Book Review: Stephen King's "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft"

Leave it to Stephen King, one of the most original, prolific and influential modern American writers to produce a solid book on the writing craft, while doubling it as compact autobiography. After all, the book's title is On Writing: A Memoir of The Craft. King may indeed write a dedicated memoir someday, but for now I'm glad he still churns out compelling tales of thrilling fiction. Even if he decides to put down every lurid, boring or wacky life detail in a dedicated memoir, the anecdotes he reveals here make for a stimulating read. Most importantly, it encourages even the most disillusioned writer to continue their own literary journey.

Throughout the superbly enjoyable tome, King does what the best teachers do to instruct a class hungry for enlightenment. He teaches more by engaging example, than unimaginative rote or dry lecture. It's no surprise that he's such an effective instructor, since it's what King did before he hit the big time with his first novel "Carrie." The story behind King's classic horror novel, made into the unforgettable cinematic masterpiece by director Brian DePalma, may be the most intriguing anecdote in the whole book, and arguably the most educational.

King read a fact unrelated to an idea, or more specifically a scene of a bunch of high school girls taunting another one because of biology. All who see DePalma's movie can never forget that disturbing opener. Once King connected it with his fictional teen fight fest, he knew he had to write the novel. He finished about 20 pages, but self doubt plagued him, so much so that he crumpled up the work and tossed it into the circular file. When his wife fished it out of the debris depths, and read the abandoned work, she liked it. Don't throw this away, she argued to her spouse, you're on to something good.

We know how history turned out. King not only didn't throw away Carrie, but it became his first big selling novel. It's still one of his most respected by critics and fans alike. This revelation alone should demonstrate to the most discouraged novice out there: Have faith in your work, and yourself. Your biggest doubts, could be about great work. On a smaller scale, I can relate. When I'd finished drafting my first script - the one to ultimately sell to Paramount Pictures for Star Trek: The Next Generation - I felt I'd made a big mistake. After getting the call from the studio, signing a contract and cashing my check, those self doubts evaporated.

I urge all considering a writing career to get Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft. It's not only stimulated my story instincts, but given practical advice on everything from that first exciting idea rush, to the day to day chore of writing dreams. King calls writing "creative dreaming" and reminds us writers, that at our core we're dreamers documenting a dream world. It's also the foundation of this book. It gives aspiring writers both a wispy artistic kick in the butt, while offering practical advice to make those dreams come true.