SOHO ENGLISH
On Writing by Stephen King
Directions:
1) Read King’s Chapter 1 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.
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ReplyDelete"If there's no joy in it, it's just no good. It's best to go on to some other area, where the deposits of talent may be richer and the fun quotient higher."
ReplyDeleteI thought this was really cool of Stephen King to mention. He was able to accept the reality that not everyone is made to do everything. Instead, people have certain areas that they may excel in, and therefore other areas that they may lack in. Not all parents are able to accept this sort of "imperfection" from their own children, but he is able to embrace this fact and allow his child to find something he can excel in and enjoy, and eventually flourish... in (do I need that "in" in there? o_o).
-Simon Kim
"It's hard for me to believe that people who read very little (or not at all in some cases) should presume to write and expect people to like what they have written, but I know it's true."
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the many excerpts that stood out to me, because I can relate to it a lot. When I read it's usually boring textbooks, articles, and poems that I have to read for school. I guess this is pretty sad, considering the fact that I love to read and I can take out 30 minutes out of my day to read, but I just don't.
Because of my lack in reading books I want to read, I feel like I lack in style when I'm writing an essay for Ms. Hettinger and I expect her to like what I write and give me a good grade.
"If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that... The real importance of reading is that it creates an ease and intimacy with the process of writing... Constant reading will pull you into a place (a mind-set, if you like the phrase) where you can write eagerly and without self-consciousness... The more you read, the less apt you are to make a fool of yourself with your pen or word processor."
I think I will start reading at least 30 minutes a day and see if my writing increases, it'll be an interesting experiment. Stephen King is so right though, I feel like I'll enjoy writing essays more and I hope that through reading more, I can write eagerly and without self-consciousness :)
In response to Simon:
ReplyDeleteI agree, I feel like most parents expect too much out of their children, but Stephan King is different. I like how he's willing to let his child do what he likes doing, rather than forcing him to do something he doesn't take joy in doing..
"It was terrible, actually, a story populated by paper-thin characters and driven by out-landish plot developments. Worst of all (or so it seemed to me at the time), Laeinster had fallen in love with the word zestful."
ReplyDeleteWhat I liked about this little excerpt is that the guy who King is talking about actually gets paid for his writing. Meaning, that even the best of us struggle with or writing vocabulary. We need to watch how often we use certain words in our papers, because we could end up sounding like the writer King is talking about. So if you find a new word you like use it once, maybe even twice but then try not to repeat it again in that same writing piece.
-Lily Chatman
Responding to Simon:
ReplyDeleteI also like what King said about moving on to something new if you are not enjoying what you are doing now. I also agree with Simon that some parents can't really accept that there kids aren't good at certain activities (especially if that parents use to participate in that particular activity).
A part of this passage that stood out to me is when he talks about reading a great piece of writing. It may seem like you are incapable of doing anything even close to the level of that yet it still can inspire you to try. This idea goes for anything. Looking at other success can inspire a new breed of greatness. I also like what King says about finding time to read. If you really like something and want to be good, you will work at it as long as possible because it is something you like to do. If you like doing something, you can get good despite how much talent you have because working at the skill is not work at all. This also relates to the part Simon mentioned. You probably won't be very good at something you don't love to do. You need to want to do this action, want to get better.
ReplyDelete" A novel like The Grapes of Wrath may fill a new writer with feelings of despair and good old-fashioned jealousy- 'I'll never be able to write anything that good, not if I live to be a thousand'- but such feelings can also serve as a spur, goading the writer to work harder and aim higher...You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you."
ReplyDeleteThis excerpt from Chapter One of Stephen King's On Writing, was significat among many others in this chapter. It stood out to me, because I can most certainly realte to it. When reading a poem or novel in class, such as "There Was a Child Went Forth," I compare my writing to the other authos, which of course is not as nearly developed and sophisticated. However, reading their works motivates me to at least attempt to rise to their level. By doing so, I have to push myself past my comfort zone and include their styles in my writing. Stephen King also says, "You have to read widely, constantly refining (and redefining) your own work as you do so." It is impossible to improve your writing without doing the work, but with time and practice, anything is possible. In conclusion, this excerpt has taught me to not dwell on the negative aspects of my writing because it isn't as good as the works written by professionals, such as Stephen King. Instead, I need to make a goal to improve my writing, which can be as good as I want it to be. Everything is determined by how much effort is put into reading and writing.
