SOHO ENGLISH
On Writing by Stephen King
Directions:
1) Read King’s Chapters 3 & 4 from his memoir, On Writing.
2) Post a response, identifying yourself and citing a specific passage/s that spoke to you.
3) Read other people’s responses, and respond to at least one of their posts.
"The door closes the rest of the world out; it also serves to close you in and keep you focused on the job at hand."
ReplyDeleteI picked this because I always find myself closing the door of my room while I'm doing homework. Even when I'm home alone, I do it out of habit. I feel like it helps me focus more. Like I can block out all the other noises that are going around my house just from closing my door and listening to music.
-Jackie Povitsky
lmao lmao Jackie BUT anyways Ms. Hett's I did actually read this and I am the 2nd comment wow you guys for me to be the 2nd...thats sad. Anyways, I think that the article wasn't that bad although if I were to do his training excersizes I'd probably take more than just one day of a break. I also think he's got a good point about how you should write what you want to write about not just to impress someone else.
ReplyDelete-Shahbaz
"Now comes the big question: What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything you damn well want. Anything at all...As long as you tell the truth."
ReplyDeleteI chose this quote, not only because it is hilarious, but also because I really want to believe that it is true. The idea that I can sit down and write whatever I want is a very intriguing idea to me and one that I will have to try out one day.
-Joseph Cohen
In response to Jackie
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you, when i close my door and do my homework, sometimes with a little music. The world seems to disappear and my focus improves a lot. Maybe I should do it more often...
-Joseph Cohen
I strongly believe in the quote, ''What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything you damn well want. Anything at all...as long as you tell the truth.''
ReplyDeleteI agree with this quote because not only are you telling the truth, but, you are also telling and revealing alittle bit about you yourself.When writing, you incorporate your feelings, viewpoints, and past experiences that have been in your life. Often times, it many be hard to let out your emotions and/or secrets you hide. In writing, it allows you to open up. Take J.K. Rowling for example, when her mother died, she(of course) mourned for the loss of her mother. Yet, as an escape, she turned to writing and created Harry Potter to show and embrace her feelings and to exemplify what it means in life to have death, love, and meaning. Telling the truth when writing is also something that you can relate to and is interesting to read.
"What's equally wrong is the deliberate turning toward some genre of type of fiction in order to make money. It's morally wonky, for one thing - the job of fiction is the find the truth inside the story's web of lies, not to commit intellectual dishonesty in the hunt for the buck. Also, brothers and sisters, it doesn't work."
ReplyDeleteI found this passage particularly interesting because it's easy to find a person whose main goal in life is to gain money. However, how far can money actually get you? For instance, these types of people could win the lottery and still desire to be richer; they will never be satisfied. I just find it silly.
Furthermore, I agree that you should write about "anything at all...as long as you tell the truth." If you're not writing from your heart, there's only a certain amount of words you can write until it becomes redundant. You would therefore be "committing intellectual dishonesty." Unless required, I don't understand why you would want to write about a topic you're not familiar with. Personally, I find it more enjoyable to write about what I know. Additionally, it's easier. On the other hand, I suppose if you're up to the challenge go for it - write about something you don't know. (I'm not quite sure how that works though...)
I agree with Felicia on how you need to write from the heart...if not, then it would just be redundant and boring to read.
ReplyDelete"I work to loud music-- hard rick stuff like AC/DC, Guns 'n' Roses, and Metallica have always been particular favorites-- but for me music is just another way of shutting the door."
ReplyDeleteIn Chapter 3 of On Writing, Steven King talks about finding a place of your own to write, and setting goals one step at a time; when you accomplish a task that was easy, set a new one that is a little more difficult. I like this quote particularly, because most people need complete silence in order to concentrate. Not Steven King. I can relate to him, because I prefer to have music playing when I'm writing as well, or doing any other kid of activity. I'm not sure why, but it is somehow motivating. Hard-rock isn't exactly the genre I prefer to listen to while I'm writing, but music is music so I understand where King is coming from. I also like how he says that music is another way of "shutting the door" to the world. To me, it is sort of ironic, because music in a way plays a role of keeping someone company, not leaving them alone. I guess that's one reason why he is a great and unique writer!
Response to Evangeline:
ReplyDeleteI agree with your take on music. For me, music is the one thing I want to hear when I can't stand to listen to anybody. It's interesting that you say music keeps a person company because it's true. It pumps a person up for a big game or soothes a person's temper more than another person can. I feel like music understands you when nobody else does.
"...it really needs only one thing: a door which you are willing to shut.T The closed door is your way of telling the world and yourself that you mean business; you have made a serious commitment to write and intend to walk the walk as well as talk the talk."
ReplyDeleteI think this quote relates to everything and everyone. I liked this quote because it is good advice, not just for writing, but for anything to which you are willing to make a commitment. Whether it's writing, playing an instrument, playing a sport, or even doing homework, you must be able to focus on the task at hand. Even if you don't love it or are not passionate about it, you should still focus and get it done. "Closing the door" allows you to focus, enjoy, and even do things better because you are not distracted by anything.
