Saying hi, and question.

[Chris Corey]

hi

The question:

Book: Stephen King: on writing

Fast question about refraining from adverbs in dialogue attribution (end of chapter 3, in my copy is pages 127-128).

He states he is guilty of doing it himself, but he has never sunk so low as "he grated", etc., and then four paragraphs later he says "he admits..." when talking about E.B. White. Can someone help me understand what he means? Sounds to me as if he is using what he said not to do on the same page he uses what he said he never uses.

Chris





Thinking to post in the thread on writing thread, but I had it copy pasted, and thought what the hell.

Also, I am not a fan of Steven Kings genre, with that being said, I have read a few of his short stories, Christine, and Misery, and most recently 'on writing'. I am here because he made it, and I respect that and what to learn more about what he has to say.

 

[blunthead]

hi

The question:

Book: Stephen King: on writing

Fast question about refraining from adverbs in dialogue attribution (end of chapter 3, in my copy is pages 127-128).

He states he is guilty of doing it himself, but he has never sunk so low as "he grated", etc., and then four paragraphs later he says "he admits..." when talking about E.B. White. Can someone help me understand what he means? Sounds to me as if he is using what he said not to do on the same page he uses what he said he never uses.

Chris





Thinking to post in the thread on writing thread, but I had it copy pasted, and thought what the hell.

Also, I am not a fan of Steven Kings genre, with that being said, I have read a few of his short stories, Christine, and Misery, and most recently 'on writing'. I am here because he made it, and I respect that and what to learn more about what he has to say.

Hi, and welcome to the SKMB! Despite your quotes, I'm not clear what sK (Stephen) wrote in On Writing which you are wondering about. Can you include more info from what he wrote, more quotes, or more of a quote?

 

[Walter Oobleck]

Last sentence of that section: "All I ask is that you do as well as you can, and remember that, while to write adverbs is human, to write he said or she said is divine." That "he said" is in bold in the text but for whatever reason the tool is not working for me at the moment. Also, if you have not already, check out Elmore Leonard: Amazon.com: Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing eBook: Elmore Leonard: Kindle Store His 10 Rules of Writing is short and sweet...and he too, makes a point about he said/she said. Also included are drawings, one of Leonard going to the dictionary after reading a word that another writer used, something in lieu of 'she said'.

 

[Haunted]

 

[king family fan]

Welcome

 

[Spideyman]

 

[GNTLGNT]

Also, I am not a fan of Steven Kings genre

...well Chris, there's something a little more important than an adverb....his body of work has expanded well beyond the pigeonhole of "horror", you might want to grab a couple of other novels like Joyland or the upcoming Mr. Mercedes and adverbs be damned...

 

[Neesy]

hi

The question:

Book: Stephen King: on writing

Fast question about refraining from adverbs in dialogue attribution (end of chapter 3, in my copy is pages 127-128).

He states he is guilty of doing it himself, but he has never sunk so low as "he grated", etc., and then four paragraphs later he says "he admits..." when talking about E.B. White. Can someone help me understand what he means? Sounds to me as if he is using what he said not to do on the same page he uses what he said he never uses.

Chris





Thinking to post in the thread on writing thread, but I had it copy pasted, and thought what the hell.

Also, I am not a fan of Steven Kings genre, with that being said, I have read a few of his short stories, Christine, and Misery, and most recently 'on writing'. I am here because he made it, and I respect that and what to learn more about what he has to say.

It was hard for me to "Like" your post as you say "I am not a fan of Stephen King's genre" (I corrected your spelling for you).

Have you heard it said "First impressions are lasting?" I think if I went to the trouble of joining a Message Board such as this one, I would not p*ss people off with my first post! - but like GNTLGNT said above, try one of his many books - it is not all horror. Start off with some short story collections and if you enjoy it, move on to a novel (just a suggestion).

