On Writing - Comprehensive guide to writing by Stephen King

"On Writing" by Stephen King is a mix of an autobiography and the most exciting instruction book you will read in a long time. What exactly does Stephen King discuss in the book, and why is it not a horror book or any other book that will lie like a boulder on your mind and take over your emotions? Is this the right Stephen King we are talking about?

"On Writing" is a book that is one of a kind, especially from an author like Stephen King. On Writing is a memoir for the first part, and a comprehensive writing manual for the rest of the book. In the book, I got to see the genius of Stephen King's novel-writing, how he can make even the most seemingly boring of the topics so interesting. We, the readers, can appreciate how three-dimensional the setting and the characters are.

A lot of things from King's life and his career get told. From when he was in grade 1 and afraid to go to the ear doctor to his substance abuse and how he grew to realize that he was an alcoholic. There is a fair share of traumatic or "uncomfortable" topics discussed in the book. Still, you have to give the novel some credit too: the comedy, when it is there, is just excellent. I cracked up quite a few times. I can only hope that my crackups were at all the right moments.

As you can see, the autobiography part was enjoyable. King described a ton of situations from his life that got him into writing, inspired him, prevented him from quitting everything and going down the rabbit hole of poverty. Those were cool moments. The second part of the book was like a manual to writing. King tells us several secrets about literature, which mistakes it's ok to make, and which mistakes you should avoid at all costs. For example, it's not good if everything is described in passive by you. Hmm... Hold on a sec.

Anyways, King describes writing as a toolbox. You fill it with different useful things like grammar, vocabulary and others. Then, you use them to express your ideas. But don't let the toolbox get too big or it might as well lose its value as a toolbox!

What I liked the most in the book was that it managed to continue being interesting throughout itself. King always added an itty-bitty share of humour, made the characters seem real, told the story of his life as well as how I should become a writer. It inspired me! There were also the last several pages that turned out to be a list of books Stephen King enjoys. Yay! Now, there will always be a book to read for me! At least for the next year or two.