I heart Stephen King.
Which is kinda weird, because I've never actually read one of his books. I have no idea WHY. I'd think that maybe it was a too-popular snobbery problem, except for that little obsessive period I had back in 7th grade with V.C. Andrews and Sweet Valley High. (I can't believe I'm admitting that!) And I did read BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY (ditto!), so really, I think snobbery is out as an explanation. I think I just haven't.
Anyone want to recommend their favorite King book, in case I want to dip my toes in?
Anyway. I heart him because I'm reading ON WRITING, and bless the man, he has told the truth about writing. He talks about all the things I've tripped over on my own, the things I've gotten excellent advice on over the years, and some things I just need to listen to. It's awesome. I'm so glad I bought a copy, so I can poke into it whenever I want.
Anybody who's having trouble with revisions, OR second-guessing yourself on a first draft, buy it and read Chapter 11. Then put it back down and write. That's what I'm going to do today, freshly inspired and freed from worries. (It's okay that the first draft sucks! I can fix it later! Hooray!)
11 comments:
Rose Madder was a favorite of mine.
Susan,
I cannot believe you've never read a Stephen King. Okay..lemme see.
I think my all-time favs are IT and THE STAND. But there are many good ones to choose from. (g) Unfortunately, I haven't read any of his latest... My uncle says THE CELL is fantabulous, but I can't vouch for it. (g) Yeah...I'd say the two above, though some of his short stories are wonderful, too. Rita Hayworth & The Shawshank Redemption...The Body (Stand by Me), The Langoliers...
Still reeling. LOL. Oh, and I love ON WRITING, too. He cracked me up to no end and I thought his writing advice was blunt and practical.
Happy reading!
Jen
I haven't read Stephen King since highschool. He was recommended to me then, and being completely anal-retentive then, I chose to start reading from the beginning. I do not recommend this, but not because his early work isn't brilliant-- it is-- but because it's horribly inconsistent and you will run up against his early drug/alcohol-induced crap. (He mentions this in On Writing, one of his that I loved!) I got stuck on Misery, which was misery to read. You're much better off doing what you're doing-- asking for recommendations.
I've been meaning to get back to his stuff and one of these days I will.
Books that stand out as greats: Thinner, and Carrie. Also, Christine wasn't too bad. Way better than the movie. And since King is so prolific, catching the movies made from his stories might be a good idea. I loved Stand By Me and The Green Mile.
I picked up On Writing last weekend, but havn't gotten a chance to read it yet...
Now, I can't wait to!
Oooh, thanks for the recs, guys! I can see I have lots to choose from.
Stephen says HIS favorite is THE STAND, but I might read one of the shorter ones first. Will see!
And Lindsay: I have seen STAND BY ME and THE GREEN MILE, as well as THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. Liked all of them. So what's my problem with not reading the books? {g}
Enjoy it, Julie! I know you will.
Oh, Shawshank! I forgot that one. Loved it too!
I haven't read The Stand, but I hear it touted as a lot of people's favourite King book. I'll have to put this one on my list.
I also want to read Joe Hill's book. Have you read that one yet?
Lindsay:
Nope, haven't read Joe Hill's. So many books to read...
_Lurve_ The Stand, but also The Shining, It (although I actually had to throw the book out so I wouldn't read it again - it freaked me out too much). And actually, Insomnia, which wasn't so much bone-chilling as just a really good idea, well told.
J
Julie:
Freaked you out too much? Uh-oh. One of Dean Koontz's did that with me.
Thanks for the recs!
Enjoyed The Stand. Really liked most of It...I didn't think the end was as good as the rest of the book.
And On Writing is currently near the top of my TBR pile. Might have to bump it up for a burst of motivation. Thanks!
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