On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This short book by Stephen King is an essential reference for any aspiring writer. Yes, you read that correctly: Stephen King and the descriptive phrase ‘short book’ in the same sentence. Part memoir of a writer’s life, part nuts-and-bolts writing advice, this book is both informative and enjoyable.

I am not going to criticize Stephen King, first because I gave his book five stars, and second, because of my lowly position in the pyramid of writers. I live in the realm of competent writers and, like all of my peers, I look with longing to the tier above. I aspire to the lofty heights where dwell the good writers. When you read King’s book, you will understand.

This is a reference that I will be returning to again and again. If you wish to improve your writing skills, Stephen King’s “On Writing” is an excellent place to start.

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

William Strunk Jr. created “The Elements of Style” as a textbook for English Eight, a course he taught at Cornell. He called it his ‘little book’ and so it was referred to by his students. All this was in the long ago and far away following World War One. An essential tool for aspiring writers, this small volume is more than one hundred years old. Despite its venerable age, “The Elements of Style” remains one of the most lauded references for writers wishing to improve their command of the English language. In his book “On Writing,” Stephen King uses many excerpts of Strunk’s rules to explain the craft.

“The Elements of Style” came to the general public in 1957, courtesy of E.B. White and the Macmillan publishing house. Strunk’s ‘little book’ was revised, updated, and published. It became so popular that a second edition was published in 1972. The simple rules remain unchanged: “Do not break sentences in two. Use the active voice. Omit needless words.” Each rule is followed by a very short essay and usually accompanied by examples of the true and the false. Some of these false examples are hilarious. I found myself laughing aloud; an unexpected benefit from a writing primer.

Stephen King describes how to build a writer’s toolbox, a place where we aspiring scribblers keep the tools of the trade. I have taken his advice to heart. “The Elements of Style” is a vital addition to any writer’s bag of tricks. I give this fine reference book my highest recommendation.


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