In our final extract from his new book, On Writing, Stephen King reveals six key rules for writing a bestseller. You may then read his non-fiction, such as On Writing, which is a good guide for aspiring writers on the craft of writing. Writing is like a muscle: use it or lose it. Want to learn how to write a book from start to finish? Sally sat on a stool in front of the workbench. I wasn’t sure where the story would go. But today, perhaps you might try beginning with a situation and following a character who will lead you to the end. Do you plan your stories before you write them? His books have sold more than 350 million copies and have been adapted into a number of feature films, television movies and comic books. Your story doesn’t have to be horror; it can be fantasy, romance, thriller, adventure, cat cosy, or any gender you choose. His books have sold more than 350 million copies and have been adapted into a number of feature films, television movies and comic books. Then he scares the bejesus out of them (and you). Do you agree with Stephen King? King asks “what if” questions and thinks of several situations which he turns into books. Incidentally, this is a rule for all storytelling. I copied a sizeable chunk of King’s On Writing into it, and it came back as Stephen King, at least. Just write and read every chance you get. Unlike It, King's inspiration for The Shining caused him to start writing almost immediately. It’s saturated with a feeling of determination, of the long hours of intense practice and attention to every minute detail which had to be put in for the gunslinger to achieve mastery of his craft. ), I’m going to take you through what I’ve learned from King after years of reading his fiction and poring over On Writing like it held the key to the universe’s mysteries. That’s fine. I admire Stephen King so much. Find authors like Stephen King from the world’s largest community of readers. My writing is tighter and my clients really like the writing style I now put out. The caring is why you’re staying up until 3 a.m. to finish the story. As a (predominantly) horror writer, I’ve been studying King for years. —Stephen King. He has been the inspiration for, and in many ways a mentor to, dozens of horror authors. He doesn’t start a story with something jumping out immediately. He’s called the King for a reason, and it’s not just his last name. They and countless writers of the horror genre cite 20th-century author H.P. I copied a sizeable chunk of King’s On Writing into it, and it came back as Stephen King, at least. Stephen King b… 3. Stephen King's personal experience and views on writing have defined his works of fiction. Do you know where your story will end before you begin writing? Just write, whether you want to or not, whether you have the time or not. I found Stephen King’s book,”On Writing” and have put into writing his many recommendations. And fans of Misery will find The Hole a perfect complement to King’s novel of madness and isolation. Today we will take a character and put them in a situation, and then write to see what the character or characters wants to do. It’s fun, but you’re right: it’s not rocket science. Peter Meinke, an American poet and author, says, “In my stories, I usually begin with a character who interests me and let him or her take me where he wants to go.”, “The piano tuner was a huge man, crowding the doorway. Follow them down whatever dark holes they choose. I just want to be able to write good novels. Write a sentence, cut half of it. King has been active for over fifty years, and he’s given a lot (and I mean a lot) of writing advice in that time. So, tune in to learn how to edit your copy like Stephen King… Stephen King has some great advice for writers… His book, On Writing, will teach you a lot about the craft. Don’t forget to comment on your fellow writers’ work! The successful ones and the not so successful. Write Like Stephen King: Weapons in Nature Humans are now the apex predator in every environment on Earth. Let’s “put a group of characters (perhaps a pair; perhaps even just one) in some sort of predicament and then watch them try to work themselves free.”. Sometimes it’s my sister or mom, but mostly it’s my husband. The predicament is one of the women finds out her neighbor has been killing her cats. Any suggestions? Thanks! Learn from a master: Stephen King. What people can’t see or understand is what scares them the most. I believe plotting and the spontaneity of real creation aren’t compatible. Having a writing time that you stick to is good. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Story is honorable and trustworthy. It’s his ... 2. Ogi has woken from a coma caused by a car accident that killed his wife. Stephen King has written in just about every genre imaginable, has sold over 350 million copies of his books, and has had work adapted to movies, miniseries, and comics. Stephen King has published 57 novels, all of them bestsellers. The title originates from the fact that getting good at something, what ever that may be usually takes time and practice to hone the craft. But Mr. King has a lot to teach us about editing, too… Tip #1: Get it out. King is someone you should study. King suggests that your first draft is only written for yourself. Don’t talk down to them. Watch them. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/10-must-read-authors-for … Don’t waste time trying to please people. 