By Stephen King.

I’m not 100% sure, but I think On Writing by Stephen King is his only non-fiction book. And I’m so glad he took on the challenge to teach and to distill the process of writing; His process of writing.

“Good writing is often about letting go of fear and affectation.” – Stephen King

This book is truly a personal story of Stephen King’s thoughts and processes of writing. Not everyone will agree with his definitions or examples, but no one can deny that it’s extremely helpful if you’re passionate about writing and building that skill.

For 2023, I wanted to make sure I learned about the process of writing.

I’m so glad I read this one.

There’s more on the list this year for books I’ll read about writing, so I can’t wait to dig into them and share them with you, but for the time being, I’ve read this one, and I learned a lot.

In particular, there was a section about writing that was about reading. I love to read. If you’re read any of my blogs, you’ll know that I try to immerse myself in books, and have for a long time. Over the last 2 years I’ve recorded reading 126 books. I’m on track for reading 72 books in 2023, we’ll see if I can keep the pace.

I didn’t realize how reading would influence my writing.

“If you want to be 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 could come across as a judgmental comment purposed to prick and goad your heart into reading. And though it shouldn’t leave you there in the pain, that’s exactly what it’s intended to do.

If you’re not already a reader, start with something that interests you.

If you want to write—or even communicate in any medium—you must read. There’s no other way around it. Reading is the key to learning, not just the subject, but elevating your mind, your vocabulary, your rhythm, your effectiveness.

Before he gets too deep into reading, he reminds the reader that he reads because he likes to read. I read because I like to read. Reading is so much fun. Don’t just read because someone said, wagging their finger at you, “You must read books.” Read because you desire to be swept up in the moment, learn something new, read because you enjoy it. Stephen King says it better:

“I read because I like to read.”

“I don’t read fiction to study the art of fiction, but simply because I like stories.”

“You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you.”

Powerful. I want to be effective in my communication. I must learn from others that are effective. 

If you want to write—or even communicate in any medium—you must read.

I’m learning from what I’m reading how to communicate effectively.

And so are you. Every time you read, something new is happening in your brain, yes, new synapses are being strengthened, and new neurons are growing, and so much more. 

Simply read books. You can check out my list of blogs under the tag: Good Reads, if you like non-fiction. I love non-fiction. I know I need to read some fiction, but I’m still learning. I’m still growing.

If you’re not already a reader, start with something that interests you. If you’re interested in fantasy, why would you read a history book or an autobiography? That won’t help you build the habit of reading. Read fantasy. If you love self-help books, why wouldn’t you read a self-help book like Atomic Habits, it will not only add so much value to your life, it will motivate you to read to the end. 

Reading to the end of a book is sometimes all we need to get started. There’s a rush in finishing a book. It inspires me in starting the book. And if the book isn’t good, well, put it down, if you’d like, or finish it anyways. Stephen King reads great books and bad books, “What could be more encouraging to the struggling writer than to realize his/her work is unquestionably better than that of someone who actually got paid for his/her stuff?”

If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” – Stephen King

---

Subscribe for more posts like this

---