Welcome to the SKMB anyway! If you are an aspiring writer then I think the best advice is to do what he recommends - practice, practice, practice! It sure has worked for him over the years

 

[danie]

hi

The question:

Book: Stephen King: on writing

Fast question about refraining from adverbs in dialogue attribution (end of chapter 3, in my copy is pages 127-128).

He states he is guilty of doing it himself, but he has never sunk so low as "he grated", etc., and then four paragraphs later he says "he admits..." when talking about E.B. White. Can someone help me understand what he means? Sounds to me as if he is using what he said not to do on the same page he uses what he said he never uses.

Chris
Thinking to post in the thread on writing thread, but I had it copy pasted, and thought what the hell.

Also, I am not a fan of Steven Kings genre, with that being said, I have read a few of his short stories, Christine, and Misery, and most recently 'on writing'. I am here because he made it, and I respect that and what to learn more about what he has to say.

It was hard for me to "Like" your post as you say "I am not a fan of Stephen King's genre" (I corrected your spelling for you).

Have you heard it said "First impressions are lasting?" I think if I went to the trouble of joining a Message Board such as this one, I would not p*ss people off with my first post! - but like GNTLGNT said above, try one of his many books - it is not all horror. Start off with some short story collections and if you enjoy it, move on to a novel (just a suggestion).

Welcome to the SKMB anyway! If you are an aspiring writer then I think the best advice is to do what he recommends - practice, practice, practice! It sure has worked for him over the years

I really don't think Chris was trying to make anyone mad. In fact, since he doesn't particularly like King's genre, then I think it's very intelligent and respectful to read some of his stories, read his book about how to write, then join our message board to clear up some confusion he has about what Mr. King wrote. I didn't take offense at his post at all, as he was very polite and seems very interested in finding an answer to his question.

 

[Neesy]

I really don't think Chris was trying to make anyone mad. In fact, since he doesn't particularly like King's genre, then I think it's very intelligent and respectful to read some of his stories, read his book about how to write, then join our message board to clear up some confusion he has about what Mr. King wrote. I didn't take offense at his post at all, as he was very polite and seems very interested in finding an answer to his question.

You are right danie - I did not take offense - just thought it was a strange post for the Stephen King Message Board (unless he thinks that Stephen King is on here every day answering questions??
(and apparently mailing out signed copies of his books as well

 

[Neesy]

hi

The question:

Book: Stephen King: on writing

Fast question about refraining from adverbs in dialogue attribution (end of chapter 3, in my copy is pages 127-128).

He states he is guilty of doing it himself, but he has never sunk so low as "he grated", etc., and then four paragraphs later he says "he admits..." when talking about E.B. White. Can someone help me understand what he means? Sounds to me as if he is using what he said not to do on the same page he uses what he said he never uses.

Chris





Thinking to post in the thread on writing thread, but I had it copy pasted, and thought what the hell.

Also, I am not a fan of Steven Kings genre, with that being said, I have read a few of his short stories, Christine, and Misery, and most recently 'on writing'. I am here because he made it, and I respect that and what to learn more about what he has to say.

Hi Chris Corey! I just wanted to say sorry if I came across as "too strong" in my earlier posts. Just because you are not a fan of Mr. King's "genre" does not mean you cannot participate in a board that he supports.

I would think the majority of people here are King-a-holics or avid fans. I know in my description below my avatar I jokingly say I am his number one fan, cousin of Annie Wilkes, etc. but hey - it's all fun and games (until someone loses an eye!) - I learned that one in the military.

So to sum up, perhaps I was less than "welcoming" to you and for that I do apologize.

Come on back and post some more - even if you are not Stephen Kings biggest fan, I am sure you can join in on the many discussions or at least enjoy the jokes (e.g. I'm Jealous of the Big Threads)
Take care, and Love and Green Lights to you

p.s. If you want to try some of his lighter stuff, how about "The Eyes of the Dragon" - it was written for his daughter when she was quite young, as she she did not like his usual type of book - you may be pleasantly surprised!