In response to my fellow classmates who said that music helps them "close the door;" for me, music doesn't always help me. Sometimes it actually serves as a distraction. It may be because I love to sing and dance along, but everyone has a different door to shut.
P.S. sorry this response isn't very good. my last one was better, but for some reason it didn't get posted.... :(
"Write what you like, then imbue it with life and make it unique by blending in your own personal knowledge of life, friendship, relationships, sex, and work. Especially work. People love to read about work."
ReplyDeleteI agree with this passage because often times, we write about what we like and make it intriguing because it's fun. It's fun to write an "alternate universe" because people have a very creative imagination. People write about their personal life because it helps to write things and look at it from a different point of view and might apply it to their own life or other's. That is what makes people so interested because they can relate to it.
- Glizyl Luna
"If you continue to write, you will begin to filter out these distractions naturally, but at the start it's best to try and take care of them before you write."
ReplyDeleteI think this passage is true for me at least. Since I write essays in my room, there are many distractions. If I'm really involved with what I am writing then I notice what was distracting me anymore. However, if the essay topic is really boring and I can't focus at all but the essay needs to be finished, I turn off the tv and anything else that would distract me. I think it helped because I would try harder to make a better essay.
I agree with Felicia that you should write from the heart because if you don't, the people reading it will know you don't care much about the topic. Also I agree that it's better to write about what you know because it comes easier to you.
Wow, it took me awhile to find this website. Also, who is this Shahbaz kid? He's funny! Anyway, here we go:
ReplyDeleteI have tried writing in my free time. A novel is a bit too much, so I stuck with short stories. The truth is, though, I have written not more than a page just to delete it soon after. The introduction would be either too shallow, very immature, or not sufficient enough to hold together a story. So when King wrote, "Write what you like, then imbue it with life and make it unique by blending in your own personal knowledge of life, friendship, relationships, sex, and work. Especially work. People love to read about work. God knows why, but they do," it gives me at least a path to follow, a guaranteed advice of not failing too much. The plot and direction of a story is always the hardest to develop. If someone were to give me a creative and outstanding storyline, by all means, I would love to actually put it in words. "Grisham has been there, spied out the land and the enemy positions, and brought back a full report. He told the truth of what he knew, and for that if nothing else, he deserves every buck The Firm made." I just have to write something that is dear and very familiar to me. Tweak it here and there, and voila! A New York Times bestseller, here I come!
No, Ms. Hett, I won't write about Jersey Shore ever again. Too bad Studer didn't post his before I did.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Felicia:
I mean, I don't think it can work, writing about something you don't know. It's like, "Hey, Felicia! Write about my life!" You just can't, because you're right. Writing does come from the heart (however cheesy/cliche that might sound), and you can't possibly invest your heart into something you don't know. You can't embed your personality into a foreign area. It's just too easy to talk about oneself. Frankly, I do it all the time. Just seven minutes ago (in the post above), I blabbed on about myself as I am doing now.
Who could possibly write for the sake of earning money? What kind of story can they come up with? How could a writer possibly stand to create something beautiful in return for something ugly? I find this concept just as silly as you do. If this were the case, then hey, Ms. Hett, I will write you the next essay for $10. Maybe bargain for $7.
I also agree with Felicia's response. When you write the truth, something about your life that you know very well, you can make it easier for others to connect with you. Not only that, but you can never run out of words because it is YOUR story that you are telling, not some made up fantasy. Like Felicia said, "it's easier."
ReplyDeleteWow that's the second time my answer was completely deleted.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, let's give it another try..
"You can read anywhere, almost, but when it comes to writing, library carrels, park benches, and rented flats should be courts of last resort——Truman Capote said he did his best work in motel rooms, but he is an expression' most of us do our best in a place of our own. Until you get one, you'll find your new resolution to write a lot hard to take seriously."
When I first read King's passage, I automatically agreed with him; however, the more I reread it, the more I began to disagree with him. It may be true that "a place of our own" makes writing easier because it is a place that we are familiar with, and comfortable in. It allows our minds to wander off and sink in to new ideas. We become worry free and our attention isn't taken away by the changing surroundings. It allows the writer to block everyone and everything out.
By contrast, I disagree with King. Everyone is different, and everyone has their own comfortable place. Not everyone feels comfortable only in their own place, and if they do, it doesn't necessarily have to be THAT place where they write. If the person likes to sit under a tree, whether the birds are chirping or not, if they can write, THAT is their place. Like Truman Capote, he was comfortable writing in hotel rooms, and that's completely fine with me. I believe that the perfect place for any writer to write in, is that place where they can be worry-free, and calm.
"For any writer, but for the beginning writer in particular, it's wise to eliminate every possible distraction."
