Second Read, Different Reader

Rereading "On Writing" by Stephen King

Stephen King is a great storyteller. I love Carrie, Misery was fun, so was Salem’s Lot, The Shining, The Outsider. I enjoy his short stories. I think it’s safe to say that I’m a fan of Stephen King.

And I’ve still put down his books. There are some that I just can’t get into for one reason or another. That’s the artistry. It connects creator and audience. The audience takes something out of the storytelling, but so does the creator. It’s all subjective, all opinion, exactly like this essay on Stephen King’s memoir/writing guide: On Writing.

Before I get into King’s book, though, this email is brought to you by the Lunar Awards. Horror winners were annouced last month, so I have a list of stories to enjoy, preferably late at night while my husband is out playing soccer so I can really scare myself. The Lunar Awards is a substack event hosted by

Winston Malone

in his search for the best science fiction and fantasy on Substack.

And now back to the king of horror:

I first read On Writing years ago, early in my publishing journey, and I loved it. Inspirational, aspirational, entertaining. This book is often recommended for writers wanting to study the craft. I would see it on a list and remember it fondly. As time passed, though, I couldn’t remember most of the book. There was King’s accident, his distaste (hate) of adverbs, and his recommendation of writing 2,000 words a day. Apart from those details, I had forgotten the rest of his advice, what I had enjoyed so much my first read. So I decided to reread the book. With several years of publishing under my belt, it was a different experience.

Where I Struggled

Two thousand words a day. My first word count goal. Before On Writing I wasn’t using specifics, like word count, to hold myself accountable for my writing. Perhaps the need for structure was what brought me to Stephen King’s nonfiction work in the first place. Books are where I find answers to my questions. I didn’t know how to be a writer, so I went to one of the most successful writers out there.

So 2,000 words became my goal for a while. It was often easy enough to complete, took a little time, but I managed to meet the goal regularly. On this second read, I noted that King makes it clear that he has a writing goal of 2,000 words a day. He was not prescriptive, emphasizing that the meaning behind writing a lot “varies from writer to writer.” I find it interesting that this “rule” of 2,000 words stuck with me. I still base my word count on that first goal. While my word count expectations sits around 500 to 1,000 words a day lately, I still think of it as a quarter of 2,000 or halfway to 2,000 (as in, at least I got halfway there. Not the greatest mindset, I’m working on it…)

I have a theory about why I interpreted King’s word count goal as the golden rule. It’s the way he talks about talent. I had a similar issue with Ray Bradbury’s writing guide (to be fair, it has also been years since I read Bradbury’s book, a reread for another time). King and Bradbury both discuss the sacredness behind writing talent. If a person is talented, then the work is not work, practice is not practice, but a calling. If you don’t feel that calling, then perhaps you don’t have the talent. It reads like my students, teenagers who believe they have figured out the world and know what is best. King writes, "talent renders the whole idea of rehearsal meaningless; when you find something at which you are talented, you do it (whatever it is) until your fingers bleed or your eyes are ready to fall out of your head."

What if I don’t want to work until my fingers bleed? What if I need my eyes to drive in an hour and a half? I found myself getting frustrated through King’s talk about talent and dedication to the craft. The idea that you either have it or you don’t is discouraging and disheartening. Writing is hard. There are easy days, but to maintain a regular writing practice is the same as maintaining any practice. There are good days and bad days. If practice feels like hardwork, that doesn’t make a writer any less of a writer. I hear a phrase often from writers. Many have said that they like having written, but not the actual act of writing. Does that mean these writers don’t have talent? Of course, not!

While King discussed the commitment writers should be making to their craft, he also provided his suggestions of what that commitment looks like. While his word count wasn’t prescriptive, he did suggest how much time a writer should be spending on his craft: four to six hours. A ridiculous amount of time for most novice writers. Most writers have a full time job and other daily responsibilities. I’m lucky if I get an hour a day where I have the mental energy and time to get words on the page. Four to six?

I don’t know if I’m exasperated or jealous. The life of the full time writer has an appeal. My husband says I can’t quit my job, though. Something about having bills to pay, keeping food in our fridge to feed our daughter, and some other nonsense.

The Writer’s Toolbox

Photo by Susan Holt Simpson

During this reread, I really enjoyed King’s toolbox metaphor. He describes a toolbox that every writer should carry around with them, with tools such as grammar and vocabulary in easy access. He explains, “It’s best to have your tools with you. If you don’t, you’re apt to find something you didn’t expect and get discouraged [...] it behooves you to construct your own toolbox, and then build up the muscle so you can carry it with you.”

In other words, practice your tools. Understand grammar (King recommends Elements of Style for new writers, an invaluable read), plot, character, etc. I was given advice from a writer friend to focus on the tools and strategies that I am already good at instead of narrowing my vision on the deficiencies. It was some of the best writing advice I had been given. You will rarely read a story of mine that doesn’t include dialogue. I have attempted short stories without and they never work as well, they often get revised to include dialogue, because I’m good at dialogue. I need to refine and deepen my character development in every piece I create, but my dialogue and plot keep readers turning the page. These two tools are in the top drawer of my toolbox, ready to go when the unexpected appears. Get a toolbox. Great tip.

King goes on to provide more helpful advice for authors. He mentions that he does his best writing in the mornings. I do, too. The mornings are quiet. I’m refreshed, my mind is rested and able to get words down on the page.

My current morning view, with (relatively clean) toy clutter and everything!

King also stresses the importance of staying physically fit. He describes the benefits of long walks (except the infamous walk, of course). Haruki Murakami also discusses the impact of bringing a healthy body to your keyboard each day in his book about being a novelist. Invaluable reminders to get up and moving. The weather is getting nicer in my area, time to get outside.

Finally, King discusses the value of practice. Not easy, talent only practice, but real practice. “Practice is invaluable […]. Skills in description, dialogue, and character development all boil down to seeing or hearing clearly and then transcribing what you see or hear with equal clarity (and without a lot of tiresome unnecessary adverbs).” The daily word count, the prescription to keep doors closed and distractions away, the four to six hours. While I don’t agree with how he suggests writer’s practice, the time dedicated to getting words on the page is necessary for all writers, for any skill really.

Photo by Debby Hudson

Speaking of practice and keeping my body healthy, I do have a yoga practice I need to attend to. My time for writing is up (about 45 minutes, not 4 to 6 hours… did I mention I didn’t like that advice yet?) Overall, I enjoyed my reread of On Writing. I didn’t agree with everything he writes, but that comes with the experience that comes from practice. King provides great basics and a strong foundation for beginning writers. He also blends in some memoir, making it a good read for readers and writers. I’m inspired to pick up another Stephen King Book. In the theme of rereading, I kind of want to enjoy Carrie again.

Do you have a favorite Stephen King book? Have you read On Writing? Let me know what you think!