On Writing by Stephen King: An Interview with Alessandra

For this week’s Weekly Geeks challenge, bloggers from all over the book blogging community got together to interview each other about their latest reads.  Alessandra at Out of the Blue interviewed me about On Writing by Stephen King.  

 

Alessandra: Why did you decide to pick up this book?

Rachel:  Honestly, it was a book I’ve known about for some time and always been interested in.  However, it was never on my “To Be Read” list because I’d always had so many other reading priorities.  It was listed as a “New Classic” in Entertainment Weekly’s list, and I’d entered a challenge to read six new books from there this year.  So, I happened to pick it up!

Alessandra: Could you briefly summarize the plot?

Rachel: On Writing is a nonfiction work that looks at the craft of writing from the perspective of a memoir.  It’s an interesting idea for a book because King’s not concerned with grammar and language- he argues that’s all been done before (and it has been).  What he shows us instead is what works for him in the writing process.  He begins with a retrospective look at events in his life that he feels made him into the writer he is today.  Then, he moves on to what he calls the literary toolbox- focusing on writing elements he’s lectured on in seminars and questions he’s been asked.  He ends with commentary on the accident that nearly killed him several years back, and talks about his venture back into his craft.

Alessandra: Is this your first book by Stephen King, or is he a favourite author?

Rachel:  This isn’t the first book I’ve read by King.  However, it’s been a good 15 years since I’ve read anything by him.  In my high school days, I think I read everything he published.  Later, my tastes changed, and I didn’t read much in that genre anymore.  

Alessandra: Will you be wanting to pick up other Stephen King books in the future?

Rachel: After reading On Writing, and understanding King’s views on the writing process, I would definitely go back and read some more of his work.  

Alessandra: Is this a book you’d recommend to others? Who do you think would enjoy this book?

Rachel:  I highly recommend On Writing by Stephen King.  I found his conversational tone to be witty and engaging, and his memoir is interesting enough as a read for the non-fan as well as followers of King’s work.  I’m not someone who is interested in “becoming a writer” (although I do like to write).  Still, I really enjoyed learning about one author’s idea on the writing process, and their ideas on what constitutes great writing.

Alessandra: What was your favorite part in the book?

Rachel:  I really liked King’s idea that it’s all about the story.  He tells us again and again that it’s the story that must come first.  He discusses theme and symbolism and styling, but he’s able to place all of that within the context of the story.  I also really enjoyed his commentary on other author’s works and his demonstration of how they write (or do not write) in a style that works with his philosophy.  

Alessandra: What was your least favorite part in the book?

Rachel: In one of the last sections of the book, King gives an example of the editing process. He demonstrates through example how you should pare things down and reword in a second draft.  While mildly interesting, this wasn’t the part of the book that engaged me the most, probably because I have a lot of editing experience. 

Alessandra: Any favorite passage you’d like to share? 

Rachel: King says, “The scariest moment is always just before you start”.  This really rings true to my ears.  I’m constantly overanalyzing what I do.  Stephen King’s book reminds us that we need to relax, get started, and let our thoughts flow.  I agree.  Usually your gut instinct is right.