I completely agree with Simon as well, because that excerpt stood out to me too. Many children join sports or clubs and play a certain instrument because that is what their friends are doing or what their parents want them to do. Yet, if those are the only reasons a person is involved in an activity, they will never improve because the love of a hobby is just as important as the level of talent one has. Without dedication and enjoyment, how will one ever succeed in that area?
ReplyDeleteIn response to Lily's comment,
ReplyDeleteI found this excerpt particularly interesting. Out of all the hundreds of books that he must have read by the time he had written this article, he chooses this book, which he can only give negative commentary on, but then he uses it to really emphasize the point that a lot can be learned from bad writings.
-Simon Kim
"You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you."
ReplyDeleteWhen I discovered this excerpt, I believed it contained one simple meaning: experience precedes great writing. One must read a person's writing and be moved, before having the intentions to move people. In order to do so, one has to read numerous books to get a taste of others’ writing and find what makes it excellent. In a way, this quote reminds me of the golden rule: do to others what you would have them do to you. Sweep someone else away by your writing, and he will sweep others away by his writing.
In response to Felicia:
ReplyDeleteI think you have an interesting take on the aforementioned excerpt. It is also a valid point; we cannot write with wisdom and power without piles of experience with such literature. We experience the magnitude of words and subsequently share this with others.
The growth of a reader is quite like the growth of a child; reader is to child as writer is to adult.
Perhaps another relationship may convey what I mean...
In order to see we must first open our eyes; In order to write we must first read.
Nice feedback, Felicia!
I think that I completely agree with Stephen King on almost all the points he makes in "On Writing". The think that reading is very important if one wants to be a good writer because like king says it informs the reader on what has been done, what is good, what is bad, everything. I also think that like King said a person should do things that he/she is very interested in and enjoys alot, because without that there is no point in wasting time on something that doesn't please you. Lastly I agree with King and Felicia on the fact that a person needs to be inspired in order to create a piece of writing that will inspire others.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Simon and King on the fact that a person should do not only something that their good at but something that gives them the feeling of being content, because that way they will always be satisfied with their choice.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Felicia because a person can't just become good at something by magic, they need to start with baby steps or in the case of writing they must read.
"Reading is the creative center of a writer's life. I take a book with me everywhere I go, and find there all sorts of opportunities to dip in."
ReplyDelete________________________________________________
This passage from Stephen King's On Writing was one of the many parts that spoke to me, because I could actually relate to it. Reading this excerpt, I realized the dedication he put in to be successful at what he wanted to do. I, on the other hand, was more like his son Owen. When I was younger, I used to take piano lessons, but the amount of practicing I did was limited to the 30 minute time intervals that my teacher set for me. After a while, I understood that piano playing was certainly not for me because you need to practice, "until your fingers bleed or your eyes are ready to fall out of your head."
I believe that the main reason Mr. King wrote what he did in the passage I chose, was because he wanted to deliver the simple message, "Mastering something takes hard work and dedication."
-Theodore Truong
In response to Simon:
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with you that some parents just don't understand the fact that their children just aren't good at something. They always expect more from us than what we can actually give, which makes it quite stressful. Can't you just hear your parents saying, "Be a doctor?"
I also liked the passage you chose to write about. I agree with Mr. King that when choosing a profession, people must not only be good at what they do they also have to enjoy it, otherwise, you won't find life very satisfying( doing something you don't want to).
-Theodore Truong
"...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. Even when no one is listening (or reading, or watching), every outing is a bravura performance, because you as the creator are happy."
ReplyDeleteThis excerpt stood out to me because it bluntly explained that you have to give 100% to what you love doing. One must be completely invested in their passions and make every necessary sacrifice not because they believe they have to, but because they want to. In order to be an accomplished writer, you have to be willing to spend the countless hours each week reading, reading, and reading some more. By doing so, writing will become almost effortless.
