A Memoir Of The Craft

I’ve been reading, On Writing– A memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. What a book! He’s very talented, and his life is fascinating. What I love most is he speaks about the language– the construction of writing.

I wasn’t very good at English in school. I’m not sure why my curiosity came in drips and drabs during my youth, but it’s blossomed in adulthood. I was a terrible student. Now I’m older, and have an insatiable desire to learn.

I haven’t finished the book yet, but I can tell it will be one I come back to reread over and over. Stephen speaks about writing in an easy to understand way, no bullshit.

Below are some of my favourite quotes from the book.

”Put your desk in the corner, and every time you sit down there to write, remind yourself why it isn’t in the middle of the room. Life isn’t a support system for art it is the other way around.”

”You must not come lightly to a blank page.”

”Take it seriously, if you can’t, close the page and walk away.”

”Build your toolbox. It’s best to have your tools with you. If you don’t, you’re apt to find something you didn’t expect and get discouraged.”

”Vocabulary is the bread of writing. Use the first word that comes to mind if it is appropriate and colourful.”

”Do not be the timid writer.”

”Even at it’s best, writing almost always falls short of full meaning.”

The quotes resonate with me, and have inspired me to try and improve as much as I can. I’m new to the craft, I only stared writing about a year ago and am loving the learning process. I know my work is littered with mistakes, but I believe it can only get better and am excited to see what’s to come.

Writing can be a lonely journey, but I find it helps clear the muddy waters of my thoughts. I call it thinking with the written word and it helps me to understand more about the things I’m learning.

The more we learn the less we know.

Thank you for reading.

J.H.Repetto