“I believe plotting and the spontaneity of real creation aren’t compatible. It’s best that I be as clear about this as I can–I want you to understand that my basic belief about the making of stories is that they pretty much make themselves. The job of the writer is to give them a place to grow (and to transcribe them, of course).” (Stephen King, On Writing)
Stephen King signature. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I have spent the past few days reading Stephen King’s On Writing at the recommendation of my instructor/guide through this book journey that I have begun. On Writing has been on my list, but I never really pursued it because I don’t always love King’s writing. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve read several of his books and been drawn in and terrified, but he also has written a few that I’ve started and just cannot finish (and for a while I was the person who had to finish every book I ever started). However, based on my instructor’s recommendation, I plunged into this book which is combination memoir and writing guide only to discover a kindred spirit in terms of King’s approach to writing.
He has opened the door to possibilities for me.
When I signed up for this writing course I was hesitant, because I knew from the outset that there would be a heavy emphasis on plotting and outlining. Not that I am against those things, exactly, but I struggle with working on any piece of writing based off of an outline. Much of my best writing comes when I sit at the keyboard and just write, letting the characters or the subject guide me. I’m not saying that my writing is perfect, and this method often requires multiple edits, but for me the initial burst of language gets me further than careful plotting and planning. Sometimes, when I plot and plan, I find myself stuck trying to get from point A to point B to point Z in an organic way. Please understand that I am not criticizing writers who approach material this way, because every writer needs to find the method that works best for him/her, but I struggle sometimes maybe because I am not completely sure where my story is heading.
After reading King, I feel much better about allowing my characters to tell me the story as they live it, rather than forcing the story into some sort of manufactured shape.How this will play out in the coming months while I work my way through this course is yet to be seen, but I feel like I have been given permission to follow my own instincts as an artist, and that is a gift.
As a theatre director, I work very organically, by coming up with a general concept for a production (and having an end goal in mind) but allowing and trusting my actors and designers to find the natural way to the end point. In many ways, it seems, my approach to writing and to theatre reflect on each other. I can only create the way instinct tells me to create.
Opening scene from the production of Caryl Churchill's Cloud 9 directed by me at Castleton State College
I feel like I’ve been given permission to . . .
- close the door and write a “shitty first draft” (I know that is not from King. King advocates that the first draft be for the writer, and the second draft be for the reader).
- allow the story to tell itself
- provide only enough description to spark the reader’s imagination
- write with honesty, even characters who scare me because they are so different from me
- write the story first, and then figure out its meaning
- write the story I want to and need to write, and not worry about whether or not it will ever be published.
- and to relish the journey of writing magic
“Writing is magic, as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free. So drink.
Drink and be filled up.” (Stephen King, On Writing)
What words do you need to read/hear to inspire you to just write? What is your approach to writing?
Apr 09, 2012 @ 09:16:56
I’m so glad you’ve decided to take this course. I think it’s going to be a wonderful journey for you.
I need to get my half-read copy of “On Writing” off the shelf, dust it off, and start reading it again.
Thanks.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 09:18:50
Definitely, you have to get into the second part where he actually discusses writing. I mean, his story is fascinating, but his honesty is even more refreshing.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 09:32:21
Lisa,
Thanks so much for sharing this part of your journey!
In many ways, I think the analogy between theatre and writing is wonderful: much like with a production, allowing the characters to help tell their own story (much as actors and production crew do) has always been helpful to me, and – honestly – my preferred way of writing. I do plot a story and have a rough outline set out on paper, but I also enjoy the freedom of freely-flowing words as I write or type.
Plus, it’s so nice to hear that I’m not the only one who gets second thoughts that I’m not doing things the “right” (write?) way!
I hope that this course offers you more insight into your work.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 10:31:31
I don’t believe there is any right way (or write way) there is just the way that works for you as an individual.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 09:42:27
Sometimes, I feel like I am possessed when I’m writing. The characters just come in and do what they want, and I read it at the end and often say, “Seriously? THAT’S what you want to do???”
By my novel’s third draft, I had scenes that I could organize along a story arc, and I used a chalk board to plot that stuff out so that I could stare at it, erase and rearrange. I never did an outline (and I’m on draft six for my pre-editor.) It does take more revision to write this way, that’s true. But, I never feel like my characters CAN’T do something they really want to do. I may read it at the end and toss it, because what they wanted to do didn’t work, but I gave them voice to try.
