Stephen King’s book On Writing

This book is a great resource for those working on writing a book.

Stephen King’s books are horror personified, but the process he uses to write his books can be used as a blueprint and reminder that everybody starts somewhere. Much of the book is more of a memoir of King’s life, but the writer’s toolbox is a great resource for writer’s.

Key highlights:

• Read a lot, write a lot

• Story as excavation, not construction

• Character over plot

• King discourages heavy outlining

• Avoid adverbs, use a verb and scene instead

• Use simple, direct vocabulary

• Description should be evocative, not exhaustive

• Grammar matters, but clarity and simplicity beat cleverness

• Closed door, open door revision method

• Second draft = first draft minus 10%

• Daily word-count goal 2,000 words a day

• Write for your ideal reader