Can you imagine that there is an author who has sold 350 million books?  It kind of takes your breath away.  But Stephen King has done just that.  He has written more than 70 books of horror, science fiction and fantasy .    18 years ago, he wrote also the bestseller: “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.”  Even if you are not one of his fans, his strategies are worth taking note of.  Here are 8 of them:

TELL THE TRUTH:  You can write anything you want, but imbue it with life and blend in your own personal knowledge of life, friendship, relationships etc.  Be brave.

DON’T USE BIG WORDS when small ones work. It’s like dressing up your household pet in evening clothes.

USE SINGLE SENTENCE PARAGRAPHS. This more closely resembles talk than writing. Writing is seduction. Good talk is part of seduction.

WRITE FOR YOUR IDEAL READER:  I think that every novelist has a single, ideal reader; that at various points during the composition of a story, the writer thinks: “I wonder what he/she will think about this part?”

READ A LOT:  This is the creative centre of a writer’s life.  Read whenever and wherever you can.

WRITE ONE WORD AT A TIME:  In the end, it’s always that simple.

WRITE EVERY DAY:  No exceptions.

WRITE FOR THE JOY OF IT:  Don’t write thinking of being paid. Write for the buzz, because when you write for pure joy, you can do it forever.

Great advice.  Happy writing.   My latest novel (No. 14) “Searching for Sarah” is available at discount direct from me – dwaysman@gmail.com.  I am always happy to hear your comments and help with any writing problems.