Somewhat disappointing.

It is a collection of things, and most of them are from elsewhere.

The long piece in the middle, which takes up a significant portion of the book, is actually from "Danse Macabre" and seems to fit better in that context.

The whole collection appears to be disjointed and random.

If you have a passion for reading everything that Stephen King has written, just like I do, then this might be worth adding to your reading list.

However, if you are not such a die-hard fan, I don't think it would be of much value.

Perhaps it could have been more cohesive and engaging if the editor had made a better selection and arrangement of the materials.

As it stands now, it feels more like a hodgepodge of ideas and stories that don't quite come together to form a satisfying whole.

Overall, it's a bit of a letdown, especially considering the high expectations one might have for a Stephen King-related publication.

It's really very cool. I found that more than half of it I had read before, but there was still a significant amount that I hadn't. The way it is put together is very nice. It's quite intriguing, especially the part about the old submission stuff. Oh, how things have changed!

Looking back at those old submissions, it's like taking a trip down memory lane. It makes me think about how much the world has evolved in various aspects. The methods, the technologies, and even the mindset have all gone through tremendous transformations.

This article not only provides interesting content but also serves as a reminder of the passage of time and the progress we have made. It's fascinating to see the contrast between the old and the new, and it makes me wonder what the future holds. Overall, it's a great read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

When I presented my dad with the copy of Blockade Billy that I had purchased upon its initial release, this diminutive $14 hardcover containing two short stories, he snorted and remarked, "That appears to be a sort of cleaning-out-the-drawer book."

Secret Windows is in the same vein.

This collection is more geared towards the King completionist rather than the aspiring writer seeking sound advice. Peter Straub refers to it as a companion book to On Writing in the introduction, which is highly misleading. There was no epiphany moment as I had while reading On Writing. This is a compilation of a few essays, padded with introductions from other books and interviews from events where King has spoken. Over 100 pages of this are from a section of Danse Macabre, which I skipped as I desire to read that book in its entirety rather than a portion here and the remainder later. Moreover, most of the interviews I had already perused in another nonfiction book, Bare Bones: Conversations with Stephen King. Omitting those and the 100 pages of Danse Macabre left very little new content, although I mostly relished what little there was.

Secret Windows was not, strictly speaking, a bad book. As a King collector, I am glad to have it on my shelves, yet I cannot help but feel a certain degree of disappointment.

If you haven't read the interviews or the transcribed talks, you will likely derive more value from this than I did.

3/5

Here and there, one can find helpful bits of advice to improve their writing.

Interestingly, a significant portion of this advice often addresses the horror genre.

And when it comes to the horror genre, it's impossible not to mention Steven King.

Steven King is a literary giant in the horror world, known for his ability to create spine-tingling stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

His works have inspired countless aspiring writers and have set a high standard for the genre.

By studying King's writing techniques, one can learn a great deal about building suspense, creating believable characters, and crafting vivid and terrifying settings.

Whether you're a seasoned writer looking to add a touch of horror to your work or a beginner just starting out, taking inspiration from Steven King can be a valuable step in improving your writing skills.

So, if you're serious about becoming a better writer, don't overlook the wealth of advice and inspiration that can be found in the horror genre, especially from the master himself, Steven King.

IT WAS ALRIGHT

At first glance, the statement "IT WAS ALRIGHT" might seem rather simple and unassuming. But upon closer inspection, it holds a certain ambiguity. What exactly was "alright"? Was it a situation, an experience, or perhaps a feeling? It could mean that things were not perfect, but they were acceptable. Maybe there were some challenges or difficulties along the way, but in the end, it all worked out.

It could also imply a sense of resignation or contentment. That even though things could have been better, the person is satisfied with the outcome. Or perhaps it was a momentary assessment, and the true nature of the situation will become clearer with time.

In any case, "IT WAS ALRIGHT" leaves room for interpretation and speculation. It makes us wonder about the details and the context that led to this conclusion. It's a phrase that can mean different things to different people, depending on their perspective and experiences.

This companion book to On Writing is truly a remarkable piece.

It commences with a great introduction penned by Peter Straub, which sets the tone for the entire volume.

Inside, one can find King's speeches and interviews, providing a rare glimpse into his thoughts and ideas.

His \\"Horror Fiction\\" piece from Danse Macabre is also included, adding depth and substance to the collection.

Moreover, there is a plethora of discussion about other authors and books of note, making it a treasure trove for literature enthusiasts.

