Good lines: on writing

 

    " ... books are a uniquely portable magic."

    "Reading is the creative centre of a writer's life."

    " ... there is a huge difference between story and plot. Story is honourable and trustworthy; plot is shifty, and best kept under house arrest."

    "The leisurely luxury-liner experience of a long, absorbing novel like The Far Pavilions or A Suitable Boy has been one of the form's chief attractions since [Clarissa and the like]. I believe each story should be allowed to unfold at its own pace, and that pace is not always double time."

    "The scariest moment is always just before you start."

    "Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference."

    Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Comments

[Fran H-B]

Some gems here. Certainly makes me want to read more of this…. off to the library I go!

[Cornflower]

I found it rather a mixed bag. It's billed as one as the best books on writing there is, and certainly contains what I'd judge to be sound advice, but it's quite discursive, sometimes crude, and on balance, left me a bit underwhelmed.