On Writing ~ The first 50pgs.

 I began reading a book yesterday that has affected me so entirely, that I wanted to share a bit about it with you. The book is called On Writing  ~ A Memoir Of The Craft~  by Stephen King.  In On Writing  Stephen King explains ,through foggy childhood memories, how he has become the writer he is today. He then explains what he knows about writing through life experiences and how to go about the craft for aspiring writers. So far, this book has been really easy to read and hard to put down. It's funny, inspirational, and informative. I began with certain expectations on what the pages would contain, but I was taken by surprise on how much I love it. It's not like any other book on the craft of writing. I've only read a fourth of the book, but I've realized so much about what it means to be a writer.

 The first excerpt from the book that caught my attention is something every writer has and will experience (including myself).

By the time I was fourteen (and shaving twice a week whether I needed to or not) the nail in my wall would no longer support the weight of the rejection slips impaled upon it. I replaced the nail with a spike and went on writing.  (pg.40-41)

 To read that Stephen King who has published a gazillion books (it seems) was rejected on numerous occasions causes me to be less weary of those letters that I have just begun to receive. ... And the way he handled it,  not letting it get to him. He didn't even think twice about it. He just went on writing! His determination is my inspiration.

 The other excerpt that stood out is something I have yet to experience, but I often think this of myself.

I kept hearing Miss Hisler asking why I wanted to waste my talent, why I wanted to waste my time, why I wanted to write junk. (pg. 49-50)

 I'm guilty of being my worst critic. I've thought of my writing, my poetry... as being junk. I'm just not good enough. Self doubt seeps in and I tell myself that I'm wasting my time. I should just find something better to do. My supporters and readers have helped me learn to switch off the negative feelings and to keep moving forward, to keep writing. I am forever grateful of that.

 I find it really sad that she didn't support him. I understand that she didn't find that type of writing acceptable... but talent is talent. If only Miss Hisler could see him now! Stephen did however have a very supportive mother, that (to him) made all the difference in the world.

 I did not expect the first section to capture me like it has. I especially did not expect to smile as much as I have. His words on writing are calming my soul, they are reaching me at the perfect time as I take a step forward into unknown territory. I can't wait to delve into the rest of the book.

 I would love to own a copy for my collection so I could reference it when needed. I'm borrowing from the library right now. *hint hint


Dana

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