ReplyDeleteThis quote stands out to me because I can relate to it the most. As I sit down at the computer, focused as all can be, I open up a new Word document, write the proper heading, the words, "TITLE" in all caps to remind myself to come back after I have finished to name the creation, and begin. As my mind flusters, trying to come up with some intellectual and unique way to begin my essay, I receive a notification from Facebook. With a quick tab over, I respond and get back to business. After the first sentence is completed, I look to my left, out the windows that display my backyard, admiring the green grass and the brown fence that I have seemed to outgrow these past years. And to my right, a blaring television along with its spectators, my father, mother, and sometimes my brothers. The noise penetrates my ears like bullets through glass, it goes straight through with a bang, destroying any concentration I had left.
Ten minutes later, I find that, in total, I have fifteen words. The distractions I am surrounded by always seem to take a toll on me.
I find myself desperately waiting for the uncertain arrival time of a laptop in the future.
-Alex Studer
In response to Felicia's response to Evangeline:
ReplyDeleteI do agree that music helps to drown out the world at times, but when writing or doing any schoolwork, I have recently discovered that music is one of the biggest distractions to me. The mind can't focus on two things at once (thank you, drivers ed,) so why listen to music while working? That's how I see it. Music may be beneficial to the both of you, but to me, it is the downfall of writing.
"As with physical exercise, it would be best to set this goal low at first, to avoid discouragement. I suggest a thousand words a day, and because I'm feeling magnanimous, I'll also suggest that you can take one day a week off, at least to begin with."
ReplyDeleteThis passage lists the bare minimums of what a new writer should start out doing which, to me, seems really difficult. Writing, especially creative writing, is a struggle for me. In the past, the most I've ever written for any creative writing assignment was three pages. That alone took quite a bit of time to think up due to the writers block happening after each paragraph. Now, thats only a measly assignment. If I were to take the time and write at least 1000 words a day for at least 6 days of the week, then I would go completely nuts. I would never be able to think up enough "stuff" to incorporate into the story. This is why it always amazes me how writers are able to write those long books, like the Harry Potter series. Even when writing a guide on writing, writers never cease to amaze me.
-Theodore Truong
In response to Evangeline:
ReplyDeleteI agree with the quote you chose as well as your response to it because it applies to me as well. I always listen to music while doing homework, or when I'm trying to push out all the other noises. Music, to me, is like a barrier that repels the distractions. It keeps you in your own little world where no source of annoyance can penetrate it.
-Theodore Truong
"Now comes the big question: What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything u damn well want. Anything at all...as long as you tell the truth."
ReplyDeleteThis part of the passage really stood out to me because I believe that this quote not only applies to the way people should write, but also to the way people should live their lives. King explains that writing should be an outlet to life; a way for your mind to escape the everyday way of thinking. Therefore, in King's opinion, one should be free to write about whatever they please as long as you stay true to yourself. Similarly, I believe that you should live you life with the same mentality. Do as you please, as long as you are true to who are.
In response to Felicia:
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the idea that if you're not writing about something you know and love then there is no point in writing at all. Writers should want to write from the heart because readers want to read writing that is from the heart.
Oops, i made a typo. I meant rock*
ReplyDeleteThe quote Monika wrote about was in the other section that I found to be significant. I agree that it is important to have a special place to write; somewhere you go every time you're preparing to get those words on paper because it will help you in the long run. Its important to find that place because eventually you will become more and more comfortable and open to new ideas just as Monika said.
However, I also agree that it may not be necessary to go to that one place every time you are going to write in some cases. Say your writing a poem about nature. To get inspiration, wouldn't you want to sit in a park, on the beach, in a forest, or anywhere else in nature, as opposed to your bedroom (which is where I do all of my writing)? I think the place a person writes may just depend on the topic of the piece.
"For any writer, but for the beginning writer in particular, it's wise to eliminate every possible distraction. If you continue to write, you will begin to filter out these distractions naturally, but at the start it's best to try and take care of them before you write."
ReplyDeleteI agree with this statement because distractions are the worst when you are trying to write. For instance, when I am writing an essay, I make myself stay in my basement at the computer until I finish. I know that otherwise I would end up watching TV. Although being distraction-free is harder today than it was when King wrote this. Now that we write everything on the computer and the Internet has more of its own distractions, it is even harder to concentrate, but we must.
I agree with what Kaylin said about walking the walk. If you say that you are going to be a dedicated writer, then you need to do whatever it takes to accomplish that goal.
-Berman
"If not for heart and imagination, the world of fiction would be a pretty seedy place. It might not even exist at all."
ReplyDeleteThis is a great quote because fiction is 100% heart and imagination. Since I was little, I loved to write fictional stories. Whatever I wrote came straight from my imagination, and I was free to write whatever came to mind. My imagination is a huge part of who I am. Without heart and imagination, not only would fiction be very boring, but people would be dull and lifeless as well.