In response to Simon Kim:
ReplyDeleteI agree with your idea that many parents cannot accept that their children are not able to excel at everything. However, I also feel that the quote is trying to speak to the people who spend their lives pursuing careers that don't make them happy. King is trying to say that there is no point in wasting your time and effort on things you find no joy in doing; you might as well take your energy and put it towards "some other area" that makes it worth while.
"Talent renders the whole idea of rehersal meaningless; when you find something at which yuou are talented, you do it (whatever it is) until your fingers bleed or your eyes are ready to fall oout of your head. Even when no one is listening (or reading, or watching), every outing is a bravura preformance, because you as the creator are happy."
ReplyDeleteThis small part of chapter 1 stood out to me because it's very true that humans spend a great deal of their lives doing things that don't truly make them happy. When you find something that does really makes you happy, without a doubt, you can do it until you pphysically don't have anymore energy. I know that personally, I can read, play piano, and dance until something stops me. Everyone has those few hobbies they like to do because they simply enjoy them. No one forces people into doing them, they just find comfort, peace, or confidence while doing what they truly love.
In responce to Felicia,
ReplyDeleteI genuinely agree with Flee because frankly, we're nothing without everyone around us. All great people on the planet have come out of learning from the past. Today's great musicians have grew from the life-changing melodies of Bob Dylan, pianists stive from Franz Liszt, architets build from influences of Frank Lloyd Wright and so on. Writing is just like this, you need to read, read, read, and keep reading until you can find out how to make your own great writing.
-this is nate pichler
ReplyDeleteI agree with Stephen King when he says that studying good works of literature can give a person motivation to do better. This is true in some cases, but I have found that it can deter some people away. For example, a high school student reads a great piece of literature and tries to attempt to emulate it. Because they don't get it from the start, they feel as if they will never be that good. Then they will stop trying. The story about his son playing the saxophone demonstrates just this. Owen wanted to be a good sax player, but he realized that he couldn't and he quit playing. I believe that a person should strive to the best of their ability and not be distracted by the success of others. It is better if you can succeed in your own way.
In response to Theodore,
ReplyDeleteI also can connect with this passage. I think that people draw inspiration from people around them that are doing the same thing, whether it be literature, music, art, or whatever. Success does take hard work, but if you enjoy doing it, I wouldn't call it work. "Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life."
"If I had a nickel for every person who ever told me he/she wanted to become a writer but 'didn't have time to read,' I could buy myself a pretty good steak dinner."
ReplyDeleteI particularly liked this sentence because it is not only humorous but it shows how overconfident people can be. Reading is to a writer like watching game film is to a football player. Your constantly looking for areas of you game/writing that you can improve on. You also find styles of writing that the public doesn't like or types of plays that never wrk against an opponent. So if these people think they become writers without reading other authors works, they're crazy!
In response to Vera,
I completely agree. If you don't like doing something you shouldn't be doing it. You should only be doing things you love to do. Personally, i enjoy playing soccer but I'm dropping it for offseason swimming because I love swim season and I hate that it's over. Even hough I complain about mornings and tough sets, I just can't get enough of it.
-David Heller
"If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that."
ReplyDeleteI like how bluntly Stephen King says this. A person needs to be dedicated to his craft to be good at it. Nobody can just decide to write a novel and create a masterpiece on the first try. An aspiring writer needs preparation to be successful. To prepare, this writer would need to read good and bad novels from the past for inspiration. The same goes for an aspiring musician who needs to practice and listen to better musicians to be inspired. King's main point is that practice makes perfect.
I agree with what Simon said about people needing to understand that not everyone is perfect at everything. King showed his understanding of this fact by letting his child quit the saxophone. If a kid isn’t good at something, then there is no use pushing them harder to be better. They probably have strengths in another field that they should be trying out instead.
-Berman
"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. Even when no one is listening (or reading, or watching), every outing is a bravura preformance, because you as the creator are happy."
ReplyDeleteI chose this passage because I completely agree with what it has to say. People these days keep trying and trying until they succeed at something they're good at. Whether it's writing or singing or anything in between...people will keep trying because they love what they are doing and it makes them happy. I feel like King wrote this passage to motivate people to not give up. Your talent keeps you going because it's something you love doing and you shouldn't care what everyone else thinks.
