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On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft,
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Kat Kirst
There were so many things: Tell the story. Let the Characters evolve within the story and see where it all goes. Hit all the readers' senses-let them see, smell, hear, feel and taste the story. Let them identify with it- don't tell them everything. Watch your basics; use your tools. Read Elements of Style. Beware of passive tense unless you mean to use it. Be wary of too much description including adjectives and adverbs. Be committed. Practice. Read. Practice. Be true to your craft, the characters, and the story. Put part of what you know in your MS, and make the rest up. See it. Feel it. Write it. Did I mention practice?
Maisie
Absolutely nothing. The advice on writing was extremely banal or extremely idiotic. For instance, he states that in order to be a successful writer one must constantly practice and home their craft by reading and writing - if you needed to be advised that you, properly, are not going to be a good writer (or good at anything).
Mansoor Nazeer
Kill your darlings.
Akemi G.
As I wrote in my review, the best take-away is his insistence to write every day. I was so glad to read this.
Another is the non take-away of a take-away: no author knows where the idea comes from, really, so don't ask. (I don't have a copy with me now, but something in this line was stated early in the book.)
Be warned that some of his tips are outdated, such as his tips on finding literary agents.
Another is the non take-away of a take-away: no author knows where the idea comes from, really, so don't ask. (I don't have a copy with me now, but something in this line was stated early in the book.)
Be warned that some of his tips are outdated, such as his tips on finding literary agents.
Annette
If you're a writer, write. When you can't write, read. Reading and writing are the best ways to learn how to be a good writer.
RJay
Stephen King writes that the three parts of a novel are: narrative, description and dialogue. Where is plot? Nowhere, in his opinion. Yet most books, workshops, classes, etc. focus largely on plot development. "Our lives are largely plotless" he states and I agree ... so can anyone help me here?
Ravi R
Good book on how to improve writing. Go through the first and second part of the book,it's more than sufficient. No writer has any shortcuts, all of them have improved themselves by writing and reading daily, which is a clear signal to avoid all the scrappy books in the market about the same subject. Read a lot and write a lot. Start with writing whatever comes to your mind daily.
Prolific MM Reader
I've read lots of how-to books on the craft of writing, most of which were library-supplied. "On Writing" is the first book on the subject that I actually purchased, because I knew I'd be referring back to it countless times - not only during the creation of my novel, but just for pleasure of reading Stephen King's incomparable words. King is the master at anything he takes on; even when tackling a subject as dry as "how to write", he can't be excelled. I recommend it to everyone.
Matt Pruitt
I read this book while writing my first manuscript. The descriptions of active/passive voice and adverb usage made me a better writer.
Cortney
This book makes me want to write!
Jshalhov
I think the book it worth reading for anyone who currently writes and wants to improve by taking on some new concepts. Also, it has some interesting stories about King's life (many explaining the roots for story ideas he had). Good for serious writers and/or serious King fans.
If you aren't that serious about writing, you could go find some of his writing tips summarized online.
If you aren't that serious about writing, you could go find some of his writing tips summarized online.
Christopher Fergo
He was mean to adverbs.
Manduca
Story first.
R7835
Always have cotton swabs nearby for the inevitable nose bleeds.
Elizabeth Klein
It was quite fascinating to hear his family story. I loved the story of his early days in school.I have to say that the part that was most exciting was that he was influenced to read and write by reading comic books. It gave me great insight into what can spark a child's imagination. I also learned that he is a big writer of graphic novels and comics. I love the reminders about passive voice and writing with simplicity. These are things that I need to hear over and over again. Now I also appreciate his stories about writing every day. It is super inspirational to hear how he has disciplined himself to keep writing on a day basis.
Jason Robertson
For me it was the lessons about passive voice. I didn't know what passive voice actually was - although I should have - and On Writing made me seek it out and correct it.
And it was a struggle!
Having said that, as an aspiring screenwriter, I found much of the advice to be of limited use, ie avoiding adverbs at all costs. In screenwriting economy is everything, and adverbs convey a lot with a little. We don't all have 10 pages at our disposal to go into extraordinary detail about the relationship between Beverley Marsh and her father.
And it was a struggle!
Having said that, as an aspiring screenwriter, I found much of the advice to be of limited use, ie avoiding adverbs at all costs. In screenwriting economy is everything, and adverbs convey a lot with a little. We don't all have 10 pages at our disposal to go into extraordinary detail about the relationship between Beverley Marsh and her father.
Joan
Don't bother if you don't want to be a writer.
H
This answer contains spoilers�
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Enri
I've not understood what do you mean with take away, sorry.
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