-KRISTA
In response to Melanie Berman-
ReplyDeleteI agree that distractions are hindering our creativity and thought process. I havent had much time to write or draw or be as creative as I used to be becasue I am so busy that I never have the time to sit down and think. These days we are so distracted by everything else that happens around us, we aren't able to concentrate and bring ourselves to our highest degree.
I believe King is right in saying we need to eliminate every possible distraction before we begin to write.
-KRISTA
"what are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything you damn well want. Anything at all"
ReplyDeleteThe only time I write papers or essays is when I'm being forced to by one of my crazy English teachers. Mrs. Hett is no exception, she gives us these random prompts, and expects us to write A+ papers. I say that instead of having prompts she gives us the choice to write about anything we want,letting our imaninations run wild. This in turn will produce better papers, plus we can experiment with different stlyes and all that stuff.
In response to Felicia:
I agree, write from the heart
dang it the comment above this is mine
ReplyDeleteGeorge Webb
"I work to loud music-hard rock stuff like AC/DC, Guns 'N Roses, and Metallica have always been particular favorites-but for me the music is just another way of shutting the door."
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that music can bring you to your own little world and provide inspiration and the right mood to write in. For me, "angry" music mellows me out and gets me in the mood for doing homework. How a person gets in the mood for whatever they might be doing is all up to them. The kind of music that mellows me out could make another person tense and anxious. I can also agree that the place can affect your writing abilities. Distractions are deadly, I would know.
"In an early interview (this was to promote Carrie, I think), a radio talk-show host asked me how I wrote. My reply-"One word at a time"-seemingly left him without a reply. I think he was trying to decide whether or not I was joking. I wasn't. In the end, it's always that simple. Whether it's a vignette of a single page or an epic trilogy like The Lord of the Rinds, the work is always accomplished one word at a time."
ReplyDeleteThis is completely true because no matter what you are writing it's all about one word at a time. When I right I just need to start with one word and before i know it I have the sentence down and then the paragraph. Once you start with one word it just all comes to you. With one word comes a another and another. It's like a snow ball effect and you just write it all down until you finish.
In Response to Monika:
ReplyDeleteI do agree with Monika when she is that a writer can write anywhere they feel comfortable in. However, I think that is exactly what Steven King was saying. When he said writers can only write in "a place of their own" I don't think he meant one specific place. I think he did mean any place that was comfortable for them just as Monika said.
"I work to loud music- hard rock stuff like AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, and Metallica have always been particular favorites- but for me the music is just another way of shutting the door. It surrounds me, keeps the mundane world out."
ReplyDeleteSad to say, so many people have already commented on this quote but I thought that personally, it was my favorite one out of this passage so I'll just add my bit about what I thought. Ironically, while reading "On Writing", I was listening to music. I've always done that, no matter if i'm reading, writing, doing math homework or just going online. I know that for some people, music is a distraction and causes lack of concentration, but for me, like Stephan King said, it's like "shutting the door". Not only do I agree that listening to music lets you drown out the rest of the world so you can focus on what you're doing, but I also approve greatly of King's music taste. Those three bands have all been huge favorites of mine and I can find a song by any of them that go along with my mood at any time.
-in response to Melanie Berman
ReplyDeleteI agree that we have more distractions today than in Kings time. The ability to not get distracted comes from will power. If you have the desire to get something done, then you will put all possible distractions away.
In response to George-
ReplyDeleteI agree with George because it's so true that our best writing comes from writing about subjects we're passionate about. I know that realisically we'll always have to write papers on random prompts and books we read but once in a while, it's great to let your mind run wild. Writing about what you want makes the papers actually interesting to read becuase the writer is puts their heart into it, not just quickly assembled information that they're forced to write about.
In this section, I thought the most important message King tries to send is that you really have to commit to being a writier. The same is really true for anything else. If you just want to be a writer and hope it will magically come to you then you are out of luck. Like Jackie said about the door, you have to be determined to do the work. I had to really struggle to turn off the tv, shut my door, and read this article, but I was succesful. You have to set realistic, attainable goals. As King says, "...you need the room, the door, and the detemination to shut the door. You need a concrete goal. The longer you keep these basics, the easier the act of writing will become. Don't wait for the muse...i assure you sooner or later he'll start showing up." I shortened that quote a little bit, but the point is that if you keep working hard and the right way, you will be succesful.
ReplyDelete"If you continue to write, you will begin to filter out these distractions naturally, but at the start it's best to try and take care of them before you write."
ReplyDeleteThis quote caught my eye because it is exactly how I feel when I write a paper. If I don't come into it with any ideas, or I am distracted by my cell phone or music, I can sit there for hours and get nothing accomplished. But once I eliminate all distractions and get into writing a paper, it's almost as if my surroundings disappear. I am submerged into the writing my mind spits out ideas with minimal stress and effort to write a strong paper. When I am in that zone, I could stay there forever.
