Book 84/75: Secret Windows: Essays and Fiction on the Craft of Writing by Stephen King.

Interestingly, there was a whole chapter within this book that was precisely the same as a chapter in Dance Macabre. This discovery initially caused me to get stuck back THEN when I reached that particular chapter. And lo and behold, I got stuck once more when I came across it again during my reading. Oh dear, it was quite a frustrating experience.

However, once I managed to push past that obstacle, I found myself completely engrossed in King's essays and his masterfully crafted intros. His words seemed to draw me in, and I simply could not put the book down. King's insights into the craft of writing were so profound and engaging that I was eager to devour every page.

Despite the initial hiccup with the repeated chapter, Secret Windows proved to be a captivating read that offered valuable lessons and inspiration for any aspiring writer.

3.5 for me.

This was a Book of the Month release way back in 2000. It was intended to be a sort of companion to 'On Writing'. There are a couple of unreleased stories included. Some of the other stories have since been released in collections. Additionally, there are interviews and talks that King did.

Overall, it's all good. However, this wouldn't be particularly enjoyable for a casual King reader. They might find it a bit too specialized or focused on aspects that they're not as interested in. It's more likely to appeal to die-hard King fans who want to explore every nook and cranny of his work and thoughts.

But for those who are truly dedicated to Stephen King, this book can offer some unique insights and interesting reads. It gives a behind-the-scenes look at his creative process and provides a platform for him to share his ideas and experiences.

So, while it may not be a must-read for everyone, it does have its own charm and value for the right audience.

Stephen King's On Writing was accompanied by a rather peculiar collection. It consisted of book introductions, interview transcripts, essays, and short stories. This collection served as a supplement to the Book of the Month Club. However, it contained a significant amount of recycled material.

Some might argue that this recycling could be a drawback, as it may not offer entirely new and fresh content. But on the other hand, it could also be seen as a way to present King's ideas and works from different perspectives. The book introductions might provide insights into his thoughts on various literary works, while the interview transcripts could offer a more personal and direct look at the author.

The essays and short stories, although perhaps recycled, still have their own value. They can showcase King's writing style and creativity, and may even inspire readers in their own writing endeavors. Overall, while the collection may have its flaws, it is still an interesting addition to the On Writing package.

Re-reading, actually.

King shares some truly interesting thoughts on writing. It's quite fascinating to explore these ideas, especially from the perspective of someone like me who is considering attempting to write a novel. As I watch and assist my husband in his first attempt at writing a novel, I find King's insights to be both thought-provoking and engaging.

However, I'm not entirely sure just how helpful they will truly be in the long run. While they offer a unique perspective and some valuable tips, the process of writing a novel is so complex and individualistic that it's hard to say for certain.

Nonetheless, it's definitely interesting to consider King's thoughts and see how they might potentially influence my own writing journey or that of my husband. It's all part of the exciting exploration of the world of writing.

I truly relished this companion piece to "On Writing." It is a wonderful blend of interviews, essays, and a couple of short stories. In fact, I had likely read approximately one-third of the content previously. King's self-analysis makes for an engaging read as you sense his authenticity. He doesn't seem to be simply maneuvering himself to present a more favorable image. It's refreshing to see an author being so forthcoming.

At this point, I am only nine years behind in my King reading. While that may seem like a significant gap, it also gives me a wealth of his works to look forward to exploring. I can't wait to continue delving into his unique storytelling and gain more insights into his creative process.

This particular item is out of print, which makes it extremely difficult to locate.

However, despite the challenges associated with finding it, it is most definitely worth the arduous effort.

The scarcity of this item only adds to its allure and value.

Those who are able to obtain it will likely cherish it as a rare and precious find.

It may hold a special significance or offer unique features that cannot be found in other similar items.

Even though the search for it might be time-consuming and frustrating, the end result will be well worth it.

So, if you come across any leads or opportunities to acquire this out-of-print item, do not hesitate to pursue them.

You never know when you might stumble upon a hidden gem that will bring you great joy and satisfaction.

I truly adored "On Writing", and when it came to this fringe/b-side/outtake collection, I had no clear idea of what to anticipate.

To my great delight, I discovered that this book was somewhat of a collage. It presented Stephen King's approach to the task of writing and his down-to-earth perspective on his own identity as a writer.

However, it doesn't entirely cohere. There are moments when it seems to drag a little. But all in all, it is a worthwhile read. There are quite a few places where I was tempted to dogear the pages (shh, don't tell S.K.) so that I could return to them and soak up the gleaming insights and precious gems of wisdom they contained.

This collection, despite its flaws, offers a unique and valuable look into the mind and methods of one of the most prolific and beloved writers of our time.

Described as "a companion book to On Writing," this volume reads more as a long interview with King, conducted over perhaps 10 to 12 years, with a couple of never-before-seen stories included. It is truly worth your time.

I initially postponed reading this because, frankly, I thought it was a cheap attempt to capitalize on the success of his On Writing. However, that wasn't the case at all. This book is actually quite different. On Writing, as its title suggests, is at least mostly a memoir. I would describe it as part writing tutorial and part memoir. But Secret Windows is a book of questions that King didn't answer in On Writing. As such, as I mentioned, it's more like a long interview, spanning over 10 - 12 years, covering a variety of topics - many of which, surprisingly, are not directly about writing.

