pub: New English Library. 367 page paperback Price: £ 6.99 (UK). ISBN: 0-340-76998-X.

check out website: www.madaboutbooks.com

Most people will probably pick up this book for one of two reasons.

Firstly, they may be a fan of Stephen King or they want to learn to write (or even become the next Stephen King) or maybe a mixture.

The one thing that strikes you about this book is that Stephen King is very straight forward and honest. This book will not impart any special abilities to write. There has to be some talent there already to bring forth and nurture.



Saying that, this book is not just a dry collection of teachings. It is full of wit and insight into King's life and writing.

It begins with a rapid potted history of King's life and some of the funny and horrific things that happened to him. Some of the stories from his childhood are quite graphic but also you get a feeling of how his writing developed with his early journalistic endeavours.

From which you can see the seeds of his books he went on to write.

In some respects, this imparts not only little gems of wisdom he picked up on his way through life. He also points to drawing on your own memories, feelings and psychology to cross-reference and take inspiration from and develop your own ideas and writing style.

The one thing this book emphasises is that you need to practice writing and read a good deal. In fact, any opportunity you should read. Writing takes time and effort. There are no magic solutions or get-rich-quick methods, just good old honest hard work.

In addition, he talks about the way he writes. Aiming at a target reader (in this case, his wife), how she would feel or appreciate a particular story, scene or character. Getting her to read an initial draft and then maybe a few close friends to give feedback before sending it to the publisher.

He describes his toolkit that every writer should have and goes on to explain good examples of basic grammar. Very useful if you did not pick it all up first time round.

He includes segments of his first drafts and examples of what King considers good and bad writing from many other authors.

If you are interested in writing or even just want a glimpse of the writing process, this book is for you. Also, fans of Stephen King should apply as well, especially if you're interested in his life story.

I think the most poignant part of the book is the description of his accident when he was hit by a van while he was out walking. It goes on to describe his close encounter with death and his continuing slow recovery. But most of all how he came back to writing.

He says that when he started writing again after the accident, it was like starting from scratch. All of his 'tricks' had left him. The one thing that comes across in this book above all is his love of writing.

He doesn't portray himself as a writing guru but as someone who wants to pass on what he's learnt to help other writers. To quote from the book: '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.'

Phil Jones