A few more thoughts “On Writing”
Tori speaking.
A few months back Dan shared his thoughts of Stephen King’s On Writing. He has since then shared the book with me, and it’s impacted me in such a way that I can’t help but say a few things myself.
So, On Writing.
This is actually my first time reading a Stephen King novel. I’ve read The Body and dabbled into The Dark Tower (minutely), but I would consider this my first exposure to the author. I was never particular of King purely out of how mainstream he is (I’ve never been one for fads … in my childhood leastways), but I always intended to delve into his stuff someday. I suppose it makes sense that it would have to be one of my friends to get one of King’s books in my hand, but I can certainly say I’ll need no more convincing again (I’m writing this after having read Carrie).
First off, for those who’ve never been exposed to Stephen King’s work, I’d say this is an ideal place to start. On Writing is book-ended by an autobiography that details King’s life: the highs, lows and wisdom (particularly in terms of writing). When reading this I got an overwhelming sense of fraternity; I got to know the writer before the writing. What I found in these pages was a man I share much in common with, from the throes of student employment to the love of writing.
The actual “on writing” portion of the book is a pleasure to read. There were plenty of enlightening tips, though I found that most of what King talks about is sort of common sense (from what I know, that is). But what Stephen does so well is interact with the reader in a way that makes them feel like they’re sitting down for an interview in his study, so much that you might feel a lump in your throat when you arrive at the more intimate reflections of writing in the On Living portion of the book. I’ve never read any sort of “how to” books, but I gander that few of them are as casual as this – as real. King is very real with the reader.
On Writing raises the tried and true idea that writing isn’t just about knowing how to do it, nor of devoting time to it, but to live, plain and simple. In the past few months I found myself heavily inspired while reading this book; trying new things, writing sorts of stories that I never had before, and it was gushing with heart and soul. That’s what this book does to the aspiring artist: it makes them feel capable – makes them turn the grime of everyday life into something extraordinary.
If there’s one thing anybody can walk away from On Writing with, it’s a better understanding of the legendary author that is Stephen King … and the reassuring thought of how much he is just like every one of us.
-Tori Domay
On Writing
On Writing by Stephen King
What I loved so much about this book was Stephen King’s candid approach to the writer’s craft. King’s On Writing isn’t your usual ‘how to’ manual about writing. The first half of the book acts as a memoir and biography about King’s life.
In the book he addresses his addictions to drugs, alcohol, and the effects they had on his family life. What I especially loved about these chapters, was how King debunks the notion that writer’s are more talented when they are under the influence of abusive substances. In fact, King explains how they were ruining his life.
The second half of the book brings us into the day in the life of King’s writing practice, and he breaks down the stereotypes of what most writers talk about when they discuss their own craft. Writing isn’t about using fancy formulas, paradigms, or charts that make a good plot. It’s simply about writing something until it’s finished, and then rewriting it. You have to set goals for each day, and reach them. This is what King preaches, and it’s an awesome ‘in your face’ look at what it really takes to be a writer.
If you want a quick read, that gets you motivated, this is the book for you.
I’ll end with one of my favourite quotes from this book, that I think resonates with every last one of us.
“If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time or the tools to write.” - Stephen King
To find out more about Stephen King and his work, visit his website:
A few more thoughts “On Writing”
Tori speaking.
A few months back Dan shared his thoughts of Stephen King’s On Writing. He has since then shared the book with me, and it’s impacted me in such a way that I can’t help but say a few things myself.
So, On Writing.
This is actually my first time reading a Stephen King novel. I’ve read The Body and dabbled into The Dark Tower (minutely), but I would consider this my first exposure to the author. I was never particular of King purely out of how mainstream he is (I’ve never been one for fads … in my childhood leastways), but I always intended to delve into his stuff someday. I suppose it makes sense that it would have to be one of my friends to get one of King’s books in my hand, but I can certainly say I’ll need no more convincing again (I’m writing this after having read Carrie).
First off, for those who’ve never been exposed to Stephen King’s work, I’d say this is an ideal place to start. On Writing is book-ended by an autobiography that details King’s life: the highs, lows and wisdom (particularly in terms of writing). When reading this I got an overwhelming sense of fraternity; I got to know the writer before the writing. What I found in these pages was a man I share much in common with, from the throes of student employment to the love of writing.