In some ways, this book is more beneficial for writers than On Writing. While that book is mostly memoir and sometimes a writing primer, this one delves into the more minute aspects of the writing business. For example, did you know that King had an agent to promote his novels and short stories? I didn't, because agents generally don't sell short stories anymore - well, unless you're at the Stephen King level. Then they'll be more than happy to sell just about anything of yours, just to keep you happy and as their client. But for the rest of us, they won't sell our short stories these days. We'd have to do that on our own. (I know this from personal experience.)

Also, did you know that King sent out a query to agents before he'd even finished his manuscript for Carrie? I didn't, because that's a huge no-no nowadays - and surely was back then too. Writers, like everyone else, often don't finish something when they say they will, and agents are well aware of this. So they all stipulate - both today and, I'm sure, back then - that you have to finish the manuscript, perfect it, and then approach them. King was bolder than that. He pitched them when he was nearly done with his manuscript - for Carrie, I believe - and his selling point was the extensive list - I'm talking 20 or more - of short stories he'd sold and been well paid for in just two years. At $200 per story, times 20 stories - that's $4000. 10% of that is $400, so 15% is $600. Many agents in 1974 would be willing to take $600 to send out a couple of quick letters to publishers about a client's work. It might take them about an hour. $600 per hour in 1974 would have sounded very good. The bottom line is: King was essentially bold enough to say to these potential agents: "Even with my short story sales, I can make money for you." And then, more importantly, he finished his novel manuscript exactly as he said he would. That's good business sense, and it also impresses agents.

So what can we learn from this? Be bold. But also be productive, so you have something to be bold about. And then, be proficient in the business and finish the manuscript when you say you will. Amidst all the millions that Stephen King earns, it's often overlooked that he has always been productive, even before Carrie, and at a very high level of both quality (i.e., it'll sell) and output. In other words, he's always been reliable and very good at the business.

You won't learn this kind of thing from On Writing.

You will from Secret Windows.

And if you dream of a writing career like I do, it's definitely worth your time.

Second Reading

Peter Straub provides an introduction. The works include "Jumper", "Rush Call", and "The Horror Market Writer and the Ten Bears (1973) (26/5 - 23)". There is also the foreword to "Night Shift" and "On Becoming a Brand Name (1980) (forword to Fear Itself)". "
Horror Fiction (From Dance Macabre)" is another piece. "An Evening at the Billerica Library (1983)" is present, as well as "
The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet (mag version, skelton)". "How IT Happened (1986)" and "Banned Books and Other Concerns (1986) (speech in library)" are part of it. "
Turning the Thumbscrews on the Reader (1987)" and "Ever Et Raw Meat? and Other Weird Questions (1987)" add to the collection. There is an introduction to John Fowle's "The Collector". "
What Stephen King Does for Love (1990)" is included, along with "
-Two Past Midnight: A Note on Secret Window, Secret Garden". The introduction to Jack Ketchum's "The Girl Next Door" is here. "
Great Hookers I Have Known (2000) first printed here" and "
A Night at the Royal Festival Hall (1998) (interview)" are also part of this extensive list. "
An Evening With Stephen King (March 30 1999)" rounds it off, and "
-In the Deathroom (later in everything's eventual)". This compilation offers a diverse range of writings related to Stephen King and the horror genre, providing readers with a comprehensive look into the author's works and the ideas and events surrounding them.

It is truly interesting to observe King in the mode of a literary critic. His perspective and insights offer a unique and valuable dimension to the world of literature. King, with his vast experience as a renowned author, brings a distinct understanding of the craft. When he takes on the role of a critic, he is able to analyze and evaluate works from a position of both creative knowledge and a deep appreciation for the written word. His critiques can be both incisive and thought-provoking, challenging readers to view literature in new and different ways. Whether he is praising the merits of a particular work or offering constructive criticism, King's literary critic mode is always engaging and值得关注. It enriches the literary discourse and provides a platform for further exploration and discussion of the many facets of literature.

Overall, the book is good.

However, "On Writing" was far more captivating.

I have owned this book for many years but was unable to force myself to read it until recently.

The chapter dedicated to horror fiction was extremely long and a bit of a struggle to get through.

Nonetheless, it provided me with inspiration for other excellent books to read.

Perhaps if the author had condensed the horror chapter a bit, it would have been more engaging.

Still, I'm glad I finally picked up this book and discovered some new reading suggestions.

It's always interesting to explore different genres and see what other books are out there.

I look forward to delving into the recommended titles and seeing if they live up to my expectations.

Overall, despite its flaws, this book has been a worthwhile read.

Stephen King, the renowned master of horror, offers fascinating insights into several classic horror stories. His views are not only thought-provoking but also highly inspiring.

They have motivated me to revisit some of these timeless tales and, in some cases, even pick them up for the very first time.

For those who aspire to write horror, King's analysis serves as an excellent reference. It delves deep into the elements that make novels of this genre truly great.

By studying his perspectives, aspiring writers can gain a better understanding of the art of creating suspense, building atmosphere, and terrifying readers.

King's work is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in the horror genre.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, his insights are sure to enhance your appreciation and understanding of this captivating form of literature.

So, if you're looking to explore the world of horror writing or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of some of the classic horror stories, Stephen King's perspectives are definitely worth checking out.