This is a unique blend of fiction and non-fiction. It is an exclusive anthology that features hard-to-find non-fiction pieces, interviews, short stories, unpublished fiction, and articles about writing by the great "King of the Macabre", Stephen King.

As stated on the jacket cover, this book "captures the author's mind in action - spontaneous, subversive, quirky, yet morally and ethically serious."

However, unfortunately, I was not overly impressed by it. While I adored his book "On Writing", this one seemed more like a hodgepodge of vaguely related items. He dedicated half of the book to discussing writers from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Some were familiar like Bradbury and Vonnegut, while others, at least for me, were completely unknown - Shirley Jackson, Ira Levin, Robert Cornier, and so on. He spent 17 pages dissecting Bradbury's "Something Wicked This Way Comes" and then 18 pages on an author named Harlan Ellison, whom King even acknowledges isn't really a horror writer at all.

His constant mention of the Apollonian versus Dionysian conflict in the various stories he discusses becomes rather repetitive. And it holds no meaning if you don't understand the reference (thankfully, I do. If you don't, I suppose you could Google it if you desire). It isn't until page 320 that King actually begins to talk about himself through various interviews he's given over the years and responds to a number of questions from fans. But much of what he reveals can be found in the "On Writing" book, which is far better written and more informative - at least for an author like myself.

Finally, at the end, the book includes two original short stories not found in any other books. One was typically King and wonderful, while the other was not as much. So, if you are a die-hard Stephen King fan and absolutely must have everything he has ever written, then I guess you'll want to try and obtain this. But if you are just a casual reader or a budding author hoping for insights (stick with "On Writing"), then I wouldn't bother.

I am an extremely huge Stephen King fan.

I wanted to start off by stating that because that is precisely the reason why I relished this novel.

I have aspired to be a writer for as long as my memory serves. Reading his insights on writing fuels my inspiration to persist in working towards it.

If you are simply seeking his fictional works, then this might not be truly for you. However, there are two short stories included. It is fascinating to delve into the mind of a contemporary master of horror.

Stephen King's writing style is unique and captivating. His ability to create vivid and terrifying worlds is truly remarkable.

Even in this non-fiction work about writing, he manages to engage the reader and offer valuable advice.

Whether you are a budding writer or just a fan of his horror novels, this book is definitely worth a read.

It provides a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of the most successful and influential writers of our time.

This rare collection of Essays and Fiction by Stephen King is an absolute must-have for any die-hard King fan.

The book predominantly consists of engaging essays, along with several interesting interviews and two captivating fiction stories. If you were a fan of "On Writing", you will surely find King's unique wit and humor in this book equally appealing.

Although King is widely known as a horror writer, this book has something to offer for anyone interested in writing, regardless of the genre. The essence and wisdom of writing are present in all that he says.

Out of the fiction pieces in this book, "The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet", which is labeled as a novella, was the one that I enjoyed the most. The metaphor of the flexible bullet and the masterful way in which the story was crafted truly体现了King's卓越的写作才华. It was a true delight to read and added another dimension to this already remarkable collection.

Overall, this book is a treasure trove for fans of Stephen King and a valuable resource for anyone interested in the art of writing.

This book offers a decent collection that encompasses speeches, forewords, literary criticism, and essays.

It would be a great recommendation for the hardcore King completionists. However, it should be noted that a significant portion of the novel can actually be found elsewhere. In fact, around 43% of the book consists of just one massive chapter from Danse Macabre.

Nevertheless, there are some notable highlights. For instance, it includes the first two stories that King ever published when he was only 12 years old. There are also transcriptions of the speeches and events he has participated in. Additionally, the essays contain his valuable advice and musings on writing.

Overall, it provides a nice trip down memory lane, allowing readers to explore different aspects of King's literary journey and gain insights into his thoughts and ideas.

A Neat Companion to On Writing

I recently had the pleasure of reading a book that served as a neat companion to On Writing. It was truly an enjoyable experience.

The author of this companion piece did an excellent job of expanding on the concepts and ideas presented in On Writing. They provided additional insights, examples, and practical tips that enhanced my understanding of the writing process.

What I particularly liked about this book was its accessible style. The author presented complex ideas in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for readers of all levels to follow along. The book was also filled with engaging anecdotes and personal experiences that added a touch of authenticity and made it even more interesting to read.

Overall, I would highly recommend this companion book to anyone who has read On Writing and wants to further explore the world of writing. It is a valuable resource that will inspire and educate writers of all genres and levels of experience.

The title is very fitting here.

Stephen King provided us with an inside perspective on the man behind the ideas. I truly relished reading about his inspirations for some of his most beloved novels.

