On Writing Essay (:

Stephen King is a firm believer in following one’s belief in writing. His works of art that are his writings are proof that practice can make close to perfect. He is creative and used everything he has learned throughout the years to improve his writing to the extent of him having the ability to now critique others on their writing ethics.

He’s been writing since he was a child and attempting to get his work published, and allowed the criticism to only make him stronger. Being told by Algis Budrys that his work was good, just not good enough for Fantasy and Science Fiction, he took that to heart and even rewrote the piece and got it submitted ten years later (pg. 41). Not only does he believe that criticism through years of writing can make one a stronger writer in substance, but in ability as well. A writer can grow in vocabulary, for example. As King puts it, “As the whore said to the bashful sailor, ‘It ain’t how much you got honey, it’s how you use it.’ (pg. 114)” He doesn’t believe in using big words just because you can, but using words that fit and making the sentences much easier to read.

               Stephen King also is a firm hater of adverbs, because they are not a writer’s friend (pg. 124). They’re used for timid writers, those afraid of writing something that seems like it won’t be taken seriously. With his views of the path to hell being paved with adverbs, writing for a long period of time should teach writers to stop writing in passive tense, and be more confident in their abilities. With more writing practice, more writing skills will be achieved, less adverbs will be used, thus making one a better writer.

               Not only does he have certain critiques on what to include and what not to include, but with how to and what to write. He says to write what one is interested in, or the writing will not be interesting to the writer nor to the reader. Readers only want to read interesting books, ones they can take on an airplane for entertainment (pg. 160), not books that only follow literary qualities. Writing incessantly improves writing and lets a writer learn what his or her boundaries are and what he or she will be interested and good at writing.

               King puts forth good arguments on writing throughout his book. He gives great advice, and points out all his pet peeves and mistakes that writers will make. He doesn’t believe in giving up, but persevering writing if it’s what one enjoys doing, then gives advice on how to write and what to include or leave out. Stephen King is truly an amazing writer and a great inspiration to all aspiring writers.