Overall, it is an absolute delight to \\"listen\\" to King talk about what he loves doing best.

So, go ahead and enjoy this wonderful companion book!

Excellent!

I had, of course, read a couple of the reprinted introductions. However, that didn't stop me from devouring the book.

The moment I started reading, I was completely hooked.

Hearing master craftsmen talk about their trade is simply utterly fascinating.

It's like opening a door to a whole new world of knowledge and expertise.

Their stories, experiences, and insights are like precious gems that I couldn't get enough of.

Each page was filled with valuable information that I eagerly absorbed.

I found myself completely immersed in the book, forgetting about everything else around me.

It was truly a captivating read that left me with a deep appreciation for the art and skill of these master craftsmen.

I can't wait to share this book with others and spread the word about its awesomeness.

As usual, this was truly and completely worth reading.

Some of the content I had already heard or read before, yet it was still great fun to read it again. This is because King is always so highly entertaining. His dry and wry humor never fails to amuse me. Even though at times I wonder about the authenticity of his humility.

Clearly, he is an extremely intelligent person, but he often presents himself in a kind of "aw shucks" manner.

There were a couple of short stories within that I had never read before, and they were really good fun. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the forward written by King's friend and co-author, Peter Straub.

It added an extra layer of interest and context to the overall reading experience.

Overall, it was a great read that I would highly recommend to others.

A Book of the Month Club exclusive, Secret Window, subtitled Essays and Fiction about the Craft of Writing, is published as a companion to On Writing.

It includes a lengthy excerpt from Danse Macabre titled “On Horror Fiction”. There are also transcripts of various lectures and interviews. The prefatory material consists of introductions to his collections Night Shift & Four Past Midnight, as well as John Fowles’s The Collector and Jack Ketchum’s brutal yet effective The Girl Next Door.

King’s short story “The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet” is about a one-time literary star’s descent into madness. Additionally, the book features two early King stories that he wrote when he was only twelve. This collection offers a comprehensive look into King’s thoughts and works related to the craft of writing, providing readers with valuable insights and entertaining fiction.

It is a must-read for fans of King and those interested in the art of writing.

I have a great passion for picking King's brain. It is always interesting and entertaining.

I breezed right through this as I had already read numerous essays, forewords, and shorts in other places.

King's works are like a treasure trove of knowledge and imagination. His writing style is engaging and captivating, making it a joy to explore his ideas.

Even though I had come across some of the content before, it was still enjoyable to revisit and gain a deeper understanding.

Picking King's brain allows me to expand my own intellectual horizons and be inspired by his creativity.

It's like having a conversation with a brilliant mind, and I always look forward to these opportunities.

I can't wait to see what else King has in store for us in the future.

His works continue to be a source of inspiration and entertainment for me and many others.

I recently purchased both this and King's "On Writing".

I have an inkling that I will relish the latter to a much greater extent. King possesses a charming and personable style that I have always been fond of, and I'm not even an avid King reader.

I have read "Misery", the initial two books of "The Dark Tower" series, "The Stand", and "Under the Dome".

No matter which character it was, it seemed as if I knew them and they knew me.

I awarded it two stars because although it is extremely approachable, I felt that I grasped the essence of the writing lessons within the first few chapters.

This is understandable as many of the chapters cover the same ground, and in the interviews, numerous questions are repetitive.

In particular, "The Horror Market Writer and the Ten Bears" and "On Becoming a Brand Name" should be compulsory reading for anyone intrigued by creative writing.

If you are a die-hard King fan, I believe you will enjoy it tremendously.

Secret Windows was sometimes a bit long-winded. Before starting this, I expected a disjointed read mainly because it consists of numerous introductions from various books over many years.

Here. Now I have a sentence that is a bit long-winded. See? I learned something!

Actually, I did gain quite a few insights for my own writing endeavors. Although I'm a bit stalled at the moment, I know my own stories will profit from uncovering a bit of what makes Stephen King tick... or scream.

The book offers a unique perspective on King's writing process and the inspiration behind his works. It's interesting to see how he approaches different genres and themes.

Overall, Secret Windows is a valuable read for any aspiring writer or Stephen King fan. It provides a wealth of information and ideas that can help to improve one's writing skills.

Even though it may have its flaws, such as being a bit long at times, the insights and knowledge gained from reading it make it well worth the effort.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the world of writing or Stephen King's works.