In response to Simon Kim:
ReplyDeleteI agree. I like how King realizes that one person isn't capable of being able to be good at everything. Instead people have certain areas that they can be really good at. Parents should be able to accept this about their child. And if their child wants to try something new, they should let them try it out...maybe it'll turn out to be something they'll love doing.
"I'm a slow reader, but I usually get through seventy or eighty book a year, mostly fiction. I don't read in order to study the craft; I read because I like to read. It's what I do at night, kicked back in my blue chair. Similarly, I don't read fiction to study the art of fiction, but simply because I like the stories. Yet there is a learning process going on."
ReplyDeleteI chose this excerpt because it reminds me of the good old days. When I was younger I remember reading books until midnight. I read those books not because I was obligated to read them, but because I wanted to read them. Reading was fun! Back then, I actually had time to read books in my free time. Now I am bombarded with homework and I don't even have time to pick up a good book; I only read what's assigned for me to read.
In response to Divya:
ReplyDeleteI agree with Divya's post. Once you figure out what you want in life, you have to fight for it "until your fingers bleed." You must be completely devoted to your talent; you must make every single sacrifice possible to make your dream come true.
"What this suggested to me was that when it came to the sax and my son, there was never going to be any real play-time; it was all going to be rehearsal. That's no good. If there's no joy in it, it's just no good. It's best to go on to some other area, where the deposits of talent may be richer and the fun quotient higher."
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what King is saying. Parents are always pushing their children to do a certain sport or play an instrument. (For various reasons) To give an example, I was in a very similar predicament to King's son. I wanted to play in the school orchestra (and I did until last year) but I never really got good at, or even enjoyed it. I finished my 1 year requirement for fine arts and quit entirely. I found it to be a waste of effort and 5 years of practice had only brought my marginal improvement. This year I have taken up a computer science class and I feel right at home.
Similarly, while I have been in English classes for most of my life (and I have definitely improved in my writing ability) I do not feel any sort of passion for writing. That's not to say that I dislike it, or even wish that I didn't have to write, I think that writing is a very important skill. I just don't see myself making a career out of it because it's not something that I love.
I agree with what Zack Cohen said. I often look at complex pieces of software or video games that are just masterfully put together and wonder "How could I ever do that?" But in reality I'm driven to learn more and more so that I can at least be in the same ballpark, if not beyond it. And, as Zack said, this can really be applied to anything. If you feel passionately about it, you will be driven to achieve. If, on the other hand, you do it because you have to, you will be intimidated by the greats and will never live up to your full potential.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lily, even people that get paid for writing still aren't perfect in what they do. We should all pay attention to what words we use in our writing and how many times we use them. Like the writer King is talking about, you can't keep using a word over and over and applying it to everything just because you like it.
ReplyDelete-Jackie Povitsky
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. Even when no one is listening (or reading, or watching), every outing is a bravura performance, because you as the creator are happy."
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what King is saying. When you find something you're good at it, you do it because it makes you happy. Even without an audience, it still brings you happiness. You shouldn't care about what other people think, as long as you are satisfied with what you're doing, their opinions shouldn't matter.
-Jackie Povitsky
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"Even when no on is listening (or reading, or watching), every outing is a bravura performance, because you as the creator are happy. Perhaps even ecstatic. That goes for reading and writing as well as for playing a musical instrument, hitting a baseball, or running the four-forty."
ReplyDeleteThis part really stood out to me because everyone can relate to it. If you really love doing something, no matter what it is, you will spend as much time doing it (even MAKE time to do it). And even if you are doing it alone, it's still amazing because it makes you happy.
I can totally relate to Selma's post, and I bet a lot of others can too. We don't do things such as reading or playing an instrument as much as we did when we were younger. All of us claim that "we don't have time." But what King is really saying in this chapter is that if you really love something, you will do it as much as possible. One will find ways, even find TIME, to do the thing he/she loves. And if you think you're interested in something, but you don't spend time doing it, it's obviously not for you.
"The more you read, the less apt you are to make a fool of yourself with your pen or word processor."
ReplyDeleteAlthough I never consciously realized it until reading "On Writing", Stephen King exhibits truth when he emphasizes the role reading plays to a writer. Without reading, a writer is a blank slate-with no ideas of what's been done and no sense of right or wrong. In many ways, a writer without reading experience is like a newborn child. How can he or she be successful if he or she has never been exposed to success versus failure?