You and I have talked about this before, but I do harken my writing back to acting. I always liked the director who would let me chew the scenery and then pull me back to where I needed to be to make the performance real. It was always hard for me to be vulnerable in front of a room full of people, and I had to push myself to take those risks. My characters need the same latitude from me on the page, and, for much of it, I’m the only one who will ever see them stumble. It helps me get to know them, to make them believable.
I’ll have to look for that book. I did try to cut adverbs from my writing at the behest of King. I still throw in one here and there, but I’m better.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 10:30:41
I definitely believe theatre guides my writing just as my writing and thinking guides how I approach a production. I just have to figure out what that means for me as an artist, but I am slowly getting there.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 09:58:05
I think King misunderstands plotting the way a lot of people misunderstand outlining. Neither one commits you to a set path. My last novel was my most heavily plotted, mainly because I was writing it for NaNoWriMo and simply wouldn’t have the time to wander all over, hoping that my characters would find their own path. But the notes and rough outline I developed were a *guide* from which the characters and the plot could deviate at any time. More important, if those deviations fit with the preplanned plot, it was there to come back to fairly easily.
The truth is that some writers are able to carry out a complex plot without any preplanning and some aren’t. I’m one of those who can’t, but in no way has that preplanning interefered with the creative aspects of writing, discovering new facets of my characters and new twists to the plot.
A final note is that most advice from professional writers is based on their own experience, which doesn’t make it universally true.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 10:28:29
Catana,
Just to clarify, I’m not totally against plotting, and I do sort of lay things out, but sometimes I struggle with this task because I’m not sure where my story is heading. I think I work best in a happy medium of the two, letting my characters explore until I find that arch. It’s kind of like my approach to theatre. I also recognize that sometimes King’s writing wanders too much for my taste, and his plots are too complex. I think what I enjoyed is the permission to figure out what works best for me and go for it, just like I think any writer should. When I teach writing (mostly research writing and composition) I can guide my students to find their best approach, but it is harder to do this for myself. Go figure.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 10:46:37
I agree about flexibility and working it out for yourself. I’ve noticed, though, that advice from professionals like King tends to be taken by new writers as *the* way to do something. It really isn’t that easy to find exactly the right path for yourself. It’s taken me a long time to do that, and I find that I don’t always use the same method. My general approach seems to be working out to: plot heavily for novels, and just let ‘er rip for short stories. Still experimenting, though.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 10:48:23
LOL, I think my life is a continuous experiment in figuring out how to make it all work.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 10:52:27
That’s true of mine, too. But it makes life much more interesting. Of course, there are days when the last thing I want is “interesting.”
Apr 09, 2012 @ 10:26:35
Such an interesting post — although I’ve never read one of his novels (started one, but just not my cup of tea), I read this book and found parts of it so helpful, too. And more: fascinating because I always love to read about how other writers do their work. And it’s the same reason I find this post so interesting. I am more of a planner, although I do think of myself as somewhere in the middle of the scale…. we each have to find out what works best for ourselves. Sounds like a great class!
Apr 09, 2012 @ 10:34:31
I think I am somewhere in the happy medium too. Sometimes I feel like I am blindly stumbling along but then I suddenly know where I am going, and that is exciting too.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 10:26:44
I’m not a big fan of writing books because I don’t believe that what works for one person will work for others, and I’m cynical enough to believe that if someone could write, they’d write and not tell others how to write. But there was one old book I read called “If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit” by Brenda Ueland that I liked and this quote from the book moved me: “Work freely and rollickingly as though you were talking to a friend who loves you. Mentally (at least three or four times a day) thumb your nose at all know-it-alls, jeerers, critics, doubters.”
Apr 09, 2012 @ 10:33:18
I absolutely love that quote, Michael! Thank you so much for posting it here. I find some writing books useful in just giving suggestions that can spark my writing, but I know what you mean. I think I learn more simply reading good writing than reading books about writing.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 10:58:36
I loved Mr. King’s book, too. For my sensibilities, I learned a lot from Walter Mosley’s book, “This Year You Write Your Novel.” I love the part where he explains how an appreciation of poetry can help a writer of prose bring more richness into their work. Mosley’s book is a slim volume, but it’s got a lot of info and it hits the main points.
As for my approach to writing, lately I’ve been trying to find a balance between ‘poetry’ and clarity. How can I write a scene in my own way, in a new way, and in a way that makes my characters and their motivations understood by the widest audience? And when is the simplest way the best way to get all that done? These are the questions I keep asking myself.
