Stephen King-- On Writing

 I have a lot of books on the craft of writing. Why?  My previous rant about reviewers saying that they didn't learn anything or that the book was full of quotes/self promoting authors really was meant to challenge writers to seek to learn from everyone.

 I then started reading Stephen King's memoir on the craft of writing. (Stephen King - On Writing. A memoir of the Craft.) He immediately states that many books on the craft are B.S. (his words not mine.) I took a moment to reflect.

I still stand firmly that we all have something to gain from reading books and articles on our craft.  You never know where inspiration my hit.  I took a moment to examine the idea that a lot of books on the craft are not substantial. I decided that for a seasoned, successful writer such as King that may be true.  For a writer that is still learning it is not.  I know I have a long way to go and every bit of constructive criticism and every ounce of suggestion to improve my writing is welcome.  I know every industry is littered with competition.  It seems everyone I meet wants to or is striving to become the next Stephen King or J.K. Rowling. The truth is there are lots of talented people out there, with potential and they just need to foster their skills.  I like to think one day I will be able to say my book was good enough to print.  I may reach that goal but I can say this, a part of being good at anything means you are capable of accepting that there are always those that are better than you-- and more importantly, you can learn from everyone.

For many years I taught art classes, I was the "expert" in the room.  I remember the moment in my arrogance I made a statement and one of my student (new to the craft) pointed out another possible solution.  It was an easier way, it made sense, I was humbled.  I have never forgotten that day, that moment when I realized "Yup you may be the expert, but you still have a lot to learn."

There is a lot of great advice and ideas in craft books. They help to gain confidence. They point out thing that we love about the stories we read as a "technique".  They help us grow as writers.

I love King's book -- honestly it has left me laughing out loud a few times. He really is a very humorous man. I unfortunately am not a fan of the horror genera. I have not read many of his books--because the scare me.  I don't like to be scared.  I am however aware that he has a great deal of knowledge in my craft and I could gain greatly from reading his book, so I am.

Take every book you read, on the craft, novel, short story and poem and turn it into a lesson. Absorb what you love and take note of what you don't.  The stuff you don't  like is often something that you can learn from. Ask yourself, why don't I like this?  Break it down and make it something you can learn from.

I do love this quote from Mr. King. It inspired me to take the first step, and tap out the first pages of my own story.

 

Reviewing Reviews.

I have been reviewing some books over at Good Reads.  I spent a lot of time reading the reviews (by other readers) on a book by James Scott Bell called Plot and Structure.  You can get the book through Writer's Digest, in Book Stores or like everyone else in the world, order it on Amazon.

 I recently completed this book and was adding a review when I noticed a string of reviews that were in my opinion harsh and in some ways unwarranted.

When I ordered the book I had just finished reading an excellent book called " The Story Within" By:Laura Oliver.  Which I had also read several reviews.

What do both of these book have in common?  They are books written on the craft of writing.  I find book like these and several others to be inspiring and fun to read. I love reading about something that I love to do, write.

What I discovered while reviewing the reviews horrified me, writers are really hard on each other. Many of the reviews were from fellow craftspersons that seemed to be  looking to find the magic formula to success. (I believe the formula only exist in the form of lots of hard work.) I was heart-broken when I read a few reviews that bashed the authors and said they did not bring anything new to the reader. Must be nice to know everything about writing--you are telling me that you did not get inspired, nor find one thing that you said if even only to yourself  "Ahh that is a great idea."  HA!  I say poppy-cock!   If this is truly the case it may behoove you dear reader to reexamine the book, or for the benefit of all us others --write a book and enlighten us.

Here is my plea.  Writers, craftsmen and women, story tellers please lighten up.  I was deeply disheartened that some of my fellow writers felt they were entitled to tear apart another's work, simply because they felt the book didn't tailor to their needs.

The excellent writer is humble enough to recognize that (s)he can learn from every book on the craft.  Not one of these books said their preferred method of writing was the only way. In fact, I believe both of them clearly and repetitively stated that the ideas were just that, ideas and method that may work to increase or improve ones writing.  They simply presented ideas and ways to better ones skills.

Take this thought, do with it as you please but humble yourself seek out tidbits to make your writing stronger, not chunks to tear apart a fellow artist.  I implore you all to learn from each other and unless your name is Stephen King, J. K. Rowling, JD Robb (Nora Roberts) or some other amazing craftsperson that I don't have the time nor space to list take a self-evaluation, learn to learn, uplift each other. Be proud of your craft and confident in yourself to know you still got a lot to learn baby.  In fact, I would bet that the previously mentioned authors would agree they too are always learning from their peers.  

Just a thought for the day.  Now I'm going to go write!