Companion to King’s On Writing is a valuable resource for those interested in the craft of writing. It offers insights and perspectives that complement King's own work. Some of the essays in it I had read from him before, which was both reassuring and interesting. Re-reading these familiar pieces allowed me to deepen my understanding of King's ideas and techniques. It was like having a conversation with an old friend, one who is a master of the written word. The companion not only provides a platform for King's thoughts but also invites readers to engage with them on a deeper level. It encourages us to think about our own writing processes and to explore new ways of expressing ourselves. Overall, it is a must-read for any aspiring writer or fan of Stephen King's work.

This collection of various snippets from Stephen King's writing provides some of his valuable writing advice. It includes several short stories. The first one is a story he wrote as a child, and it's quite heartening to read as it makes you realize that he too had his not-so-great writing moments when he was young, just like many of us. The second story, "The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet," which I initially read in "Skeleton Crew," offers an interesting perspective on writing, writers, and madness in general. The third story, "In the Deathroom," which I came across in "Everything's Eventual: 14 Dark Tales," has very little to do with writing and might have been included simply because it was the first time it was in print (originally part of an audiobook collection), rather than for its connection to the craft of writing. Unfortunately, this makes it a bit of a misfit in this collection.

Also included are over 100 pages from "Danse Macabre," and reading them felt just as long as the first time I read that book (which I found extremely boring). However, my favorite parts were the introductions to other books and the transcribed talks he gave at various venues. Since these are all gathered from different sources, I noticed that there was a bit of repetition. For example, King compares English teachers to Pavlov's dogs more than once and also repeats his witty answer to the question, "Where do you get your ideas?" as "Utica" more than once.

Of course, I've already read his "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft," which is truly the best writing book I've ever come across. So, this collection can never quite measure up to that. Still, it's been a while since I read anything by him, and this served as a nice reminder of his enormous talent. I must say, I've had this book sitting on my shelf for about eight years now. It was given to me by a co-worker's husband who is an avid collector, and I'm relieved that I can finally return it. I wonder if he remembers that I borrowed it.

I truly loved this!

Not only was it an amazing discovery, but also because Stephen King's forewords, afterwords, and addresses to us, his "Constant Readers," are sometimes as much something I look forward to as his newest novel.

Moreover, I hadn't even known that some of these works existed until I chanced upon this in the local used book shop.

I never grow tired of "Uncle Stevie's" speeches, lectures, essays, and letters. The man has an incredible ability to spin a yarn, tell a captivating tale, and touch my heart! It happens every single time.

His words have a unique charm and power that draw me in and keep me engaged. Whether it's his insights into the writing process, his personal anecdotes, or his thoughts on life and the world, I always find something valuable and inspiring in his words.

This collection of his writings is a true treasure, and I'm so glad I was able to find it.

SECRET WINDOWS is established as a companion piece for the book of the month club, corresponding to King's highly successful memoir/how-to guide ON WRITING.

Besides a deeply touching ode in the introduction penned by King's fellow horror master and collaborator Straub, it encompasses a variety of essays and short fictional works centered around the art of writing. The collection spans from when Stephen was a young lad of 12, writing for his brother's paper, all the way to the time of its publication.

There are several well-known pieces, such as short stories that were later included in his Everything's Eventual anthology, and an excerpt from his other renowned non-fiction work Danse Macabre. Additionally, there are some truly hidden gems that have never been published before. One of these treasures is a short talk/essay on banned books. Another is a selection of great opening lines that are favorites of King's.

In Secret Windows, just as in his fiction, King's integrity is palpable. He asserts that he is not the best novelist out there, despite selling better than some, yet he always pledges to present the best story he knows how to write. His humor is明显 on these pages, even when it is self-deprecating. As a reader, the same conversational tone that pervades his other works is also present here. Danse Macabre was not a perfect book, On Writing is not a perfect book, and neither is Secret Windows. However, it comes darn close, especially when read in conjunction with On Writing.

So far, I've delved into "On Becoming a Brand Name Writer." It's truly incredibly interesting to read right after "On Writing." King goes into extremely granular detail regarding the sale of his first two books. I was so intrigued that I even had to Google the first paperback cover of 'Salem's Lot based on his vivid story of getting the cover reveal.

Also, it's quite interesting to note that Warner Bros requested that his original title "The Shine" be re-named to "The Shining." In this piece, he has a bit sharper edges. His descriptions of people can be rather mean-spirited at times. Moreover, he's only five years into his publishing career and still drinking hard. It's strange to time-travel back to a younger Steve. He was actually younger than me when he wrote this, about 33, I reckon.

Also, my copy seems almost new. The spine gives off a nice crack when opened, but unfortunately, it looks like a book-shipper carelessly dumped his cuppa tea on the pages. However, I gave the dustjacket a good scrub and now it's right as rain.

I also read the "Horror Fiction" excerpt from "Danse Macabre." I had a great time with this past evening. I'm really kicking myself for selling my old copy of the book. When I was 25, I naively assumed I wouldn't be gung-ho enough on horror to read King's whole treatise on the genre. But I found his deep-dive into horror fiction absolutely fascinating. I read his in-depth analyses of Matheson, Bradbury, Ramsey Campbell, James Herbert, and Harlan Ellison. It was a real treat to nerd-out with King on "Something Wicked This Way Comes" and it was SUPER timely with Campbell, who I just read recently in a short-story collection. And for the life of me, I cannot find his books anywhere.

