Valerie and Katelin's Bookish Conversations: Our take on On Writing by Stephen King

Valerie and Katelin's Bookish Conversations: Our take on On Writing by Stephen King 

The name Stephen King makes you think of horror, killer clowns and terrifying page turners, right? If you take the time to dig into King’s full list of books you will uncover some unexpected gems. On Writing is a mix of memoir and creative writing guide that every fiction writer should add to their to-read stack. Join us as we talk about this book, ask each other questions and share what our favorite moments are in On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. 

Valerie: Have you ever gone to a writing class where they didn’t recommend On Writing?

Katelin: Yes, and clearly that was an oversight on their part. I didn't know the book existed until I unwrapped it as a gift from my husband. There is an early part in the book where Stephen explains that his wife’s steady support was often all he needed, and I feel that parallel, I just need one person to believe I can write something worthwhile to get it down and out into the world. Receiving the book as a gift in support of my writing was pretty significant for me. How did you first learn about On Writing?

Valerie: I believe I was at the library, geeking out over a list of King’s books and was catapulted into seventh heaven when I realized he’d written a non-fiction about fiction writing. I love those moments of realization and connection while working at the library. Like when I’m shelving Amy Tan or Barbara Kingsolver books and remember that they were in a band with Stephen King. On Writing is rich with things that help you connect. What’s something that connected for you? 

Katelin: I love how you found On Writing! What a moment that must have been. Great point on how King helps the reader connect. I have several ah ha moments from reading his book. One moment is when he explains why someone actually buys a book. King tells us “book-buyers want a good story to take with them on the airplane, something that will first fascinate them, then pull them in and keep them turning pages” (p. 184).  While this part is obvious, he goes on to explain that when you write what you know you have a greater chance of having the reader become invested in your work, seeing part of themselves in the character, and caring about the outcome. The connection between writing what you know and creating something that readers become invested in was valuable to me.    

King devotes quite a bit of his book to telling us about his early life and stages of his career. The glimpse into his life made the reading experience extra engaging. I was particularly intrigued with his life around the time he wrote Carrie and his feelings about the book. Was there any part of King’s life that surprised you? 

Valerie: Oh, his childhood! I was first surprised at the horror of his childhood. No wonder this poor, blighted being, who has been through so many terrifying, unusual experiences grew up to be the most famous writer of horror fiction. After some reflection, I realized that poison ivy and an ear infection are hardly unexpected life occurrences. The genius there lies in the story he tells us. Every time I read On Writing, I wonder, is he really telling us about the extraordinary life that created the author of extraordinary work? Or is he showing us how an ordinary man fashions exceptional art? It’s a real man-behind-the-curtain-wizard-of-oz thing. Speaking of which, what’s your favorite King novel, Kate? 

Katelin: Yes! the genius does lie with his storytelling ability. He takes simple and ordinary and leads you to the extraordinary before you realize what he is doing. Then again, he throws in plenty of alien, supernatural, and horrific bits to his best stories so perhaps the real genius is stepping from ordinary to supernatural without the reader seeing the line or the exact moment you stepped into the wild. Which is exactly what happens in my favorite King novel. Fairy Tale is a dark fantasy he published in 2022. This is not his typical type of book.  His character development is amazing as usual, and he immerses you in his creative world and keeps you turning pages just as you would expect, but he deviates from classic horror into a fairy tale narrative I didn't know he could do.  I think part of why I love the book is that you wouldn't think it would work, but like pineapple and ham on a pizza it is the best.   If I can pick a favorite classic King novel though it is IT. We have more IT paraphernalia than I should admit. IT is also one of the most rewatched movies in my house. Ha! I knew I wouldn't be able to pick just one, narrowing it down to two was hard work.  So, tell me what are your top three King novels? 