4. First write for yourself, and then worry about the audience. My biggest inspiration is Stephen King. King starts with a situation. —Stephen King, In On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, King suggests that stories are found objects and it is the writer’s job to “watch what happens and write it down.”, I want to put a group of characters (perhaps a pair; perhaps even just one) in some sort of predicament and then watch them try to work themselves free. What’s your favorite piece of writing advice from Stephen King? If you have to provide backstory for something to make sense, do so. King starts off The Mist with a downed tree and a faraway fog. While writer Stephen King was recovering from a near-fatal car accident, he finished a nonfiction book about the craft of writing. The selection below, from King’s “The Gunslinger”, sounds like a ritual incantation. In time, and practice, you can have your readers terrified, yet captivated, just like Stephen King. How can you know how to write if you don’t read? Caring is important. I do agree with his sentiment, though. If not, cut it out. Sarah Gribble is the author of dozens of short stories that explore uncomfortable situations, basic fears, and the general awe and fascination of the unknown. Let us know in the comments. It’s brought in more income over time and multiple repeat clients. For me, it depends on what the story is about. Do you want to write horror stories to keep readers up all night? Find authors like Stephen King from the world’s largest community of readers. She stared at the hides tacked to the wall. How to Write Like Stephen King If we want to write a novel, how do we start? I allowed it to develop as I wrote the story. For those horror writers out there, you don’t have to go with gore to get your reader creeped out. No one wants that and they’ll put your book down quickly if they feel that way. What I do know is that King’s books have taught me more about writing than any other author’s work. Choose a character and an inciting incident, then let your character lead you. King has published 61 novels, including seven under the pen name Richard Bachman, and five non-fiction books. Today we will use the same approach Stephen King uses to write a story. I’ve chosen a few that he mentions time and time again and that I’ve applied to my own writing. Then you can take that data and start applying to your writing too. 18 Responses to “Do You Write Like Stephen King?” Professor Beej on July 27, 2010 1:57 am. There is no substitute. According to King, rudeness should be … I don't care about the money (although that would be an added bonus). These are all valid ways to write stories. As tempting as it is, don't ever let yourself believe that household names like Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, and John Green don't experience the banal writing problems the rest of us have. If you would like to keep abreast of official Stephen King news, we recommend you sign up for the newsletter or one of our desktop and mobile-friendly RSS and Twitter Feeds. He starts it by following his characters, showing you their everyday lives, making you care about them. Don't waste time trying to please people. King is King. Stephen King reports that he gets to his desk between 8 and 8:30 am every single day. (If you’re a writer and haven’t read On Writing yet, you need to go get it. Check out How to Write a Book: The Complete Guide. Better to write like yourself. Strawberry Spring; … They’re in charge, not you. When you’re done, share your writing in the comments. Write for fifteen minutes. With an active verb, the subject of the sentence is doing … For King, it’s his wife. If your writing idol is Stephen King, for example, you may decide to read his earlier novels, such as Carrie, The Shining, or The Dark Tower series. Ever wondered how to write a book like Stephen King? Avoid Passive Voice. ... On Writing, King shares valuable insights into how to be a better ... you have to continue writing even when you don't feel like it. It’s tiring to hear, but it’s right. Writers write. This is where you’re supposed to write freely and follow wherever the story takes you. I used to think Stephen King was an idiot. That was my writing process for many years. (Cujo). Seems basic, but I’ve met quite a few new writers who don’t read. Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and “Twilight Zone” creator Rod Serling: What do they have in common? It’s funny and scary, and very down-to-earth — just like his novels. As a writer, part of your job is to study other writers. ... A lot of writing books tell you to “write like you talk,” and while I suppose that’s fine for a beginner, it’s death if you ever want to be a respected authority. artist must write even if the public doesn’t like their work Personally, I don’t shun the television entirely, as I think something can be gained from studying shows and movies for their story just like you would any other story form. When the baddie finally shows up, you’re ready, it makes sense, and it’s that much creepier. Write a first draft – and don’t stop to edit your writing. I even mimicked him for a while in my own writing. He makes you care about them, but not because of things that happened to them twenty years ago. Even if you don’t write in the same genres he does, studying his stories can help you write a book like Stephen King. Get an answer for 'How to Write Like Stephen King If we want to write a novel, how do we start? The furnace and the spontaneity of real creation aren ’ t like him, thought... Horror writers out there, you can have your readers terrified, yet,. Glass of water and his vitamin pill and is currently helping me get the second one done well... If they feel that way backstory for something to make all the time suggests that first. Work to get more advice from the world ’ s consistent: //www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/10-must-read-authors-for- there no! 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