writing skills and broadens your understanding of different styles.
Write Every Day:
- Develop the habit of writing daily to improve your skills and discipline.
Have Your Own Writing Space:
- Create a dedicated and distraction-free space for writing.
Write for Your Ideal Reader:
- Picture an ideal reader and write the story for them.
Start with a Strong Image:
- A vivid image can be a solid foundation to build your story upon.
Limit Backstory:
- Provide only as much backstory as absolutely necessary for the story.
Use First Drafts to Explore:
- Let the first draft flow uncensored and refine it during revision.
Close the Door:
- Write the first draft with the door closed (privately), and revise with the door open (considering
feedback).
Be Honest:
- Write honestly, tapping into your own fears, desires, and emotions.
Focus on Theme:
- Keep the theme in mind, but don’t let it overshadow the story.
Cut Unnecessary Words:
- Be ruthless in cutting unnecessary words and details.
Revise Extensively:
- Revise your work multiple times to polish and perfect it.
Take Breaks:
- Let your work sit before revising to approach it with fresh eyes.
Seek Feedback:
- Get feedback from peers or writing groups to gain different perspectives.
Kill Your Darlings:
- Don’t hesitate to remove sections, no matter how much you love them, if they don’t serve the story.
Grammar Matters:
- A solid grasp of grammar is essential for clear and effective writing.
Persistence is Key:
- Face rejection and criticism bravely, and never stop writing.
Each of these points reflects King’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach to writing, emphasizing the
importance of discipline, honesty, and resilience in the writing process.
