On Writing by Stephen King

Stephen King's book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft takes us through King's journey of becoming a writer. His struggles in childhood, his lottery fortune on selling his first novel, his battle with drugs and alcoholism, and finally his recovery from a car accident. For each trial in King's life the writing redeemed him.

The book is funny, entertaining and informative too. It gives a practical guide to becoming a writer: how to use the language well, find an agent, and set a routine to pound out words. Writing really is best when it is an honest reflection, when it comes naturally, and when you enjoy the message you are sending.

I cannot fully the describe the impact of this book. It is technical, but sweeps you away in story. King's account of getting hit by a van is powerful, one of the few books where I have come close to tears. I have read this three times and loved every second of it.

King closes his book with what every inspiring writer needs...a license to write. No need to wallow in self doubt, to listen to the critics, to remember the writing teacher that says you are wasting time. Really, that is true for every aspect of life.

"Writing isn't about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it's about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It's about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy...Some of this book—perhaps too much—has been about how I learned to do it. Much of it has been about how you can do it better. The rest of it—and perhaps the best of it—is a permission slip: you can, you should, and if you're brave enough to start, you will. Writing is magic, as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free. So drink. Drink and be filled up. "

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How to Write Articles for Newspapers and Magazines by Dawn B. Sova

How to Write Articles for Newspapers and Magazines by Dawn B. Sova is a short but helpful book on the technical aspects of writing for newspapers and magazines. The books clearly explains the important elements of a story, use of verbs, diction, and quotes.

The book can best be summarized in the closing questions writers should ask after finishing an article:

1. Is the substance of the article the same as originally agreed on with the editor?


2. Does the article exhibit a consistent theme?


3. Does the article contain a consistent tone?


4. Is the voice of the article consistent?


5. Are adequate descriptive details provided to illustrate the meaning of generalizations?


6. Is the writing free of clichés and other timeworn phrases?


7. Does the writing contain strong verbs and precise words?


8. Is the organization of the content logical?


9. Are the transitions invisible, and do they allow the ideas to flow seamlessly together to form a whole?


10. Are all quotations strong and meaningful?


11. Are all quotations correctly attributed?


12. Does the lead capture you attention as a reader?


13. Does the lead connect with the rest of the article?


14. Does the ending complete the story?


15. Is the ending connected to the lead and to the rest of the story?


16. Would you continue to read the article after the lead?

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The Elements of Style - William Strunk and E.B. White

Writing is like music and drawing in that learning comes primarily through practice and less through instruction. That said, it is nice to have a clear and concise set of rules to guide us, and this is exactly what The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White provides.

Strunk was the 1919 Cornell English professor of E.B. White and wrote The Elements of Style as a textbook for his students. The book was never published till E.B. White revived it, edited it, added a chapter, and published it. Since then The Elements of Style has become the handbook of professional writers, notably, Stephen King.

The book is small, short, and could fit in your pocket. Strunk writes just 65 pages, and White adds 20 more. The book adheres strongly to Strunk's 17th rule: Omit Needless Words. The book is refreshing to read. It is like Listerine for your mind, washing out the bad odors of chewy bits of reading gone foul.

This book had me laughing, which is surprising for a book that is intended to be so technical. Nothing can be more pleasurable than an idea intimated through good writing. Writing is extremely intimate. Whatever molecular processes make everything function in our bodies, writing and language are what bring it out in our soul, and Strunk has mastered writing so that even in a technical book, he can create humor through the interplay of his ideas.

Half-way through the book I knew that it would be a book that I would read again and again. Everyone should read this book again and again, and keep it on hand as a reference towards better writing.

Get The Elements of Style (4th Edition) from Amazon.com