No argument can be made that Stephen King is one of the best modern writers of today. For any literature student and for readers alike, On Writing is a well-known author’s guidance, amusement, humor, and inspiration for writing. A biography and a how-to guide, On Writing begins with King’s childhood and early adulthood. He relates stories from his past with what made him the writer he has become. King then transfers into the process of writing, offering guidance and vision that has worked so well for him but remains detached for others. On Writing is a moving, tasteful, and inspiring book. Sure to help hundreds of writers as it has helped me, the book will motivate anyone who picks it up and reads it. The child of a single mother, King and …show more content…
He gives examples from his own writing and talks about what he calls “the writer's toolbox” and the things it should have: vocabulary, grammar, dialogue, and style. King believes the most important of these are vocabulary and grammar. He says vocabulary can be as simple or as complicated as one wants. Nevertheless, King warns against increasing vocabulary. He says it is better to be honest than to try to sound smart. King believes a writer should increase their knowledge of grammar in order to avoid mistakes that make writing feeble. He informs writers to use active verbs rather than passive. He also says to focus on paragraph structure and the proper use of fragments and run-on sentences. King goes on by unfolding the process he uses to write his own novels. He says to write the first draft all at once and then put it in a drawer for no less than six weeks. This way there is some distance. Then King says to take the novel back out of the drawer, read it, and make appropriate changes. He also suggests that a writer give their work to friends to review and take their criticism into consideration. King also recommends taking books with you anywhere you go. He says, “The more you read, the less apt you are to make a fool of yourself with your pen or word