Stephen King’s Advice to Writers

Stephen King is one of my favorite writers of all time. Known as a modern day Alfred Hitchcock, his books Carrie, The Shining, Misery, Cujo and The Dead Zone have all inspired me to be a writer.

I find it fascinating that as an author he can find just the right words to scare someone (and wow can I get scared) from reading. Think about it, no costumes, no scenery, no props, no music, just words. To me, that is talent!

When asked why he writes, Stephen King said, “The answer to that is fairly simple, there was nothing else I was made to do. I was made to write stories and I love to write stories. That’s why I do it. I really can’t imagine doing anything else and I can’t imagine not doing what I do.” He is also often asked why he writes such terrifying stories and he answers with another question “Why do you assume I have a choice?”

According to http://www.thedailybeast.com, as of this month, Stephen King will begin writing a comic series called American Vampire. This will be his first venture into comics, and I’m excited to check it out.

I found this video from a speech he made at Yale University in 2003. It is only a little over one minute long but it is full of inspiration. Stephen King gives two pieces of advice to people considering a career as a writer:

1. Read a lot, period.
2. Write a lot, to develop a style.

He talks about “the magic moment” that every aspiring writer goes through. You want to be a better writer and a better blogger? Watch this!