I realize that a lot of writers need to work on silencing their inner critic and simply writing down the words. I work best when I edit a lot as I go along. When I don’t do that, I get frustrated and overwhelmed. I guess there may be as many approaches to writing as there are writers.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 11:42:58
“Some stories wait their turn to be told, others just tap you on the shoulder and insist you tell them.” ~ Michael Scott Page
One of my favorite Stephen King quotes:
“Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid or making friends. In the end it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life as well. It’s about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting Happy, okay? Getting happy.” ~ Stephen King
And Brenda Ueland’s book is worth a quick read . . . If You Want To Write.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 11:45:55
I liked that King quote. I like all the quotes actually. I love the image of a story tapping me on the shoulder. Thanks, Nancy.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 13:37:59
Sounds very inspirational. So often when I sit down to write it feels like plugging into something larger that is actually doing the writing. About two weeks ago things have changed for me and now–for the first time in ages–I’m having trouble plugging into that Universal Writer. Maybe I need to read that book!
Apr 09, 2012 @ 13:41:46
I think the connection ebbs and flows. Give it time and you will reconnect, I’m sure.
Apr 09, 2012 @ 15:12:14
I’m happy to hear you find King’s book helpful. I’ve not read it–even though we have it in our library. Like you, I’ve not been a huge fan of King’s fiction–but maybe I, too, need to read the book. As you know, I’m feeling kind of blocked right now.
Hugs,
Kathy
Apr 09, 2012 @ 15:14:49
Can’t hurt. He doesn’t provide much in the way of exercises or anything like that, though. Maybe you should revisit Writing Down the Bones.
Apr 10, 2012 @ 07:02:39
I agree, you have to write how you want to write, what works best for you. Some plan, others just write. I don’t think there’s a right or a wrong way to do it. Good luck!
Apr 10, 2012 @ 07:48:53
Which works best for you?
Apr 10, 2012 @ 08:51:41
A bit of both. My last ms I wrote with no plan but I had criticism about the plot and the one I’m working on now I have a basic outline of key events I want to include and the ending, which has helped me focus more on plot. We shall see if it pays off though
Apr 10, 2012 @ 10:26:28
I got a lot out of the book as well. i took his writing challenge and had fun with it (it’s posted on Tale Spinning) and his actual words ON writing were inspiring.
The thing that struck me the most was the statement: “Don’t be afraid to kill your babies.” I’ve used that in my projects since for editing and working with others editing.
Apr 10, 2012 @ 10:28:39
I like that too. I also like his guidelines about editing, suggesting that the second draft should be 10% less than the first. I am going to keep that in mind, if I ever get to that point.
I was tempted to take his writing challenge, but I have too many projects floating around my head at the moment, and I need to focus.
Apr 10, 2012 @ 18:32:31
It’s been a while since I read “On Writing” & I think I will have to open it again since I am doing much more writing now & refresh my memory. I love Stephen King. I always have & I think it’s because of his character development. By the time I finish one of his books I always feel I know his characters thoroughly. Sometimes I re-read a book just paying attention to the way he develops a particular character. Glad you found his book helpful Lisa, I think the more we learn about writing the more we can find what fits us best!
Apr 10, 2012 @ 21:07:25
I might have to revisit his fiction now.
Apr 11, 2012 @ 21:12:52
Great post–you have nudged me to re-read this book. I read it once, a long time ago, and like all writing advice books, I take what I like and leave the rest. Sounds like you got a great boost of inspiration from his book and that’s all we really need out of someone else’s experiences. Whether or not their methods are the right ones for us isn’t what is important, and I can tell you already know this.
I’m glad to hear the boundless joy in your words!
Apr 11, 2012 @ 21:34:47
I definitely didn’t agree with everything he wrote, but it was helpful to see someone who approached things a little differently than other writing advice books I have read.
Apr 11, 2012 @ 21:58:46
I am not a writer but have read this book because I think Stephen King is one of the great writers of this generation. There are masterpieces wihin his collection. I read him for the character studies and the people that come to life who are like me or who I love to hate or who I would like to be like. I learn a lesson everytime I read one of his books. “On Writing” spoke to me, the artist, even though what I do is draw and paint, not write.
I learn technique in painting and drawing so I can understand my brush or pencil and what my hand can do with practice. I truly create when those skills meet my sense of freedom and they soar together with a mind for nothing but the creation. I assume it may be the same for a writer. But yes, this book was even an interesting read for a painter. Good post.
Apr 12, 2012 @ 08:09:29
While I know my strength is in words, I consider myself an artist in many ways, who tries to follow the creative urge wherever it brings me. In a way, I can see how King’s thoughts apply to all art, because he focuses on Story, and art (whether visual, dance, theatre, music, etc.) is in so many ways the communication of story.