Stephen King and I
by Sally Berneathy
A couple of weeks ago one of my local writers’ groups went to
see Stephen King in person. I’ve been hooked on his books since The Shining in 1977. I got the book in
the mail from my book club just before my husband-at-the-time and I went on
vacation. Of course I took it along. I never want to be caught bookless. During
that trip I spent more time with Stephen King than with my future-ex-husband. I
made the right choice. That ex is long gone, but I still enjoy spending time
with Stephen King.
When I heard he was coming to town, I was a little dubious
about seeing the wizard behind the curtain. I am pleased to report that the
reality is every bit as wonderful as the fiction. Who knew someone who writes
about such dark subjects could be so funny and charming?
about seeing the wizard behind the curtain. I am pleased to report that the
reality is every bit as wonderful as the fiction. Who knew someone who writes
about such dark subjects could be so funny and charming?
Though his talk was geared toward readers, as a writer I got
a lot beyond the entertainment. His comments about his writing process
validated my own process.
a lot beyond the entertainment. His comments about his writing process
validated my own process.
He said every book begins, of course, with an idea. That
idea is the best one he’s ever had. The new book will be the best book he’s
ever written, maybe the best book anybody has ever written. Then he begins the
writing process and along about the third or fourth chapter realizes it is the
worst book he’s ever written, maybe the worst book anybody’s ever written. But
he continues to labor, cranking out the pages until the misbegotten book is
finished. Finally, after four to six months of writing, he puts the book in a
drawer and leaves it for a few weeks. Then he goes back to begin revisions…and
wonders who put all that good stuff in there!
idea is the best one he’s ever had. The new book will be the best book he’s
ever written, maybe the best book anybody has ever written. Then he begins the
writing process and along about the third or fourth chapter realizes it is the
worst book he’s ever written, maybe the worst book anybody’s ever written. But
he continues to labor, cranking out the pages until the misbegotten book is
finished. Finally, after four to six months of writing, he puts the book in a
drawer and leaves it for a few weeks. Then he goes back to begin revisions…and
wonders who put all that good stuff in there!
I finished Fatal Chocolate Obsession, my fifth book in the
Death by Chocolate series, four days before attending King’s presentation. The excitement,
self-doubt, trauma and exhaustion of creating that book were still fresh in my
mind, and I could totally identify with what he said.
Death by Chocolate series, four days before attending King’s presentation. The excitement,
self-doubt, trauma and exhaustion of creating that book were still fresh in my
mind, and I could totally identify with what he said.
Once I get past the initial luminous idea and start creating
the bones of the book, I realize it’s a terrible book and I have no idea what
possessed me to try to write it. Fortunately, two things keep me plodding
along: My critique group assures me the book is not horrible, and I have a history
of going through the same traumatic process for twenty-three books (twenty-five
if you count the two that never sold but we don’t want to talk about them).
the bones of the book, I realize it’s a terrible book and I have no idea what
possessed me to try to write it. Fortunately, two things keep me plodding
along: My critique group assures me the book is not horrible, and I have a history
of going through the same traumatic process for twenty-three books (twenty-five
if you count the two that never sold but we don’t want to talk about them).
Do I love to write? Absolutely! It’s all I’ve ever wanted to
do.
do.
Is it difficult? Absolutely! I’ve been a legal secretary,
paralegal, real estate agent, and computer programmer. Writing novels is the
hardest thing I’ve ever done. Well, getting rid of the most recent ex was right
up there in difficulty, but that nightmare wasn’t fun. Despite the difficulties,
meltdowns and hair pulling, writing is also the most fun of anything I’ve ever
done.
paralegal, real estate agent, and computer programmer. Writing novels is the
hardest thing I’ve ever done. Well, getting rid of the most recent ex was right
up there in difficulty, but that nightmare wasn’t fun. Despite the difficulties,
meltdowns and hair pulling, writing is also the most fun of anything I’ve ever
done.
Knowing that Stephen King shares my trauma may make my next
process of “It’s wonderful; it sucks; I can’t write this; I have to write this;
will this stupid book never end?” a little easier. Or not. But at least I will know I’m in the best company!
process of “It’s wonderful; it sucks; I can’t write this; I have to write this;
will this stupid book never end?” a little easier. Or not. But at least I will know I’m in the best company!
Thank God for those wise critique partners!
I too go from bright, shiny, brilliant idea to this-is-drivel in the course of chapters. For me everything turns south around chapter 8. That's the fun stops and the thinking begins. Bleh.
So glad you soldier through the doubts. I love Lindsay and can't wait to read Amanda's next adventure!
Thank you, Julie, wise critique partner! Yes, we have to help each other slog through the dreaded/dreadful middles!
Good one.
Thank you, Pam!
Your books are wonderful Sally and is Stephen King's! I have doubts every day about being able to write a good book. I guess that's just a part of being a writer. I enjoyed reading about your doubts and Stephen Kings. Thanks for sharing!
What a wonderful post. You're a terrific writer and an inspiration to us all. If Stephen King has doubts, then there's hope for the rest of us. Happy Thanksgiving!
What a fun experience. So, you learned Stephen King is human. Enjoyed this.
I am glad you wrote about Mr. King's talk. He is one writer I've never gotten near, geographically speaking, and I have seen so many others. I have watched him on TV, even on the PBS program that delves into participants' ancestors. That was fascinating. Anyway, I digress. Thank you for this most interesting post.