10 + 3 Book Reviews: Lessons from Stephen King's 'On Writing'

I read a lot and write a lot. Stephen King said this is the key for the writing craft. I’d suggest this is key for any human wanting to take their art and life to the next level.

Regardless of where you stand on this opinion, I wanted to find a simple way to document the amazing books and ideas I’ve bumped into over the years. Ideas and themes which have shaped my life in countless ways.

But I didn’t want to spend hours, weeks, and months writing up these summaries. These are more designed to synthesize important quotes, and a few Big Ideas. Not a critique or literary analysis. More of a way to “review” these texts, and apply the essential ideas I found helpful and transformative for my life and work.

I also wanted my readers to consider these ideas regardless if they read these texts or not. So I devised a simple rubric I’ll share with you below.

I’m calling it:

10 + 3 Book Reviews

As I read a book, even fiction, I highlight quotes, make notes, and summarize themes mined from the text in the margins, or on the last page.

Then I let the book marinate for a few weeks, and write on notecards, or in a digital document, all the quotes, themes, or ideas I found educational, inspirational, food for future learning, or entertaining.

This is my way of “reviewing” these texts, and finding applications for work, life, family, faith, future talks, teaching, etc. I find it to be quite transformational. Books are not designed for entertainment, albeit the best ones always keep our attention, the best ones are fuel for change.

So, I’m going to do a 10+3 Book Review on a book I read once a year, and reference all the time:

Stephen King’s, On Writing.

I read lots of books on Kindle, so on this one I don’t have page numbers. But unfortunately, most books on multiple print runs have various versions, and the pages don’t line up.

King’s, “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft,” is a hybrid work combining elements of memoir and practical guidance, offering a unique perspective on the writing process and insight into King’s own literary journey. He completed this book after almost dying in an accident. A van ran him over while on a walk. There is a lot of energy and passion in this book. I believe it comes from King considering his own mortality.

The book is structured in two main parts: one that dives into King's personal experiences, revealing his struggles and triumphs, and another that provides practical writing tips grounded in his extensive experience.

This dual approach makes 'On Writing' a rich resource for both inspiration and instruction. For many, King's narrative resonates deeply, as he shares formative moments and pivotal challenges encountered throughout his life, from his early days scribbling stories to becoming one of the most prolific authors of our time.

King is quick to share his demons of addiction to drugs and alcohol, and the hundreds of rejections he received before getting something published. I think this makes the work profound, and will last for generations to come.

I had 60+ highlighted quotes, remarks, scribbles, and whatnot. Each time I read the book, there is more gold to mine. So here is my attempt to share ten quotes, and three Big Ideas/Themes:

Ten Quotes from Stephen King’s, “On Writing.”

1. “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut."—Stephen King

This one is where the juice is. You’ll never run out of ideas, and you’ll always be growing in your craft, and life, if you do these two things. This also suggests writing is about sharing what you wrote. Practice in public.

2. “You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will."—Stephen King

Starting is hard for anyone doing anything, writing or otherwise. Starting is hard for people who have published multiple things. But if you can start, you can finish. Courage is required.

3. “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work."—Stephen King

This quote underscores prizing showing up every day, regardless of mood or circumstance. Writing isn’t about mystical writing fairies, and waiting for the muse; the Muse lives in the basement and is fickle. Writing is about putting on the hard hat, getting to work, and committing to the process.

4. “In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well." —Stephen King

Writing is a two-way street. We don’t write only for what the reader gets, but also for what we get. King often says he’d write for no pay. He writes for the “buzz.”

5. “There’s no greater joy than that of a writer discovering his own voice." — Stephen King

This makes your art/work/book unique. Are there enough books in the world? Maybe. Are there any new ideas, really? Not many. The difference is your voice, angle, and perspective. So your voice matters, and discovering it can take time, but will be your special offering to the world.

6. “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." —Stephen King

Talent is needed on one level. Can you put a sentence together, communicate an idea clearly, etc? Okay, but persistence and dedication truly separate the successful. King models this well as he’s one of the most prolific writers on the planet. He works hard, even in his late 70s.