Similarly, we must read both good and bad literature to be confident writers. Experience is key; experience is found in books--before you pick up the pen.
--Sheryl Cherian
"You may find yourself adopting a style you find particularly exciting, and there's nothing wrong with that."
ReplyDeleteAll of the greats throughout time have, at one time or another, imitated someone else. King did. Mozart did. Liszt did. I know that when I am told to write about something and an example is given to me to try and help me understand what to do, I make almost an exact copy of the style. I do this in my writing, in my piano playing, even for solving math problems. It's human nature to imitate, and it is just fine to do so.
In response to Vera:
I agree with you when you said that one have to love something to do well in it. I also play piano with a passion, but this wasn't always the case. when I was about 8, i got a new piano teacher who was extremely strict and not child friendly. It made me anxious whenever it was time for piano lessons and we would get close to her house. Even today I still get nervous when driving past her house. I would never play longer than my normal practice time because I started to hate piano, and as a result my skill suffered. Now I am starting to play piano more, and I am getting better at it because I love it.
When Stephan King was talking about when he was in eighth grade, he said he read a book that was horrible. He went on about all the bad qualities it had, but before that he said, ".. and quite often the bad books have more to teach than the good ones." This was interesting to me because in eighth grade a read a whole bunch of books from the same author but I don't even remember the authors name. All I know is that these books made me realize how much i love reading and made me read more then twenty books just for fun. I don't want to be a writer but i do love reading.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Simon:
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think about this point till I read Simon's post, but it is so true. I wish my parents would be that cool with me. Most parents would label it failure but King is different and lets his kid explore. What a nice dad :)
"Every book you pick up has its own lesson or lessons, and quite often the bad books have more to teach than the good ones."
ReplyDeleteI feel like this is true for most of the books I have read. After I read a book, I feel like a different person than who I was before. I look at things in life in a different perspective. Especially if the character in the book has a hard life, you learn to appreciate the things in life more. Also that the things in your life aren't that bad.
-Lisa Gustek
"What this suggested to me was that when it came to the sax and my son, there was never going to be any real play-time; it was all just going to be rehearsal. That's no good. If there's no joy in it, it's just no good. It's best to go on to some other area, where the deposits of talent may be richer and the fun quotient higher."
ReplyDeleteI believe that everyone can relate to this section of the piece. Plenty of kids do an instrument for a couple of years in elementary school, but the ones who really love to play the flute or the cello are the kids who continue to do so. They practice because they want to, not because their parents force them to; however, these same kids can often find something that they truly are passionate about and effortlessly devote time to that activity.
In response to Sheryl, I believe that you make an excellent point by stating that we must be exposed to both success and failure, right and wrong, good and bad to learn how things must be done, whether in writing, art, music, or any other passion. King makes it clear that his ZEST (haha) for writing has developed due to his many hours of reading and writing throughout his life, and experience is key to one's success.
"Talent render the whole idea of rehearsal meaningless; when 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. Even when no one is listening (or reading, or watching), every outing is a bravura performance, because you as the creator are happy."
ReplyDeleteThis passage stood out to me for a very significant reason. If we do something well or even stupendously, it will seem like we don't need a practice. For if we are good at it, we would enjoy it and do it uncountable times. All of this logic can be applied to reading and writing as well. If we enjoy either one, we're probably good at it and do it hours on end. And even if we're not so great, at least we still find joy in doing it often which gives us practice.
In response to Max:
I would have to agree with you. Developing your own and totally unique style is difficult so we tend to just imitate what we know. However, we could create a mix of styles. That would be somewhat unique with examples to follow.
I agree with Selma, I read books that I enjoyed like it was tv. Sometimes the books were more interesting than tv. I stayed up until really late at night to see what would happen at the end. However, like Selma, I never have time to read. In the summer, though, I try to read a lot like when I go to the pool.