In response to Felicia,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, a person should always write from the heart and being in it for the money never lets one work to her full potential anyways. Writing is supposed to provide self-fulfillment, and if money is the only way to happiness in one's life, she will never truly be satisfied.
"I work to loud music-hard rock stuff like AC/DC, Guns 'N Roses, and Metallica have always been particular favorites-but for me the music is just another way of shutting the door."
ReplyDeleteI've chosen this because I can relate. Listening to music helps me concentrate. If I hear things, other than music, I get distracted. I can work with complete silence, but I prefer having music.
I agree with Zack. I think that in order to be a writer. When I think of writers, I picture them in their office for hours trying to get that one page right.I also agree with goals.If you want to do something you can't just sit back and watch it all happen, you have to set goals and work for it.
Oh forgot my quote: "I suggest a thousand words a day, and because I'm feeling magnanimous, I'll also suggest that you can take one day a week off, at least to begin with. No more; you'll lose..." topish of page 3. (*cough* I can get my 5 points back Ms. Hett *cough*)
ReplyDelete-Shahbaz
P.S.- 2nd word 2nd comment thats supposed to be a lamo*
"Write what you like, then imbue it with life and make it unique by blending in your own personal knowledge of life, friendship, relationship,sex, and work. Especially work. People love to read about work"
ReplyDeleteI agree with this excerpt because if you don't add your personal touch to a piece of writing, it's going to be bland. In order to become a successful writer, you have to write about experiences people can relate to. I often find myself reading books about teenage experiences such as Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. Also as a writer, you have to write about subjects that interest you. You have to enjoy what you do!
In response to Alex S, I totally agree with you. I love music, but when it comes to stuff like studying or doing homework, I cannot concentrate. I get distracted easily and music would not help me. I would not be able to focus doing to things at once.
ReplyDeleteWOW everything i typed got erased :(
ReplyDeleteAnyways.. I said that me and King are kind of similar because we both need a closed, distraction free room to do work. I usually lock myself in my room to get home work done because my house is full of distractions. Also, King said he listens to rock music, which also keeps other distractions out. When i do my math homework i usually listen to country music like Taylor Swift or John Mayer because it keeps me concentrated. But when im reading a book i need complete quiet, and i don't understand how he can write with music playing?! I'd get too distracted.
And in response to Alex:
Facebook is the biggest distraction ever. No joke i can waste two hours doing nothing on it instead of doing something important like reading logs. It's not healthy.
Commenting on what Jackie said:
ReplyDeleteI'm just like that too! No matter if I'm home alone or my whole family is in the kitchen making noise I close the office door. I like being in my own little space where I can do my homework and hear myself think.
"If your plumber, you know plumbing, but that is far from the extent of your knowledge; the heart also knows things, and so does the imagination."
ReplyDeleteThis quote jumped out at me because it saying just because you do one thing and know a lot about that one thing doesn't mean you don't know about other topics. Also, that no amount of facts or knowledge can take you the places you heart and imagination can take you. When you listen to your heart or let your imagination run wild you would be amazed the wild things and places you can create.
In response to Selma:
I agree that writing about personal experiences is great and adding a personal style to it makes it even better. However, a lot of books about teenagers, for example, are just bullying and other commonalities in the teen years teen to the extreme.
" Stylistic imitation is one thing, a perfectly honorable way to get started as a writer(and impossible to avoid, really; some sort of imitation marks each new stage of a writer's development) but on cannot imitate a writer's approach to a particular genre, no matter how simple what that writer is doing may seem."
ReplyDeleteI like this quote because it points out the fact that no one the same as any one else. It's impossible to come up with the same ideas or write in the same as other people. We all have our own way of saying things. This is why I think its so easy to pick out the people who just copy and past information, because even if the idea wasn't 100% yours you still wouldn't have worded that thought the same way as some one else.
Yet again, Stephen King does what most writers cannot--he manages to draw in a diverse audience and attract the attention of adolescents.
ReplyDeleteKing's unique approach to the art of writing is all in all insightful and remarkably readable.
The most difficult question a writer can face is tackled in simple terms: "Anything you damn well want. Anything at all....as long as you tell the truth."
King elaborates. Fiction is not simply an extravagant fabrication; rather, it hides a truth waiting to be found. Reading this, I had an epiphany; fiction is not, in essence, a tangled bush of imagination. It is knowledge and experience used to enrich a story--a story that deserves to be heard.
King inspires the reader at the end of the chapter by concluding: "Be brave. Map the enemy's positions, come back , tell us all you know." You can contribute something that no one else can. Simply find the way or voice through which you're going to do it.
"What would be very wrong, I think, is to turn away from what you know and like...in favor of things you believe will impress your friends..."
ReplyDeleteThis statement really stood out to me because I believe in it. I don't like fake little attention junkies that are always looking to catch someone's eye when they do anything. It's pathetic and they should learn to do everything in their life for the sake of doing it.
