Lessons from Stephen King

Stephen King, one of the most prolific and successful authors of our time, once gave simple yet profound advice: "If you want to be a writer, you have to do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut." King’s words are a reminder that becoming a writer is not about talent alone, but about developing habits of reading and writing that sharpen the mind and enhance one’s skills. For anyone who dreams of writing, this advice offers a clear, no-nonsense path to follow.

At first glance, it may seem like King’s advice is overly simplistic. Isn’t there more to writing than just reading and writing? Of course, there are different aspects to writing—structure, grammar, style—but all these elements are refined through practice, and that practice comes from reading widely and writing regularly. King’s advice boils down to this: writing is work, and that work requires commitment.

In this essay, we’ll explore the significance of both reading and writing in a writer’s journey, using examples from Stephen King’s own work to illustrate how these habits can shape a writer’s career. We’ll also look at practical steps that beginners can take to follow this advice, including a suggested reading and writing schedule.

The Importance of Reading

Reading is a writer’s foundation. Stephen King is known for being a voracious reader, consuming all kinds of literature, from classic novels to pulp fiction. In his book *On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft*, King emphasizes how important it is for aspiring writers to read extensively. He explains that reading allows you to see what works and what doesn’t in storytelling. By reading a wide variety of books, you begin to understand different writing styles, character development, and plot structure. Reading also exposes you to new ideas and perspectives, which are essential for any writer.

For example, one of King’s most famous works, *The Shining*, draws on a wide range of literary influences, from classic horror to psychological thrillers. King’s ability to blend elements of gothic fiction with contemporary horror can be traced back to his extensive reading. He took inspiration from works like Shirley Jackson’s *The Haunting of Hill House*, learning how to build tension and atmosphere in a haunted house setting. By reading broadly, King was able to craft a story that feels both familiar and original.

King doesn’t just read in his own genre, either. He has been known to read everything from literary fiction to crime novels. This variety helps him understand the mechanics of storytelling in different forms, which in turn improves his own writing. For aspiring writers, the takeaway is clear: to become a great writer, you must become a great reader first. Reading regularly exposes you to new ideas, styles, and techniques that you can incorporate into your own work.

The Importance of Writing

While reading is essential, writing is equally important. Stephen King argues that there’s no way to get better at writing other than by actually doing it. In *On Writing*, he discusses how he writes every single day, aiming for a set word count. This discipline has allowed him to produce an incredible amount of work over his career, from novels to short stories to essays.

One of the key lessons from King’s career is that writing is not something that comes from inspiration alone. It’s a craft that must be honed through constant practice. In his early career, King faced numerous rejections, but he didn’t let that discourage him. He kept writing. His first big break came with the novel *Carrie*, which he almost didn’t finish because he doubted its potential. However, because he had committed to writing regularly, he completed the book—and it went on to become a massive success.

For King, writing is like exercise: the more you do it, the better you get. He compares writing to building muscles. The more you write, the stronger your "writing muscles" become, and over time, the process of writing becomes more natural. This is why King stresses the importance of writing daily. Even on days when you don’t feel like writing, putting in the work is crucial to becoming a better writer.

For beginners, writing might feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. But King’s advice is clear: start by writing regularly, even if you’re not entirely happy with the results at first. The more you practice, the better you’ll get.

Overcoming Obstacles

Of course, there are challenges that come with reading and writing regularly. Many people struggle to find time for both activities, especially with the demands of daily life. King acknowledges this in *On Writing*, but he emphasizes that if you’re serious about becoming a writer, you’ll find time. He recommends carrying a book with you at all times so you can read whenever you have a spare moment. Whether you’re waiting in line or commuting, there’s always time to read if you make it a priority.

Writing, too, requires discipline. It’s easy to put off writing, especially if you’re not feeling inspired. But King argues that waiting for inspiration is a trap. Inspiration comes when you sit down and start working, not the other way around. By committing to a regular writing schedule, you’ll begin to see progress over time.

A Beginner's Reading and Writing Schedule

For those just starting out, it can be helpful to have a structured plan for incorporating reading and writing into your daily life. Here’s a simple schedule that can help beginners build the habits that King emphasizes:

Daily Reading

- 30 minutes of reading: Try to read every day for at least 30 minutes. Choose a variety of genres—fiction, nonfiction, poetry—to broaden your understanding of different writing styles.

- Keep a reading journal: After reading, write down your thoughts. What did you like about the book? What didn’t work? This will help you become a more analytical reader, which in turn will improve your writing.

- Read diverse authors: Make sure you’re reading books by authors from different backgrounds and cultures. This will expose you to a wide range of voices and ideas.

Daily Writing

- Set a daily word count goal: Start with a manageable goal, such as 500 words a day. As you get more comfortable, increase your word count. The important thing is to write consistently.

- Write at the same time each day: Try to find a specific time during the day when you can focus on writing. This helps you build a routine, making it easier to stick with your writing practice.

- Don’t worry about perfection: In the beginning, your writing doesn’t have to be perfect. Focus on getting words on the page. You can always revise later.

Conclusion

Stephen King’s advice to read a lot and write a lot is as straightforward as it is powerful. By committing to regular reading and writing, aspiring writers can develop their skills and build the foundation necessary for success. There are no shortcuts or magic tricks—just the hard work of putting in the time, day after day.

For beginners, the key is to start small and build consistency. Read widely and thoughtfully, and write regularly, even when you don’t feel like it. Over time, these habits will pay off, and you’ll find yourself becoming a stronger, more confident writer.

Bullet Point Summary:

- Stephen King's advice: To be a writer, read a lot and write a lot.

- Reading helps writers: Understand different styles, develop ideas, and improve storytelling.

- Writing regularly: Builds skill and helps overcome challenges.

- Overcoming obstacles: Discipline and commitment are key to making time for reading and writing.

- Beginner’s schedule:

- 30 minutes of daily reading across genres.

- Keep a reading journal to reflect on what you’ve read.

- Write 500 words daily, increasing over time.

- Write at the same time each day to build a routine.