ReplyDeleteResponse to Sheryl:
ReplyDeleteI agree that in order to write, you must read. In a way, I think of it as war strategy. You must learn what not to do from countries who have lost wars, and learn the strategies of powerful empires. In order to top other people's writing, you have to learn the techniques of both successful and not-so-successful authors. The easiest way to become an excellent writer is to simply read.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"Yet there is a learning process going on. Every book you pick up has its own lesson or lessons, and quite often the bad books have more to teach than the good ones."
ReplyDeleteThis quote is meaningful to me, because it's true with more or less anything. It's alot more helpful to know what mistakes not to make, because everybody's always trying to be innovative in some way.
Johnny Response:
I agree that reading and writing can be repeated for practice, and if you like something you'll do it alot.
"I don't read in order to study the craft; I read because I like to read."
ReplyDeleteThis made me smile because that's exactly how I feel. When I read in public, people will come up to me and ask if I'm reading the book for English. I look up and say, "No, I'm reading it because I want to." Like King, I like being "swept away by a combination of great story and great writing" because it's a totally different experience. When I read, I get engulfed in the story, in the characters, in all of it. I think it's fun to explore the imaginations of other writers and it's hard to understand why some people don't.
"If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that."
ReplyDelete------------------------------------------------
This quote stood out to me as I was reading "On Writing" because it demonstrated how reading is the fundamental of writing. I recall how, when I was much younger, I dreamed of being a writer when I grew up. How great would it be to sit in a Starbucks or some cafe all day and type a potential masterpiece on a laptop? It seemed like the ultimate job to me.
However, as the years went by and the days of elementary school were behind me, I realized that I could never be a writer; I don't have the time required to be one. If I couldn't find time to read, how would I ever find time to write? And, even if I did have the time, my writing would appear incredibly juvenile compared to that of J.K. Rowling or even John Steinbeck.
I agree with King in the sense that writing takes an intense amount of dedication and time. The "tools" that are required to write a novel are simply reading books, tons and tons of them. Repetition and dedication often lead to mastery.
-Alex Studer
In response to Max's response to Vera:
ReplyDeleteI envy that you have found motivation to love piano again! Recently, I've been bored with piano and been wanting to quit. But, since you seem to have found reason to love it again, maybe I will sometime soon, too. :)
In response to Divya and Jackie:
I agree that when you are talented at something, you tend to want to practice at that rather than something you aren't good at. What's funny is that giving 100% is kind of ironic since you almost don't need to if you have the talent.
In response to Sheryl:
ReplyDeleteI agree that in order to write a decent novel you must have been exposed to a great deal of literature. The newborn child example perfectly described what King portrayed in his article. It is sort of like asking a kid/teenager to fix some sort of machinery for you- a computer, stove, car, etc. Sure, they can fidget around with whatever needs fixing, but actually fixing it becomes a challenge if they have never done it before. The best mechanics are those who have been fixing things for a while. This is demonstrated in writing as well: you can't write unless you've been exposed to literature.
"Good writing, on the other hand teaches the learning writer about style, narration, plot development, the creation of believable charaters"
ReplyDeleteEvery story or poem that I had read in class has taught me something I never knew about writing. All of these new technics, styles, and devices have really brought my writing up to a new level. Not so say my writing is perfect, anyone who has read one of my papers know that I still have much to improve on.
In response to Alison:
When I read a great book, I also get englulfed in it. If the book is really amazing I even sometimes picture myself living in the world the author created.
George Webb
Forgive me for my super late response, Ms. Hett.
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost, I love how King referred to more fictional novelistic writing (that is not a word, I know), because fiction stories cover about 99% of what I read.
When King criticizes novelist Murray Leinster and his horrible writing style and word choices, it reminds me of books that I have read in the past that have undeveloped plots and shallow characters. Some of those novels actually would have made one more stupid just by reading it once. As King wrote, "...most writers can remember the first book he/she put down thinking: I can do better than this. Hell, I am doing better than this! What could be more encouraging to a struggling writer than to realize his/her work is unquestionably better than that of someone who actually got paid for his/her stuff?" For aspiring writers, this statement is in inspiration. Then, one reads novels by Fitzgerald or Jane Austen and totally gets crushed.