In response to Melanie:
I agree with you that distractions are very distracting. All the media in my house is in one room, so it can be very hard to focus. Once, when I was writing an essay, I asked my dad to turn the T.V. down because it was distracting and he said, "You don't have to do your paper in this room." And I'm thinking, "Dad, it would be easier for you to just turn the T.V. down." -_-
On a side note: George, you need to install Spell Check in your brain. :)
Response to Alex(a) Studer:
ReplyDeleteYour sequence of distractions sounds very familiar to me. It is often difficult to get in that 'working mood' after a full day of school and after-school activities. I must admit,though, that once I find myself there, I refuse to leave until all of my work is accomplished. Then it is bedtime. Like King would say, it is as if I am dreaming consciously.
"The door closes the rest of the world out;it also serves to close you in and keep you focused on the job at hand."
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with that statement, and I think that it applies to more than just writing. For example when I need to study for a big test I sit in my room alone with the door closed, it really helps me to focus.
I also agree with Lily on the fact that people shouldn't imitate anyone, but inside be themself, express their own feelings and thoughts.
This is avery interesting reading selection, there are also lots of interesting posts. I somewhat disagree with Stephen King and a few of the post on this page. I dont like to work behind a closed door, and I definitely dont listen to music while writing. I listen to music when I want to unwind or if I want to psych up, but if I listen to music while Im writing I am totlly distracted. WHen writing I require an ABSOLUTELY SILENT environment (which is very hard to find and usually impractical).
ReplyDeleteAs for working behind closed door I dont like this idea, I prefer rather to sit in a very comfortable recliner and just fish for an idea. This constitutes sitting and waiting for the perfect idea to float by and then sparadically explode into a short burst of writing, then waiting again. This process is probably somewhat at fault for the unorganized flow(or lack there of) in my writing, which requires Lots of revising to fix.
"I work to loud music-hard-rock stuff like AC/DC, Guns 'n Roses, and Metallica have always been particular favorites-but for me the music just another way of shutting the door."
ReplyDeletePretty much anything I do involves me listening to loud hard-rock music at the same time. I totally agree that it "shuts the door" even more than a physical door.
Response to David
I agree with that, people know many little things, even though they're formal job doesn't require that certain base of knowledge. Imagination is important, and as King said, if it's fiction, write as you know would lead only to incredibly boring works.
The passage of "On Writing" that really spoke out to me was in chapter three on page 157:
ReplyDelete"In both writing and sleeping, we learn to be physically still at the same time we are encouraging our minds to unlock the humdrum rational thinking of our daily lives."
I had never really thought about writing this way, and certainly never compared it to sleeping like Stephen King does here. Thinking about it now, writing is sort of like daydreaming on paper, since while doing both, we completely zone out of the world around us as our minds naturally spill out imagination and fantasies. And once in that conscious slumber, pages begin to accumulate and good stories are began and finished.
Lily Chatman's previous post made me think about plagiarism and exactly why our teachers want us to avoid it. Like Lily said, even if it's the same idea, each person words things differently, and that is how good and bad writers are decided. If you copy someone else's work, you aren't going through the mental process of taking in and analyzing the information into your own ideas and thoughts.
Now comes the big question: What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything u damn well want. Anything at all...as long as you tell the truth."
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me for I completely agree with it. It is always easier to write whatever you please. At the same time, the writing will most likely be a whole lot more interesting than a paper written about a topic the writer doesn't even care about. Of course, fiction is often interesting but may seem too far fetched to believe sometimes. That is why we should print down the any truth that we know and it will be so much better.
-Johnny La
"Critics who dismissed The Firm and Grisham's later books as poorly written and who profess themselves to be mystified by his success are either missing the point because it's big and obvious or because they are being deliberately obtuse. Grisham's make-believe tale is solidly based in reality he knows...."
ReplyDeleteThis quote really stood out to me because, as with any form of art, the critics always seem to miss the big idea and pick apart the little issues. Although I have not read this book, form King's description, it seems very believable. To me, believability is the most important aspect of any story. Who cares about character development if you can't relate to them?
In response to alex p, King said that as you become a better writer, you'll be able to add more and more distractions. I honestly think he's just showing off. How can you possibly write a coherent story with "Welcome to the Jungle" blasting in the background? Also, closed door =/= uncomfortable chair. :)
ReplyDelete"I think we're actually talking about creative sleep. Like your bedroom, your writing room should be private, a place where you go to dream."
ReplyDeleteI liked this quote because I believe that that is what writing is really about. It gives us a chance to be creative, and a chance to find our own styles to drawing readers in. For some writings that we are required to do for school, it is hard to be creative, but when I'm writing stories or songs that aren't assignments, I try to keep myself isolated so my personal opinions won't be mixed up with the thoughts of other people. I usually stay in my room and ask to be left alone, so I can focus on saying the words that fit my thoughts and ideas perfectly without being interrupted by the outside world.