Valerie: Oooh, that really is a hard question, sneaky sister! In no particular order, I love Fairy Tale (pineapple ham pizza is the perfect description for this sweet boy-to-the-rescue story that’s swirled with horror and a touch of absurdity),The Stand(reading the classic plague epic in 2020 was such a delight to me), and Elevation (a lovely, unexpected novella that leaves you full of wonder). Bonus answer: my favorite King movie is The Shawshank Redemption. I keep meaning to ask you if you ever watched it. It is a stunningly excellent movie; I know you would love it, Kate. 

I try (it’s a work in progress!) to choose quality for my screen time. Although written in 2000, when TV was the more common menace to our collective imagination and concentration, King’s advice to limit screen time could not be more timely today, in an era where the screen is right in our hands. He assessed himself as part of the last generation to go through childhood without screens. I can’t explain why contemplating that gives me a feeling of chilling horror. 

Don’t worry, it’s fine! Our brains are fine! Our children’s brains are fine! Make a bowl of popcorn and watch The Shawshank Redemption. Relax, it’s not really screen time if it’s also fiction-writing research. 

I think “Life isn’t a support system for art. It’s the other way around,” (p.101) is an amazing quote. It seems like it would make a great tattoo. Or kitschy little desk plaque. Mostly because I keep turning it over and around in my mind. King brings this humdinger in when he’s explaining that your desk needs to go in the corner. 

Did you have a favorite piece of advice about this mental work that is writing? 

Katelin: You have a great top three selection! Elevation is a delight. I found the book randomly during a stop at the library and its size intrigued me. It is a very quick read and left me with more respect for King’s writing style. It is impressive how King can captivate you and take you through a journey so quickly and leave you attached to the characters. I have not read or watched Shawshank Redemption. Now it is officially on my “must watch list.” I admire your work in progress in choosing quality screen time. I also agree that watching fiction-writing research counts as quality viewing!   

What is my favorite piece of advice about writing from King?  “Stories are relics part of an undiscovered pre-existing world. The writer's job is to use the tools in his or her toolbox to get as much of each one out of the ground intact as possible” (p. 188).  The fact that King can set his ego aside and does not give advice, culminating in that he is just gifted and brilliant is astounding. I assumed before reading this book that he must have a huge ego. After reading On Writing, I see he views writing as a privilege not a right, and that he dedicates himself to the art in an unusual way. Writing is not a method to achieve greatness for himself.  He is responsible for releasing the greatness of the story into the world. I also love this advice because I buy in to the concept of collecting tools for a job. Whether that is nursing, project management, or writing, having more tools and techniques allows someone to accomplish their goals with efficiency, style, and skill.  

I think it's clear we both enjoyed reading On Writing and find it valuable. But who do you think would get the most value from reading On Writing? Do you think that there is a certain mindset that would help a reader get the most out of the experience? 

Valerie: Oh my goodness, Kate, that is an awesome question! As I was reading the section in which King explains how to make the move from competent writer to good writer, I was wishing I could go back in time and use this with my kids as part of our homeschool curriculum. But, as I kept reading, I realized a few reasons why all high school students are not the intended audience. I believe it will be best enjoyed by those who’ve already given fiction writing a try and have interest in honing the skills they’ve been testing. Those who’ve dreamed of seeing their name on a book cover at the library are in for a huge treat when they pick up On Writing.  

I agree with you, King surprised me with his humble attitude. He places a high value on truth in storytelling. The details are made up, but the human experience in great fiction is authentic, well-observed, compassionately chronicled. I think it would be challenging to record my own life with that level of clarity and authenticity. Perhaps the passages about his past alcoholism and drug abuse would have been the most painful to record. With such generosity and without theatricality, he shares with us his lived truth: such vices are not necessary for the creative life.  

What is necessary: read a lot and write a lot! 

Katelin: In the back of the book King has a recorded conversation between him and his son Joe Hill. I loved this snapshot into his life. I too would struggle to recount my history with the clarity King achieved, but, through all the pain and struggle he has these bright moments. His relationship with his son is clearly a highlight.    

You caught the best summary of his advice: to read a lot and write a lot! With that I think it's fair to repeat the last line of his conversation with Joe: “Thats right. And that’s probably a good place to stop” (p. 383).