Pastime With Books: On Writing … not like Stephen King

On Writing … not like Stephen King

by: Jessica Bell

There’s nothing wrong with Stephen King—in fact, in the long list of successful, commercial authors I’d love to be, he’s right up near the top. But let’s face it: there’s only ONE Stephen King.

There is something you and me have in common with him, though: a love of writing.

If you’ve read On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, you know Stephen King’s publishing journey is sautéed with trial and error, drizzled with rejection and doubt, and spiced with addiction. Any of that sound familiar? Switch out the ingredients and cooking adjectives (Burned? Charred? Flambéed?) and you’ll likely wind up with a slightly different recipe that describes every author’s individual journey of the craft.

Individual.

Journey.

Of the craft.

Stephen is first and foremost a storyteller, but sprinkled between the pages of his memoir are important notes about the tools of our trade—whether you’re an Indie author, a NY Times bestselling novelist, or just starting out in your career. We can all learn from him. The use of dialogue tags and description. Why specificity matters. The role of the Ideal Reader (IR). Self-editing advice. It’s all great stuff.

But what takes it from great to outstanding is how YOU apply it. Stephen King’s road to publishing will not be the same road you travel. Your potholes will be different than his, your obstacles unique.

After all, there is only ONE you.

Each of the authors featured in Indiedestructible have travelled their own publishing road. Along the way, they’ve dodged small press and self-publishing pitfalls, navigated sharp publishing trend curves, and eventually, crossed the finish line to publication

Even the King of Horror would concede: this industry ain’t easy.

The essays in Indiedestructible—mine included—won’t make it any easier, but hopefully, they will give you inspiration and hope, and maybe, if you take time to smell the roses along the highway, they will provide you with a unique perspective on writing, and the motivation to continue on your own individual journey of the craft.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE INDIESTRUCTIBLE

100% of proceeds will be donated to BUILDON.org, a movement which breaks the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectations through service and education.

Contributing authors:

Alex J. Cavanaugh <> Angela Brown <> Anne R. Allen <> Briane Pagel <> C.S. Lakin <> Ciara Knight <> Cindy M. Hogan <> D. Robert Pease <> Dawn Ius <> Emily White <> Greg Metcalf <> Jadie Jones <> Jessica Bell <> Karen Bass <> Karen Walker <> Kristie Cook <> Laura Diamond <> Laura Pauling <> Laurel Garver <> Leigh Talbert Moore <> Lori Robinson <> Melissa Foster <> Michael Offutt <> Michelle Davidson Argyle <> Rick Daley <> Roz Morris <> S.R. Johannes <> Stephen Tremp <> Susan Kaye Quinn

About Dawn Ius:

Dawn Ius is a short story author, novelist, screenwriter, professional editor and communications specialist. She is the co-publishing editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal, an active member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) Association and the author of four educational graphic novels published by the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. Dawn also writes adult thriller and paranormal suspense, and in 2012, one of her as-yet-unpublished novels was optioned for development of a TV show. When she’s not slaying fictional monsters, she’s most likely spooking her husband, Jeff and their two mischievous dogs: Jynx and Roarke.

Dawn also writes young adult paranormal fiction under the last name DALTON. Her short story, THREAD OF THE PAST was one of 13 haunting tales in the SPIRITED anthology published by Leap Books (2012). KILLER’S INSTINCT, a paranormal YA novel co-written with Judith Graves, launches in late 2013, also from Leap Books. Check out Dawn Dalton’s blog.