The actual “on writing” portion of the book is a pleasure to read. There were plenty of enlightening tips, though I found that most of what King talks about is sort of common sense (from what I know, that is). But what Stephen does so well is interact with the reader in a way that makes them feel like they’re sitting down for an interview in his study, so much that you might feel a lump in your throat when you arrive at the more intimate reflections of writing in the On Living portion of the book. I’ve never read any sort of “how to” books, but I gander that few of them are as casual as this – as real. King is very real with the reader.
On Writing raises the tried and true idea that writing isn’t just about knowing how to do it, nor of devoting time to it, but to live, plain and simple. In the past few months I found myself heavily inspired while reading this book; trying new things, writing sorts of stories that I never had before, and it was gushing with heart and soul. That’s what this book does to the aspiring artist: it makes them feel capable – makes them turn the grime of everyday life into something extraordinary.
If there’s one thing anybody can walk away from On Writing with, it’s a better understanding of the legendary author that is Stephen King … and the reassuring thought of how much he is just like every one of us.
-Tori Domay
Writing by Candlelight
If you haven’t written by candlelight at least once in your lifetime then shame on you!
Do any of you remember that stupid KFC commercial? You know, the one where a family is enjoying a candlelit dinner during a power outage? With storm raging outside, the father brings a bucket of KFC home to his family. They all sit there laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Suddenly, the power comes back on. Fun over. What is the father’s solution? Turn the lights back off of course!
One of my favourite ways to get my creative juices flowing is writing in quiet candlelight. I turn off every electronic device I own. I pull out a pad of paper, a loyal pen and find all the candles we have in the house. Time doesn’t seem to exist anymore. I am alone with my story, and that’s all that matters.
Young Man Reading By Candlelight - Oil on Canvas - Matheius Stom
There is something inherently magical about writing in candlelight. It’s a return to absolute simplicity. The candle reaches only you, and your paper. The world outside is now shrouded in darkness. You and your craft are finally alone.
Lovers shut off the lights, and hide away from the world to be with each other. If you don’t want to know every intimate detail of your story, then why are you writing?
Prepare an evening for yourself and wait for nightfall. Turn off your cellphone, your computer, and your television sets. Don’t listen to your iPods, don’t leave the phone on the hook, and turn off absolutely every freaking electronic device.
Congratulations. You are now completely alone with your story.
Terrified? Don’t worry. In the silence and stillness of your work, a candle can light up your creativity. It is a visual reminder that we as artists always keep a candle burning for our craft. A writer never stops thinking about writing.
Be alone with your story. Calm your inner distractions, and focus on the writing task at hand.
Let creativity be your vigil.
Light a candle.
Writer’s Tool #5: The “Mommy, I’m Bored” Jar – For Writers
For me, hearing myself utter the words “I’m bored” is horrifying. If I’m bored, then why aren’t I using the time to write? How did I get so distracted from my craft that I have to utter the words “I’m bored” !?!
The fact of the matter is, there are times when I’m exactly like that. There are also times, when I don’t know the next step in my story, and I need to take some time to figure it out.
One of the greatest gifts my mother gave me as a kid was the “I’m bored” jar. It was an ordinary canning jar, but on the inside, there were dozens of little papers that had suggestions as to how I could eliminate my boredom. But sometimes, when the suggestions were something along the lines of “clean the bathroom”, I was less inclined to do them. Yet, I found myself doing them anyway. Why? I have no idea. Perhaps I was a mental kid, but there is something commanding about a piece of paper that has an answer to your boredom.
Writers, I give you the “I’m bored jar” … for your craft. Inside, you can write any number of possible suggestions you can come up with to nourish your creative boredom. Here is a list of examples of what you can write inside:
No matter what suggestion you pick out, there will always be something to feed your creativity. If you write them yourself, you usually start to have an idea of what you want to do the most – and by all means go ahead and do that very thing. The point of this jar, is to get you to exercise your creative muscles when you just don’t know what to do.
TASK: Set aside 20-30 minutes, and write down as many suggestions for your writing life as you can think of. Take a moment to find an old jar, label it however you see fit, and fill it to the top. At the end of this task, open the jar, take out one suggestion, and do what it tells you. I promise it won’t be in vain.
