on writing

It is high time since I wrote on what I am reading. The primary reason nothing triggered me to write about it. It doesn't mean I ended up in wrong books. Most of them were either competitive or good, but not lingering enough. I read the recent best selling authors earlier works or consecutive works of same author. The first book impresses me and the second one started to show patterns. The only book I didn't finish and left in middle (actually I didn't read even one tenth :) )is Umberto Eco's Baudolino. the book is not compelling enough and also I had some other things to do. I am planning to read The Name of the Rose or Foucault's Pendulum.

The latest reading is 'on Writing' by Stephen King.Through the book Stephen King speaks to the reader about his life instances which groomed him as writer, what he did and how he did? Then he speaks more about what a potential writer shall do and lastly what writing is all about. The greatest strength about the book is it never becomes didactic. The important things he repeats are :
1. Write in active not in passive
2. Avoid adverb
3. Read a LOT and write a LOT. Do them with discipline
4. Don't wait for big story. Keep writing , the story and magical touch will come.
5. Don't bother on symbolism, theme, style , plot bla blas.. first tell the story.. allow the story to grow on its own. It will chose its own theme , style etc..on the course. On a subconscious level you will be telling what you want to tell.
6. Give a break, get back to story now bring in all you needed(theme, allusion etc..) and make sure to reduce the word count at least by 10%.
7. Give to your ideal reader. Get feedback and harness it.

The book is an interesting and must read for any one who thinks about writing.