Moreover, he presents his views on the top horror novels thus far and gave me a great incentive to begin reading several of the novels he mentions and discusses in detail.

One can learn a significant amount about Stephen King, both the person and the writer.

I really should have considered reading this a long time ago.

It's fascinating to delve into the mind of such a renowned author and discover the sources of his creativity.

The insights he offers not only about his own work but also about the broader genre of horror novels are truly valuable.

This book serves as a great introduction to Stephen King's world and a must-read for any fan of his work or the horror genre in general.

It has definitely piqued my interest and made me eager to explore more of his novels and the ones he recommends.

I'm looking forward to the reading journey that lies ahead.

King was at his absolute bloviating and rambling worst, particularly when it came to the speeches from his younger days.

His long-winded and often incoherent rants were truly insufferable. It was as if he couldn't stop talking, regardless of whether what he was saying made any sense or was of any value.

However, there was a glimmer of hope in the book. The small short story at the end was actually quite enjoyable. It provided a brief respite from the otherwise tiresome and frustrating experience of reading King's earlier works.

Despite the many flaws in his writing, this one little story managed to capture my attention and hold my interest, leaving me with a somewhat more positive impression of the book as a whole.

Overall, while King's bloviating speeches were a major drawback, the presence of that one good short story made the reading experience just bearable enough.

If you have never taken the time to read the introductions to some of King's books, then this is the one for you.

Also, if you have a desire to hear some of his lectures from many years ago, this book is a must-read.

Although it may seem a bit dated, I truly relished reading it.

It managed to be both entertaining and educational at the same time.

If you were a fan of Stephen King's "On Writing", then I am certain that you will also enjoy "Secret Windows".

This book offers a unique perspective into the mind of the master storyteller and provides valuable insights into his creative process.

Whether you are a die-hard King fan or just someone who enjoys a good read, "Secret Windows" is well worth your time.

So, go ahead and pick up a copy today and prepare to be captivated by the words of one of the greatest writers of our time.

The story is good to some extent. Johnny Depp is creative in the film. However, the translation is very bad and it gets boring very quickly.

This is really a pity because the original work might have had great potential. The poor translation fails to convey the essence and charm of the story, making it difficult for the audience to fully engage with it.

If only a better translation could have been done, perhaps the film would have received more positive feedback. It is important to note that translation plays a crucial role in bringing a foreign film to a wider audience. A good translation can enhance the viewing experience, while a bad one can ruin it.

In conclusion, although the film has its merits in terms of the story and Johnny Depp's performance, the bad translation is a significant drawback that detracts from its overall quality.

I firmly believe that King could have abstained from writing a single word of fiction, and yet, he would still remain among the elite of writers. His diverse range of nonfiction works, as showcased in this book, is truly remarkable.

One particular piece that caught my attention was the essay he penned for Seventeen magazine. It was filled with several memorable one-liners that I couldn't help but admire. In fact, I was so taken aback by them that I had the fleeting thought of "stealing" them. However, I quickly corrected myself and realized that I meant I would simply admire them from afar and definitely not use them without proper permission.

King's ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking nonfiction is a testament to his literary prowess. His words have the power to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression, regardless of the genre. This book serves as a wonderful showcase of his talent and is a must-read for any literature enthusiast.

I gave up on "Farsi" with this level of boredom.

So I can't give an opinion on the second part of the book that I criticized, and even the main text and the writing skills of the book.

In my opinion, the story was predictable and boring. It could have been better if it had really had a place, but it had a certain charm, especially after the plot was revealed in his tweet. A complex world was opened up to me that I had to close before. Maybe he thought the audience was stupid or for him this style of stories was new, so he described the personalities and mental states of several characters at the end.

I like the bookish character who has a descriptive and detailed story, but here I really didn't listen to the end and it didn't matter much.

For me, it's two and a half stars at best because the movie adaptation is good and has a lot of changes, but the book is not good.

Short articles on the craft of writing can be quite interesting and useful. They offer valuable insights and tips on how to improve one's writing skills. However, when compared to his memoir, they may seem to lack a certain depth and personal touch.

The memoir, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive and detailed account of his life experiences. It allows the reader to get to know the author on a deeper level and understand the events and emotions that have shaped him.

While short articles on writing can be helpful in learning specific techniques and strategies, the memoir provides a more holistic view of the writing process and the author's journey as a writer. It shows that writing is not just about the words on the page, but also about the experiences and perspectives that go into creating them.

In conclusion, both short articles on writing and memoirs have their own unique qualities and value. They can complement each other and provide a more complete understanding of the craft of writing and the writer's life.