It's very reassuring, especially for a 15-year-old teenager, to read a professional writing about his secret of success and to find out that the secret is to read. King notes, "Reading takes time, and the glass teat takes too much of it." Technology is soaking up brain cells. America indulges in reality shows, social networks, and the cell phone. Why watch a movie when you can read the same storyline?
"You may find yourself adopting a style... When I read Ray Bradbury as a kid, I wrote like Ray Bradbury..." This aspect is very true. You become influenced by the writer's tone and stylistic word usages. I find writing a response or an emulation much easier than writing a clean slate; to create a new style is much harder.
I don't understand how anyone can compare audiobooks to actually reading the book. It's so different, and I would rather read it than hear it.
I realize that my response was really long, sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Studer:
If you want to be a writer so badly, maybe you should stop watching Jersey Shore all the time. Just kidding. Being a successful writer would be the most amazing job. But like everything in life, if you don't work at it, then how the heck are you supposed to be good at it?
Comparing your talent to a professional's talent isn't really fair. Determination is really all that matters in the long run. Talent will fade or remain hidden, but determination reveals itself early in the game. J.K. Rowling didn't let Steinback's incredible writing stop her from writing her million (or billion?) dollar series.
Okay bye, Alex!
"If I had a nickel for every person who ever told me he/she wanted to become a writer but 'didn't have time to read,' I could buy myself a pretty good steak dinner."
ReplyDeleteThis quote caught my attention because it is exactly what I say when people ask me if I read. I always find some reason or excuse for why i can't pick up a book. Not only do I say this, but I feel like this is the case for most people. Everyone finds life to be extremely busy and stressful, so they put reading at a low priority, but the truth is, reading is the key to success and knowledge, it is just a matter of realizing that.
In response to Lily:
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in the sense that all of us as writers need to be aware of word usage, and I like that King brought to attention the fact that it is not an error that only amateur writers make, it is an error also seen in the works of paid authors. This shows that no one can ever think that their writing is perfect, there is always room for improvement.
Sorry for the extemely late response ms. Hettinger, i just got back from New York, no joke.
ReplyDelete"It's hard for me to believe that people who read very little (or not at all in some cases) should presume to write and expect people to like what they have written, but I know it's true."
This passage really stuck out to me because of how true i find it to be. How could someone write a good story, one with a well developed plot, strongly built characters, and capture an audience, if they have no basis to build on? In order to write a good story, a person needs to know how to write it, and they need to see examples of styles and find what fits them. If they dont read, they can never truly write a good story because they will be unaware of good stategies.
Joseph Cohen
In response to Molly:
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with what you said about reading. Reading is imperative to future success and it is also a great way to escape the world for a little while. I find that when i read, the world dissapears and I am in my own little universe, completely unstressed.
Joseph Cohen
"Every book you pick up has its own lesson or lessons, and quite often the bad books have more to teach than the go ones."
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me because i strongly agree with it. When you read a bad book, you will remember all the flaws a lot better than you will remember the good things about it. You remember the flaws more because they are things you personally dislike, and people usually have a shorter list of dislikes than likes. This way, you learn what you don't want to do once you write something of your own. This doesn't just happen in books, people remember things they don't like in general more than things they liked. For example, if one is having a good day, but one small bad event occurs, you will look back at your day and that will be the thing that stands out the most.
In response to Alison:
I agree that there is much more to reading than just doing it by force. Most people just read because it is required, but I also enjoy reading just for fun. Although I rarely do so, once I start a good book it is very hard to put it down. More people sholud start reading on their own time because not only is it good entertainment, but it is also great for improving your reading and writing skills.
"If there's no joy in it, it's just no good. It's best to go on to some other area, where the deposits of talent may be richer and the fun quotient higher."
ReplyDelete- This quote pretty much embodies what is important when it comes to writing. If you do not have the passion to write, then you should not be in the field. Most of the times when i'm writing, i'm enjoying it (even though it's probably due the next morning), whether or not it is a difficult subject to me.
In response to Simon (who chose the same quote): I agree with what your saying, about how not everyone will like writing. But it doesn't necessarily mean your a bad writer. I know of several people who are fantastic writers who can't stand it.
"Yet there is a learning process going on. Every book you pick up has its own lesson or lessons, and quite often the bad books have more to teach than the good ones."
