I loved On Writing, and it surprised me just how much I embraced it. Now, even though I’ve read only a few of his books, Stephen King has become one of my favorite authors–not for his writing, but for his devotion, his thoughtfulness, and his brain. I wish I could meet him.
Stories like this one remind me of how much I like him and want to hang out with him.
He’s just very authentic, and honest, sometimes about things that people (writers) aren’t comfortable admitting.
For example, he says that grammar–while still needing to be taught–isn’t the most critical skill.
And, even more heretical, he says that not everyone needs to be a writer. The scandal!
(I’ll take it a step further: not everyone needs to be a self-published writer…)
But I think he’s right. Sometimes it’s a matter of teaching people what they need right now in their real lives; they have opportunities later to further develop their talents if their interests take them there. Fundamentals. (See what he says about teaching kids to write directions from A to B.)
Also, I just love his frank crassness, like this: “Reading good fiction is like making the jump from masturbation to sex.”
Oh heavens, Mr. King, you’re givin’ me the vapors!
Anyway, he’s fabulous.
What do you think of King’s advice? Does it hold true in your experience?
M.E. Kinkade 
Well, I try to apply honesty in my books, which I hope will come through to the reader 🙂