I have been meaning to read On Writing for years. And now I can say I finally have. Steven King is an amazing writer. I devoured him when I was in middle school (when the horror on his page was easier to understand than the horror in my own life.) As an adult I have become a wuss and do not read him as much. Although, I do enjoy his more speculative works. Ultimately, I respect his writing ability. 

 

That being said this book does not stack up as well against the test of time. Ironically enough I read another book this month about pronouns. That author calmed that no one would keep saying “he or she” or “himself or herself” because it is clunky. It is clunky, and it is not inclusive, and this book is riddled with gender assumptions. As a non-binary person it was frustrating. I also get that Mr. King is male and so he naturally will use male pronouns for the writer. However, not all writers are male, so to exclusively do so is maddening. 

 

There are also assumptions about writing style. I respect his schedule and am positive that it works for him. However, to suggest that everyone should follow the same one is exclusionary. Every writer I have read about has had a different writing schedule. The important point is to write consistently. I do think Mr. King would agree. I do also agree with him that it is important to love to write. You have to write because you cannot do otherwise. 

 

I am done venting now. This book has a lot of great writing advise. It is also as much an autobiography as a writing book. So, if you are not a writer and love Steven King then you still may really enjoy this book. I am glad I have read it and know I will reference it many times. However, I’m not sure that I would ever read it cover to cover again. 

 

If another revision comes out I would LOVE if the pronouns were updated. And since Mr. King has spoken out about TERF individuals it would be kind of cool if references to them were taken out of the book - even if references to the book themself stay.