7. “Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open." — Stephen King

This is about writing free and honest. We need editors and people to give feedback. But that comes later. If you try to write and create with critical voices and editors and audience in your head, you are done. Write from the guts, and rewrite later.

8. "Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s." — Stephen King

King advises that effective writing must engage the reader's imagination, but don’t get description-happy. He is brilliant at not overly explaining people, settings, scenes, etc. Don’t assume your readers can’t use their imaginations. That’s the joy of reading fiction! Let the reader take your work where it needs to go in their minds.

9. “Life isn’t a support system for art. It’s the other way around." —Stephen King

Art exists to enhance life, not dominate it. This perspective suggests the artist, and human, must learn to pay attention to life. Art flows from a life well lived.

10. “Write what you like, then imbue it with life and make it unique by blending in your personal knowledge of life, friendship, relationships, sex, and work. Especially work. People love to read about work. God knows why, but they do." —Stephen King

Again, your voice, your work, is unique because of the experiences you’ve had. How you see and move through the world will always come out in your work. Don’t be afraid to add in color from your life. The ordinary stuff of life is often the most relatable.

Three Big Ideas/Themes from 'On Writing'

Big Idea/Theme #1: The Importance of Habit, Discipline, and Routine

King emphasizes that writing is a disciplined craft rather than a fleeting act of inspiration. For him, creating a routine is essential to building a successful writing practice. Too much nonsense on the internet and advice given is about what software to use, books to read, and how to build a writing shed.

Not enough writing advice on: When do you plan to write? Where will you write? For how long, and how many words? Put it on the calendar.

Big Idea/Theme #2: Reading as the Fuel for Good Writing

Stephen King is a reader before he’s a writer. He says his joy of reading inspired the joy of writing. King still reads hundreds of books a year and says we need to burn our TVs.

King highlights that to be a prolific writer, one must also be a voracious reader. Immersing oneself in diverse genres and styles exposes writers to various narrative techniques and storytelling methods that can enhance their own writing. Read a lot and write a lot.

This continuous diet of reading enables writers to dissect and understand the elements that resonate with them, thus infusing their work with depth and sophistication. Study these texts, ask: why does this work? What makes this good writing? A regular reading habit feeds inspiration, allowing for a canon of ideas and perspectives to enrich one’s writing.

Big Idea/Theme #3: Writing from a Place of Depth

King creates characters full of depth, and deals with many themes of God, spirituality, evil, love, loss, relationships, and power, like very few authors. He believes this comes from embracing vulnerability and authenticity in storytelling. Keeping your eyes open to the pain of life and the pain in the world. Writing from the Authentic Self.

Authenticity allows writers to connect deeply with their readers, fostering a sense of trust and relatability. By drawing upon personal experiences—even those that evoke fear or discomfort—writers craft narratives that resonate at a level of depth. This willingness to be vulnerable not only elevates the storytelling process but also enriches the emotional experience for the audience.

Last Thoughts:

King’s “On Writing” is filled with more quotes, and themes I could ever mine. But I believe much of what King writes is for the writer, yes, but also anyone who wants to make something good in the world. Anyone who has art to share in its various forms, and might struggle to start.

King captures the essence of the creative process and encourages aspiring authors to overcome their fears and doubts. He stresses the significance of persistence, inspiring writers to push through obstacles and maintain their dedication, regardless of the challenges they may encounter. By demystifying the writing process and sharing his own trials, he illustrates that even the most successful writers face struggles, nurturing a sense of solidarity among writers of all levels.

These reflections serve as a reminder for writers to remain open to learning and self-improvement. Writing, according to King, is a craft that can always be honed through experience and a dedication to reading widely. Practice, practice, and practice some more.

Delve into your creative processes. Embrace the challenges and triumphs that come with writing, and life. Remember that the act itself matters. It changes our readers and our souls.

Every word penned matters. Your story matters.

Go make some great art with your life.

-Ryan