On Reading and Writing

Over the past two or three weeks I've been reading Stephen King's book On Writing. I know I've mentioned at one time or another (in some place or another) that I've had a copy of this book since before it was published. I got an ARC (Advance Reading Copy) at work and since I considered myself a curious writer, I snagged the copy and allowed it to gather dust on my bookcase for over eleven years and through 2 apartments and 2 houses until I finally picked it up. Several writers (whose opinions I respect) mentioned this book and it just got to the point where I couldn't ignore it any longer, especially when the hardest thing I had to do to read it was pull it off from the shelf where my writing books live.

Side note: I DO organize my books at home in a way similar to how books are organized at work. My husband has kept me from buying a labeling machine so that I can also label the shelves. I think this is probably for the best.

I've never been a huge Stephen King fan. For awhile, I think I may have been a bit snobby in my attitude. He's not exactly an author who came up as required reading in any of my Literature (with a capital "L") classes in college. As I've been exposed to more than the academic world of books I've come to realize that really, it's just that I'm not a fan of reading books that have the possibility to scare the shit out of me. It's just not the kind of stories that appeal to me. Now, having said all that, reading this book on writing that Stephen King has written, I am finding myself with a genuine interest in reading one of his novels other than The Eyes of the Dragon which was given to me as a gift.

I am honestly finding that this book is coming to me at just the right time in my writerly life. There are things that are really good for me to read and think about right now as I begin the editing process in earnest. There are things that are encouraging to read as I think about what my next book is going to be about (and I think I actually may have started writing it!). There are moments where I can't help but grab my pencil and underline a sentence or two, draw a smiley face, or an exclamation point.

I've long held the feeling that books often find you at a time when you're meant to read them. Maybe this is just my way of not feeling guilty over the years for the books that I've taken home and not read because something more interesting came along and distracted me.  But more likely, I do believe it's true. There have been books I've picked up that held no interest for me at one time and then later have turned out to be one of my favorites. And vice versa, there have been books that I've absolutely adored at one point, but when I've picked them up for a second read have had no idea why I even liked them in the first place.

I feel grateful that I have found Mr. King's book in this place and this time. I have too many passages I'd like to share, things that I feel are on the right track for my writing style and my thoughts on writing. For this post, I'll try to limit myself to just one...

"If there is any one thing I love about writing more than the rest, it's that sudden flash of insight when you see how everything connects."

I too, love those moments. It's when the momentum starts building and you can barely get the words out fast enough that writing really gets to be exciting. Who knew sitting alone in a room with a keyboard could be such a thrill?