Meraviglioso! It's an amazing experience to read this. It's like a dream that seems so real, and vice versa. The story takes you on a journey where you can't tell what's real and what's a dream.

Geniale il finale! The ending is simply brilliant. It leaves you with a sense of wonder and makes you think about the story long after you've finished reading. It's one of those endings that you just can't forget.

Non riesci a staccarti dalle sue pagine. You can't tear yourself away from its pages. The writing is so engaging and the story is so captivating that you just have to keep reading. It's a book that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Favoloso! In conclusion, this is a wonderful book that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good story. It's a must-read for all book lovers.

This is strictly for serious King fans only.

That being said, it is indeed a great book for a dedicated King enthusiast to possess.

There are several excellent fiction and nonfiction pieces within its pages.

However, my only concern is that I wish they had included more hard-to-find materials instead of reprinting a quarter of "Danse Macabre".

It would have been even more exciting and valuable for fans if they had sourced some rare or lesser-known works by King.

Nonetheless, it still offers a great collection for those who are passionate about Stephen King's writing.

Overall, it's a worthy addition to the library of any serious King fan.

Despite my minor gripe, I would still recommend this book to others who share my love for King's works.

It provides an interesting and diverse selection of his writing, and is sure to satisfy most fans.

While I did enjoy this collection,

it was not nearly as insightful or engrossing as King's On Writing.

However, there are still some wonderful things in here.

The author has managed to include some interesting anecdotes and personal experiences that add a touch of authenticity to the book.

It's clear that a lot of effort has gone into compiling this collection, and it shows.

This is certainly a volume that anyone who is one of the author's Constant Readers should have on their shelf.

It's a great addition to any King fan's library and a must-read for those who are interested in the world of writing and literature.

Overall, while it may not be a masterpiece like On Writing, it's still a worthy read that offers some valuable insights and entertainment.

I really enjoyed this book.

If you are a die-hard Stephen King fan, then you are certain to relish this volume as well. He makes numerous references to the authors he has perused and who have influenced his writing.

You can glean some of the same insights from his book titled On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, yet there are many aspects in this particular book that were not present in the former.

Some sections of the book seemed a bit sluggish for my taste, but all in all, it was fascinating to listen to his perspective on various matters and to read some of the interviews he has granted throughout the years.

He shares several captivating stories from his travels and experiences. Additionally, the book provides you with an extensive list of books and authors worth reading.

This not only enriches your literary knowledge but also offers a glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller like Stephen King.

I really enjoyed all of the different essays and short stories included in this collection.

Each piece offered a unique perspective and took me on a journey through various emotions and ideas.

The essays were thought-provoking, challenging my own beliefs and making me see the world from different angles.

The short stories, on the other hand, were engaging and entertaining, with well-developed characters and interesting plots.

I found myself completely immersed in each story, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

Overall, this collection was a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys literature.

It's a wonderful way to explore different writing styles and voices, and to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.

I'm already looking forward to reading more from the authors included in this collection.

This is not a book, but a Frankenstein's monster made of scraps, formally connected by the theme of creativity and writing skills. The transcriptions of lectures, essays, prefaces, stories, and two hundred pages (almost a third of the book!) are simply taken from "The Dance of Death" without any changes. In general, it's half the best of and half the b-sides, and it's unclear who needs it. At least half of these texts have already been read by fans, and a lot will be uninteresting to newcomers. The only interesting thing is to see how the anecdotes he tells change from text to text. He describes the dialogue from which "The Salem Lot" was born twice (the dialogues are different), and twice he jokes about how, as a teacher, he will speak like a dog Pavlov until he hears the bell (also a little differently). But all this is an attempt to find meaning in a not entirely meaningful book.

Yes, the translation and editing range from decent to horrible (and further to the "Weber" stage), but King's readers are no longer surprised by this.

Secret Windows: Essays and Fiction On The Craft Of Writing by Stephen King (2000)

This book is a remarkable collection that offers readers a unique insight into the world of writing. Stephen King, a renowned master of horror and fiction, shares his thoughts, experiences, and valuable tips on the craft.

The essays in this volume cover a wide range of topics, from the importance of reading widely to the challenges of getting started with a new story. King's writing is engaging and accessible, making it easy for both aspiring writers and fans of his work to understand and appreciate his perspective.

In addition to the essays, the book also includes several short stories that serve as practical examples of the techniques and ideas discussed. These stories are not only entertaining but also provide valuable lessons on character development, plot construction, and the use of language.

Overall, Secret Windows is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of writing. It offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that can help writers of all levels improve their skills and take their work to the next level.

This is an excellent book.

I view it as a sequel to "On Writing".

Although there is a haunting short story within it about a muse that dwells in a typewriter.

The story of the muse in the typewriter adds an element of mystery and charm to the book.

It makes you wonder about the creative process and the inspiration that writers draw from.

The author has done a great job of weaving this short story into the overall narrative.

It doesn't feel out of place but rather enhances the reading experience.

The book as a whole offers valuable insights and tips on writing.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in the craft of writing.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, you are sure to find something useful in this book.

The writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Overall, I highly recommend this book.

It is a great addition to any writer's library.

This is a rather good book provided that you meet these two criteria.

Firstly, you have an affinity for Stephen King's writing style. His unique way of storytelling and the vivid imagery he creates can truly captivate readers.

Secondly, if you are a writer yourself, this book becomes even more valuable. Mr. King takes the time to pen essays on the art of writing, which is truly a great help. He doesn't hold back when it comes to pointing out mistakes, much like a strict Dickensian schoolmaster. However, this is actually beneficial as it allows us to learn from our errors.

Moreover, he provides an exhaustive breakdown of what works in writing. I found myself in agreement with him on several topics, and his humorous anecdotes added a fun and concise element to the book, making it a page-turner for me.

I had already read some of the essays in their original publications, but there were several new ones that I discovered in this volume. It was fascinating to see how the different essays, despite being written at various times, flowed together seamlessly.

The stories from his youth were also quite interesting as they showed that even a master like him had to start from humble beginnings. Additionally, the advice he gave to his son on opening lines was particularly enjoyable.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. King for sharing his insights. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves Stephen King's writing and is interested in improving their own writing skills.

Well, that’s what writers do. They create ghosts and watch them walk around the room.

If, like me, you would happily read Stephen King’s shopping list and if you’re a completionist, then Secret Windows should be on your wish-list. Any opportunity that arises where I can get inside King’s head, I will GRAB with two hands.

Secret Windows was initially suggested as a kind of sequel to On Writing. However, I wouldn’t necessarily put it into that bracket. It’s more like a random collection of different essays, short stories, and introductions he has written for books, such as John Fowles’ The Collector and Jack Ketchum’s The Girl Next Door.

And that was my only real issue with this one. I’ve already read both of those introductions, as I’ve read those books. I’ve also read his introduction to Night Shift. Moreover, I’ve read Danse Macabre, so I’ve read his piece on horror fiction. Oh, and a story from Everything’s Eventual - In the Death Room - is included in here too. And guess what? I’ve read that one before as well!

So technically I had already encountered maybe 60% of this book before. But for me, it was worth it for the other 40%. I love when King talks about his writing process or his books, and there are a few little speeches or Q&As included in here that just had me fangirling to the max.

There was also a novella titled The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet which was pretty good, if a little long-winded, and weirdly reminded me of the novella Rat in If It Bleeds. But hey, guess what, during my research I found that it’s actually in Skeleton Crew - one of the few Kings I haven’t read yet!

But Secret Windows is worth it for the typical King anecdotes. There’s an essay entitled “Great Hookers I Have Known” where he discusses great opening lines. He mentions that all of his kids are writers, but he thinks Joe will grow up to be the one who makes a living from it, and I enjoyed seeing that that was his prediction, even back in 1987 (this year is my approximation as Owen was 10 years old!).

Not one I’d recommend for a casual King fan, but worth a place on any die-hard Constant Reader’s shelf. 3.5 stars.

I did enjoy this work well enough. In fact, there are a good amount of hidden gems within it. It's truly remarkable how many interesting and valuable insights can be found. I think the reason it didn't receive a higher score might be due to my own expectations and perhaps comparing it too closely to On Writing. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that it's a really good read. There is a ton of variety throughout the pages, which keeps the reader engaged and interested. It offers different perspectives, writing styles, and techniques. Whether you're a seasoned writer looking for new inspiration or a beginner eager to learn, this work has something to offer. It's definitely worth taking the time to explore and discover the hidden treasures it holds.

This is clearly the companion guide to On Writing, Stephen King's unique blend of autobiography and instructional manual.

It includes examples of Stephen King's fictional works, along with essays on the art of writing, on being a writer, and on the horror genre in general.

What I found captivating was King's remarks on the writing business. He provides details that most people tend to overlook, such as the financial aspect and the paperback vs. hardback dynamics. His essays also showcase his intelligence. Obviously, he is brilliant; otherwise, he wouldn't write so proficiently. However, I think people often view him as a sensationalist. All too often, people reduce his work to his gimmicks, his skill with plot twists and red herrings. He even discusses being profiled as a "horror writer." Maybe this is one of those cases where his works will be seriously analyzed posthumously in a Shelley-esque manner, but it's also easy to forget that our preconceived image of a horror writer doesn't represent Stephen King's true personality. He demonstrates a thorough discernment when he dissects other writers and some of his own work, making thoughtful comments that make me consider writing a thesis on these works. Maybe it's the English teacher in him; I believe all writers have a touch of that. But you just know that this is the person you want in your book club. He's the one who inspires ideas and responses.

So, this book reveals a bit more about the man behind the mask and some of the secrets of navigating the publication industry. It has a rather lengthy foreword by Peter Straub, and there isn't really a coherent connection between any of the pieces. It's sort of like someone just took some Stephen King materials that all related to the same thing, put them in the order of publication (I think, but don't quote me on this), and stapled them together. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does make it a little more difficult to read, and everything seems a bit drier.