Now I'm debating whether to read all of "Danse Macabre," but I'd wager I read the best chapter tonight.

I will definitely continue to pick this up and read excerpts. It's always a great experience hanging out with Uncle Steve.

This is an extremely interesting book.

It encompasses a wide variety of writings and interviews with Stephen King, delving into the craft of writing and his journey into the world of literature.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about his background and the arduous struggles he faced to make a living until the successful publication of Carrie.

The book features a serial story penned by 12-year-old King for his brother's weekly newsletter, titled Jumper. Additionally, it includes an original short story, "In the Death Room," which was truly excellent and had the power to make the reader feel as if they were right there in the story.

However, there was one section that I didn't particularly care for. It was a 90+ page excerpt from Danse Macabre on Horror Fiction. King discusses 10 horror books that he likes and the reasons behind his preferences.

I found myself skipping through much of this section to reach the books that I was familiar with from his list.

Overall, this book provides an interesting and valuable insight into the mind of a truly gifted man.

If you have relished King's "On Writing," you are bound to like this too.

Admittedly, some of the articles here might seem redundant as King has a tendency to repeat certain stories. However, that is precisely what the readers desire.

Nonetheless, there are numerous other stories that keep on inspiring and educating the budding writer.

If you are keen on perusing 160 pages of King's musings on horror fiction prior to 1981, you don't have to shell out for "Danse Macabre" as it is encompassed within this collection.

I took great pleasure in several of the interviews and short stories that are not to be found elsewhere.

Even though the majority of these articles have been published in other works, this compilation serves its intended purpose of gathering everything in one convenient volume.

It offers a comprehensive look into King's literary world and is a must-read for any fan or aspiring writer.

Whether you are seeking inspiration, practical writing tips, or simply a good read, this collection has something for everyone.

So, don't hesitate to pick it up and embark on a journey through the mind of one of the greatest horror writers of our time.

It's an interesting book. This book has the power to capture the reader's attention from the very first page. The story it tells is engaging and full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed and you can easily relate to them. The author's writing style is vivid and descriptive, making it easy to imagine the scenes and settings. Whether you're a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book has something for everyone. It's a great read that you won't want to put down.

King's collection of essays delves deep into his background in writing. It offers some truly fascinating perspectives. When considering the realm of commercial authors, it's hard to ignore his significance. Arguably, he is one of the most successful in world history, perhaps second only to J. K. Rowling. The essays provide a unique insight into his creative process, the influences that shaped his writing, and the challenges he faced along the way. Reading through these essays, one can't help but be thoroughly engaged and enjoy the journey. It's like getting a behind-the-scenes look at the mind of a literary giant. Whether you're a die-hard King fan or simply interested in the art of writing, this collection is sure to offer something of value.

I finally got a copy of this off ebay.

This compilation consists of articles, interviews, and fiction. It does repeat itself as King is well-known for his canned answers to stupid questions.

If you have enjoyed ON WRITING, you can think of this as the bonus features dvd.

It offers additional insights and content related to King's work.

The collection provides a diverse range of materials that can enhance your understanding and appreciation of his writing.

Although there may be some repetition, it still contains valuable information and entertainment.

Overall, it's a worthwhile addition for fans of Stephen King.

Whether you're interested in his creative process, his thoughts on the writing industry, or just want to read some engaging fiction, this compilation has something to offer.

It's a great way to explore more of King's world and gain a deeper perspective on his work.

So, if you're a Stephen King enthusiast, don't miss out on this opportunity to get your hands on this unique collection.

This book is truly a remarkable and fantastic supplement to King's "On Writing". It is a wonderful mix of short stories and his speeches delivered over the years at various different conventions. This combination provides a truly unique and fascinating look inside the brain of one of our time's most renowned and successful authors.

You can understand and see the reasons for this yourself simply by starting to read.

I am not typically a short story reader, as is quite evident from my reading history here. Novels are my passion. I relish the slower pace they offer, which allows me ample time to get to know the places, the people, and the possibilities of continuations. Ordinarily, a short story would not hold much appeal for me. In fact, it often bores me as there just doesn't seem to be enough space for me to develop a genuine care and concern for the protagonist.

However, the case is completely different with King's works. I found myself on the edge of my seat every single time, eagerly devouring each word. It was truly a delight to witness and understand how a genius like him thinks. I gave up trying to emulate his style a long time ago and simply decided to enjoy the ride.

You should do the same!

Roman

This piece is not so much focused on the nitty-gritty of the craft of writing as it is an in-depth analysis of good horror writers and novels in general. It's important to note that a significant portion of this material can be found in other sources as well. However, that doesn't mean there aren't some truly excellent and useful reads within these pages.

The author delves into the characteristics and techniques that make horror writers stand out. From creating an atmosphere of dread to developing complex and engaging characters, the analysis covers a wide range of aspects.

While it may not offer entirely unique insights, it does bring together a wealth of information in one place. For those interested in the horror genre, it can serve as a valuable resource, providing both entertainment and inspiration.

Overall, despite its similarities to other works, this collection of analyses still manages to offer some damn good and useful reads that are sure to appeal to fans of horror literature.