On Writing #6

      1 more day of reading On Writing and I will be DONE!!!! I have to admit, I'm proud of myself :) Well, it looks like King realizes that he doesn't quite give the most "of high thought" tips. What he says is kind of common sense, he said on page 249. It kinda annoys me that he'd spend so much time writing something so basic. I wish he told me something that I could really benefit from. I do like the memoir in the beginning pages of the story, though. It was funny and he has a likeable writing style and tone (except for the cuss word on every other page). He can be very inappropriate, but funny.
      It's important to have a supportive and sympathetic first reader(in King's case, his wife) because they motivate you and give you reliable tips for improving your hard work. He recommends sending stories to 6-8 close friends for constructive criticism(I hate hearing that there's something wrong with my work that I took so long on!). An important part to master as a writer is finding a medium for pacing, the speed at which the story unfolds. If it's too fast, it will be confusing and unsatisfying but too slow, and your readers will be bored, even the very patient ones. He doesn't like the use of flashbacks because he's interested in what's going to happen, not what's in the past. I disagree though; sometimes you need to throw in a quick flashback. Think about, it's essential to some TV shows. The best way to maintain a good pace is to keep "Ideal Reader"(as King calls it) in mind. Ask yourself as you write, "Will I.R. get bored from this long, slow pace?" or, "Will I.R. wish this part went faster?" Good strategy to me.
      Books shouldn't be too "puffy". Once, King received a letter from someone concerning his story saying that it was good but puffy. "2nd draft = 1st draft - 10%." was his advice. This changed the way King wrote fiction. Cut out the unneeded details. Every character has a history but, you don't need to tell it all. That would be unnecessary fluff. He also dislikes excessive research. Your story isn't a research paper, it's a story made for entertaining your fellow readers. Readers want to love the story, instead of being bombarded with facts. See ya later, blog!