Peace In The Margins

You’re probably wondering why, so soon after my review of Elevation, I would review yet another Stephen King book – and for that matter, one published 20 years ago. That’s simple – it’s Stephen King, man! Another reason is this: in all of the inspirational writer’s how-to’s or memoir-like this is how I do it books, On Writing is the one I alway return to. So many ah-ha realizations are found in the pages, and I’m always inspired to go digging for fossils, as King describes it, whenever I stick my nose in the pages.

On Writing is so much more than a reference book for writers. It is a memoir, a story generator, a voice of encouragement and wisdom. It is the necessary kick in the patootie for the struggling writer.

Follow me as I take a bit of a different spin on this review. You see, every year I place this book on my #TBR, and more times than not, I follow through. This year I tried something different – I listened to it. If you’ve ever had a Stephen King conversation with me, you are quick to learn I’m just a tad bit of a fangirl. Okay, I admit it, I love King – not an Annie Wilkes style love, but you could call me obsessed. You might also learn that I can’t listen to King read his own stories. I find his narration dry and flat (though that opinion differs amongst fans), which is why this review might shock you.

Perfect encouragement, without the step-by-step how to’s that really don’t exist in fiction writing, coupled with the Master speaking directly into your soul is the only way to describe On Writing on audio. So many golden nuggets of leathery wisdom delivered in a one-on-one discussion with Master himself. During these moments of intimate lecture, I have what can only be described as an out of body experience, where while driving familiar roads, I find my self transported instantly from Point A to Point B. I don’t remember the physical journey, only the spiritual one (because reading and writing can indeed be a spiritual experience).

I find personal revelation in his daily intentions – the fact that Stephen, now through our new found relationship tucked into the unique magic of the audiobook, is speaking these intentions directly to me only enhances this Master and Grasshopper classroom:

• Create a daily habit.
• Create your space – but don’t overthink it.
• Close the door.
• Turn up Highway to Hell (that’s part of closing the door).
• Give your muse something to work with.
• WRITE EVERY DAY.

But then the best lesson of all – one that screamed at me as an answer to the obvious question:

“So okay― there you are in your room with the shade down and the door shut and the plug pulled out of the base of the telephone. You’ve blown up your TV and committed yourself to a thousand words a day, come hell or high water. Now comes the big question: What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything you damn well want.” 

Stephen King, On Writing

An unsolicited review.