ReplyDeleteThis quote spoke to me because, to me it summarized Stephen Kings entire piece. Reading is something that writers do to better their own writing. By reading what others have written you learn what is good to do and what is bad to do and you ultimately discover your own style of writing. Reading betters every aspect of ones writing! I cant tell you how many times i have found myself making a mistake that just recently annoyed me in a book i was reading. Noticing these errors in someone else's writing helps to make you notice them in your own.
In response to nick: I couldn't agree with you more! Everyone is trying to be innovative in their own way and you have to try and pick through how your own style will turn out to other people (:
--Shelby Rosin
Good stuff
ReplyDelete-Shahbaz
"Even when no one is listening...every outing is a bravura performance, because you as the creator are happy."
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this statement. If there is something that you absolutely love to do-something that makes you who you are, should take up all your free time. It should be that one thing that you do whether someone is there to watch you, or not. It is your passion, and could also be your talent. As long as it makes YOU happy, no one needs to be there to see you do it.
"If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that."
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Studer on this statement. If you want to become a writer, you have to make sure you have the time to read. Without time to read, you'll never have time to write, and if you don't have time to write, well.. then you can't become a writer. Although, if you have the dream to write, there shouldn't be any excuse for you not to be able to find time to read and explore the new styles in order to be able to write on your own free time.
"I'm a slow reader, but I usually get through seventy or eighty book a year, mostly fiction. I don't read in order to study the craft; I read because I like to read. It's what I do at night, kicked back in my blue chair. Similarly, I don't read fiction to study the art of fiction, but simply because I like the stories. Yet there is a learning process going on."
ReplyDeleteI too, like to read, even though I am a slow reader. Like King, I read because I like the stories, and I want to go on a journey while I read. I may not be a great writer like King, but I can see why he'd love to read. I like reading because you can picture the images coming to life as each word is read, but everyone pictures it differently, which is the beauty of being able to visualize.
"Reading is the creative center of a writer's life. I take a book with me everywhere i go, and find there are all sorts of opportunities to dip in. The trick is to teach yourself to read in small sips as well as in long swallows. Waiting rooms were made for books-of course! But so are theater lobbies before the show, long and boring checkout lines, and everyone's favorite, the john."
ReplyDeleteI can't help argeeing to King. If my parents wouldn't yell at me for bringing a book to the store, I probably would. "Reading is the creative center of a writer's life." To be able to write you must read. Being able to create your own world after reading about another's takes skill. A skill that you can improve by reading a good or bad book.
In response to Michelle:
I agree that talent only gets you so far. You need to have the determination to improve and not rely on your talent. Some people may find that they will be picked over someone who had more talent then themselves because of the determination they had to succeed.
~Daiana Man
"Almost everyone can remember losing his or her virginity, and most writers can remember the first book he/she put down thinking: "I can do better than this. Hell, I AM doing better than this!"
ReplyDeleteI thought that the way Stephen King related losing one's virginity to reading a crappy book was really funny. I feel like i have read books that didn't deserve to be published, and it made me feel just like how King felt: "If this garbage is making money, I easily could." The only reason i haven't acted upon those words is because i have neither the attention span nor the creativity to write a novel.
In response to Selma, i also used to read books in my free time as a kid, but now that i'm so busy with everything in high school, it feels like i barely have any space to breathe, let alone read. I'm trying to fit some more reading into my schedule for both entertainment and enhancing my skills as a reader and writer. The last few times i've tried to read in my free time i didn't particularly enjoy the book, so the attempts were unsuccessful.
I am able to comment with my nths account as long as I am not using Firefox version 3.6.13.
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!
"But you need the room, you need the door, and you need the determination to shut the door. You need a concrete goal, as well. Don't wait for the muse. As, I've said, he's a hardheaded guy who's not susceptible to a lot of creative fluttering."
ReplyDeleteFor people to be able to close a door and seperate themselves from the rest of the world seems intresting. I can't imagine closing my self off from the world for a while to reach a writing goal, but I think I'll try it!
In response to Evangeline:
I can see the irony in playing the music and being alone. Mr.King makes it seem as if music is another way of closing the door. Reading Evangeline's response helped me notice that writers have their own way of saying "leave me alone, I'm writing."
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete