Lessons for Writing

When a person wants to learn to do something better, who better to learn from than a master? There are many writers who have been successful, but in our time there are few who are as successful and recognizable as horror writer Stephen King. In 2000, King published a book on writing called On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft a book that explains how King writes and how writing works. Although students who are enrolled in college essay writing classes are not taking these classes to become a professional writer like Stephen King, they are usually hoping to improve their existing writing, reading and thinking skills. Students in an EAC150 college essay writing class could learn the importance of having discipline, diligence and the right attitude from reading King's "What Writing Is."

​The first point that students in a college writing class can use from King's work is to learn how to be disciplined. On a simple level being disciplined means to do something regularly. Writing, as the authors state in the Prologue of Moving Beyond the Page, is not a skill one is born with but something learned that one needs to practice regularly in order to keep the skill sharp and/or improve upon it. King explains his own dedication and discipline when he writes about writing and reading. For example, King explains he regularly goes to specific place in his home and then to a place in his mind, his "far seeing place", in order to "transmit" messages or to write. He even tells his readers they should find such a place that works for them. On a deeper level, being disciplined means creating a kind of mental state in which a person controls his or her behavior. King too is able to put aside ordinary worries and concerns, such as his eye trouble and his wife feeling unwell, to focus on his craft. Students can learn how to be disciplined in the same way. Students also have worries: work from multiple classes, as well as the demands of work, home, and family life. And yet students, much like King does, must find that place in order to focus themselves and get to the task at hand, be it reading or writing.

​Next, students in a college essay writing class can learn to be diligent. Diligence is something different from dedication. To be diligent is to show persistence in terms of engaging in a consistent effort and strong work ethic. King shows consistence in his bevaiour when he states he takes a book "wherever" he goes (119). He explains this is his escape from waiting in ordinary places and boredom taking over, but it is really about King using every spare moment in his life not just to entertain himself but to learn and improve his mind. Reading is what students need to do to improve their writing and making the best use of time by reading helps students improve the speed of their reading, their vocabulary, spelling, and improving on the telepathic practice of transmitting and receiving messages King writes about. And a student does not only need to best use his or her freetime, but also be dedicated to practicing this consistently over time. For instance, showing dedication and energy towards assignments that are for marks but not putting any effort towards other work, such as doing additional readings or working on homework that will not necessarily be checked, is not diligent. King himself was most successful because he is constantly and consistently at work on his craft.

Finally, and most importantly, writing students can learn about having the right attitude from King's