In response to Alison: I completely agree. People should not let themselves get influenced by what they think will impress other people. And they shouldnt base everything on what they think they will get in return. If every writer wrote about what they think would appeal to a huge crowd, you would have thousands of people selling out and writing cheesy teenage novels, and there would be no more "classics." The sad thing is, this is happening more and more. Every time I go to the library or a bookstore, I see a new book about teenage romance, and most of them are written by authors that I am familiar with, and the cheesy style is so different from their other books. I don't actually have anything against romantic or corny books, I like reading them because they can be very sweet, but I dont want every book I read to be mushy. I just really think those authors should just stick to their own styles instead of following the crowd to try to make other people happy. They should be focusing on if they like their work, not if they think it will make them more money.
ReplyDelete"I work to loud music-hard-rock stuff like AC/DC, Guns 'n Roses, and Metallica have always been particular favorites-but for me the music just another way of shutting the door."
ReplyDeleteI might not listen to hard rock music, but I ALWAYS have some sort of music playing the background when doing my homework. Exactly like what King says, it shuts a door. To me, it helps me focus more because i don't pay attention to the little noises around my house and helps me relax and get into my own little world-or as King calls it, my own room.
Going off of what David said about what you know is more than just your occupation or hobby, I couldn't agree more. Your occupation in no way defines what you know, your heart always has a say in your decisions. So in a way it goes into heart vs. head, and which one to use. King says that when you write, you need to use both. Makes sense. To make an interesting world of your own, you have to use your heart, head, and imagination.
-Sydney H
"Now comes the big question: What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything u damn well want. Anything at all...as long as you tell the truth."
ReplyDeleteSo. What should i write about? I can honestly say that i don't know exactly why i picked this quote. I do know that as soon as i read it, i knew i was going to write about it. I also know that as soon as i finished reading this section that was the quote that was still in my mind. I do know that writing always comes easier when you write about what you want. Thats one reason that i love in class essays, or even most essays we have to write in SoHo. I get to write about whatever I want. I pick the topic. I pick the opinions, and the facts, and the basis, and i pick the thesis, and the claims, and the evidence, and the warrants. I choose. I think thats what makes writing so appealing to me.
In response to Jackie:
I couldn't agree more. I door does completely block out the rest of the world. Its always easier to write when the rest of the world is blocked out. When i write, i shut off my phone, hide my Ipod with my brother, unplug me television set, and most importantly, block any website that isn't dictionary.com. Thats the only way i can write. You know first hand how ugly it gets when i try to write after you call me asking how my paper is going. (:
"I work to loud music-hard-rock stuff like AC/DC, Guns 'n Roses, and Metallica have always been particular favorites-but for me the music just another way of shutting the door."
ReplyDeleteNot a day goes by that I don't have my earphones in. I love listening to music when I do my homework, write, play videogames, etc, etc. Even though the music I listen to is a lot of times heavier than what Stephen talks about in the article thingy, I use it for the exact same thing, to block everyone and everything out, to "close the door". It also sometimes helps me to get a tad more emotional while I'm writing, and who doesn't love emotional writings? The same people who don't love fluffy kittens, thats who.
-Marc Coss
"The space space can be humble (probably should be, as I think I have already suggested), and it really needs only one thing: a door which you are willing to shut. The closed door is your way of telling the world and yourself that you mean business; you have made a serious commitment to write and intend to walk the walk as well as talk the talk."
ReplyDeleteI chose this quote because I can relate to it. I always find myself needing to isolate myself from everything when writing. Music is the only exception. There's always that extra mile you have to go when writing (shutting the door) and being able to commit to your writing (being able to keep the door shut. In order to write you have to let go of some things that you have become used to always being with. When I write I put my phone down, get off facebook, and concentrate on my paper. I let go of certain things in order to accomplish something I have commited myself too (honors english and the work that comes along with it).
"Write what you like, then imbue it with life and make it unique by blending in your own personal knowledge of life, friendship, relationships, sex, and work."
ReplyDeleteIn this sentence, King gives aspiring writers a great piece of advice. Rather than just "writing what one knows," it's better to inject one's own experiences into their writing, and practicing with one's favorite genre just makes sense. King also brings up the topic of stylistic imitation, and by emulating one's favorite authors, a new writer can develop their own style and combine that with the knowledge they've picked up over the course of their lifetime.
In response to Sydney, I always listen to music when I do my homework, too. Anything that could be interrupting my focus (a barking dog, traffic, people talking) fades away when music is playing. My dad doesn't believe that music could possibly help me focus, but whatever Stephen King says, goes.
- Jack T
I agree with Johnny, not many people want to write about sending or not sending fat letters home to parents (no offense), but I think that King was good at telling us creative ways to write since he's writing this book off of experience, which is what makes him such a great writer.
