by Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner
Copyright: 2010
Format: Paperback
I have started a writers library - books about writing in general or on something specific (like poetry). I've debated doing this for a while because...well, because I tend to do just the opposite of what I'm told. It's that whole stubborn thing again. But I had been eying this particular book for some time(several years to be exact) and when one of the lovely Fictionistas listed it in her must reads, I knew I needed to give it a whirl.
I'm a fan of Stephen King but I have to admit, I'm not a loyal fan. I haven't read anything of his since I was in my late teens. After cracking this book, though, I think I'm ready to give him another shot. I "argh"ed and "ack"ed and belly chuckled so many times the Hubby even put this book on his TBR list. Yes, I'm a verbal reader. What of it?!
The personal sections of this book were wonderful. I laughed out loud and even subjected the Hubby to sections of text he just had to hear. King pulled me in and made me a part of his world. It was lovely and scarey and damn brilliant writing. Honesty leaked out of each sentence, just like it should in a memoir. Even if you are not interested in the writing bits, you should still give this a read just for the personal bits.
And on the writing bits - great stuff in there too. Except for the complete hatred of adverbs. I like adverbs in limited quantities. They are the salt of writing - a little goes a long way but most things taste better with the inclusion. I loved most of the ideas, though; like a writing toolbox and a first draft with the door closed concept. For a pantser (writer with no plan), the idea of writing without the world watching, flying with the words and going where the story takes you, fit perfectly. Then you open the door, let the world in, to edit. Yeah, that's why they pay him the big bucks - he knows his shit.
All in all, this is a good read and should make any TBR list even if you don't write. ^_^
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