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.