ReplyDelete-Shahbaz
"Wrapped within it, like the chewy stuff in the center of a Tootsie Pop, is the assumption that the writer controls the material instead of the other way around"(King 150)
ReplyDeleteI found this idea really awesome. The idea that the author has no control of the stories that he/she writes. Not even that, but the story actually controls the author! Stephen King follows this up with a very interesting point: if everyone could control the stories they wrote then every novel would be a best-seller. It's kind of like the authors are just a vessel carrying the stories, and the stories are just trying to get out, at least that's the way I see it. Whether the general public enjoy the stories that come out is not up to the author to decide because he/she is just the vessel.
-Simon Kim
In response to Shahbaz, I very much enjoyed writing about fat kids, thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteAnd in response to Zack, I have a lot of troule focusing and turning my tv off too. As a matter of fact, I'm gona go watch some Dexter right now, screw blogging.
In response to Sydney H:
ReplyDeleteI also think that music is a way to get to your own little world; your own room. It helps you concentrate on whatever your doing and it keeps out the noisy siblings and the other noises in the house. I don't really know how to explain how music helps, but there's just something about it that keeps you focused and it keeps you going when you think you can't finish whatever you have to finish. It helps you escape all the madness and get to a place where you can be comfortable with yourself and your writing.
I totally agree with Sydney. Music is like the perfect cover up of little noises. My focus is pretty easily broken, so music helps to keep me from being distracted by some small noise. In general, music just keeps me in the zone.
ReplyDelete-Simon Kim
"For any writer, but for the beginning writer in particular, it's wise to eliminate every possible distraction."
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me the most because I can relate to it so much. Even as I am writing this right now, I am so distracted.
In order to improve my writing skills, I should practice eliminating distractions. I feel like this is key to anything: accomplishing homework, writing papers, achieving goals, etc. I should really learn to eliminate distractions, because I am always procrastinating and doing homework late at night.
I agree with Divya. We should definitely live life as we please, as long as we are true to who we are. I feel like life would be pointless if we're not doing what we want to do, but doing things that will impress others, which ties in with Alison's post.
ReplyDelete"What would be very wrong, I think, is to turn away from what you know and like (or love, the way i loved those old ECs and black-and-white horror flicks) in favor of the things you believe will impress your friends, relatives, and writing-circle colleagues."
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me a lot because nowadays people focus too much on pleasing other people more than actually pleasing themselves. Writing isn't all about trying to write about something to please a crowd, but it has to be something you love. Many people say that you have to learn to respect yourself before you expect anyone to respect you. This is the same for writing. You must learn to love your piece of writing in order for other people to love it as well.
In response to Sabrina:
I agree with you. I also need to isolate myself when writing because it is the only way i can actually concentrate. It isn't only writing that I have to do this for, but it's for any type of homework. The only way I can focus is if I'm in a quiet room with no distractions.
"When I'm asked why I decided to write the sort of thing I do write, I always think the question is more revealing than any answer I could possibly give. Wrapped within it, like the chewy stuff in the center of a Tootsie Pop, is the assumption that the writer controls the material instead of the other way around."
ReplyDeleteI agree with King. When creating anything, it is not the artist creating the masterpiece, it is the masterpiece guiding the artist. I have the same experience when playing music. The sound is already there, I am just an extension of the sound.
In response to Berman:
I agree, there are way too many distractions nowadays. It is a lot harder to "close the door," as King puts it, because that would entail disconnecting from the internet, which isn't practical in this day and age.
"I work to loud music-- hard rick stuff like AC/DC, Guns 'n' Roses, and Metallica have always been particular favorites-- but for me music is just another way of shutting the door."
ReplyDeleteMost in-class essays I do during school have me writing to music from my iPod. I strongly believe the music you like is a facet for concentration and even can give you a voice inadvertently through what you are listening to. There's nothing like blasting some Death Metal to an essay about Developmental Pyschology.
In response to Marc Coss:
Yes, while music and other forms of media CAN help you concentrate on your writing, using them at home can be a huge distraction.
"What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything you damn well want. Anything at all.....as long as you tell the truth."
ReplyDeleteI found this very interesting because there are so many stories out there...like Harry Potter or Twilight for example (all those sci-fi books) that totally bush the bounds of normalcy for what is telling the truth! J.K Rowling completely made up the world of Hogwarts, so how is that telling the truth? But I think what King meant was that it is more important to what you are trying to say within your writing, the underlying message. By the truth, he doesn't mean that there are wizards, witches and a Daily Prophet. I think if anything, he's talking about the lessons and morals of the story. Love and hate, friendship, or good and evil. By telling the truth in this metaphorical sort of way, that's why Stephen King believes writing is so important.
-Morgan Gstalter
In response to Lily and Cody....
ReplyDeleteThe ideas students have in telling stories are all completely different. I agree with Cody when he says that is how writers are determined, whether they have the ability to spin their version of an idea into something magical or important. That's the difference between plagiarism (just copying the wording) or sharing the same idea..
Morgan Gstalter
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