I was trying to read Stephen King's Salem's Lot recently, and I think King is a bad writer.

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hardus77

New Member
May 16, 2019
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3
30
Hello everyone,

I'd read The Green Mile many years ago in middle school. So I decided to try Salem's Lot within the past week. I ended up reading the first 60-80 pages or so (I can't tell the exact amount, I'm on an ebook reader).
I found some parts genuinely interesting. Take this sentence for example: "It was a moment he remembered for years after, as though a special small slice had been cut from the cake of time." That's a great sentence. Efficient use of metaphor and great pop. The whole meeting between Ben Mears and Susan Norton in the beginning was interesting and good writing. And when he told her about coming into the house as a kid and finding the guy hanging, I could see how it was scary and good.
The problem is that right after that, King felt the need to do a panorama of random characters throughout the town. It was terribly boring. Instead of focusing on these two interesting characters, he killed it by bouncing from character to character for a while. I didn't care too much at all, I just wanted to get back to the Susan Norton/Ben Mears part of the story.
I think the shift in perspectives also reflected a real decline in writing quality in the book. For example, the section of the book with all these viewpoints begins with this sentence: "The town is not slow to wake — chores won't wait." Can you say cheesy?
As well, the whole scene where Straker meets with Larry to buy a house...I found that poorly written. Look at this quote:
"'I have been sent to buy a residence and a business establishment in your so-fair town,' the bald man said. He spoke with a flat, uninfected tonelessness that made Larry think of the recorded announcements you got when you dialed the weather."
"So-fair town" is not something anyone would say, except a cliched outsider. The whole idea of him being "flat" and "emotionless" kept re-appearing in the scene, and frankly it also came off as a cliche.
These aspects of the writing bothered me to the point where I don't know if it's worth it to keep reading the novel to get to the good parts with Ben/Susan. I feel like King can write really good dialogue sometimes. Again, everything good about the book so far for me came from the Ben/Susan interaction. I found the writing seriously declined and it felt like King just wanted to give a panorama of the town for no real reason. I guess it gave the town a little more 'life' beyond Susan and Ben (which it didn't need), but it seemed like just filler. Even the guy at the graveyard that found a dead cat hanging on his rail was a big yawn. So, my last page read was the end of the conversation between Straker and Larry.
Does anyone have any feedback/criticism/advice? I want to hear from someone that actually likes King's writing, and this book. Do you feel my feelings are accurate? Should I keep reading? Will it get more interesting?

Thank you!
 

wolfphoenix

She-Wolf finally Risen and Strapping On.
Apr 24, 2019
2,919
17,451
57
Hello everyone,

I'd read The Green Mile many years ago in middle school. So I decided to try Salem's Lot within the past week. I ended up reading the first 60-80 pages or so (I can't tell the exact amount, I'm on an ebook reader).
I found some parts genuinely interesting. Take this sentence for example: "It was a moment he remembered for years after, as though a special small slice had been cut from the cake of time." That's a great sentence. Efficient use of metaphor and great pop. The whole meeting between Ben Mears and Susan Norton in the beginning was interesting and good writing. And when he told her about coming into the house as a kid and finding the guy hanging, I could see how it was scary and good.
The problem is that right after that, King felt the need to do a panorama of random characters throughout the town. It was terribly boring. Instead of focusing on these two interesting characters, he killed it by bouncing from character to character for a while. I didn't care too much at all, I just wanted to get back to the Susan Norton/Ben Mears part of the story.
I think the shift in perspectives also reflected a real decline in writing quality in the book. For example, the section of the book with all these viewpoints begins with this sentence: "The town is not slow to wake — chores won't wait." Can you say cheesy?
As well, the whole scene where Straker meets with Larry to buy a house...I found that poorly written. Look at this quote:
"'I have been sent to buy a residence and a business establishment in your so-fair town,' the bald man said. He spoke with a flat, uninfected tonelessness that made Larry think of the recorded announcements you got when you dialed the weather."
"So-fair town" is not something anyone would say, except a cliched outsider. The whole idea of him being "flat" and "emotionless" kept re-appearing in the scene, and frankly it also came off as a cliche.
These aspects of the writing bothered me to the point where I don't know if it's worth it to keep reading the novel to get to the good parts with Ben/Susan. I feel like King can write really good dialogue sometimes. Again, everything good about the book so far for me came from the Ben/Susan interaction. I found the writing seriously declined and it felt like King just wanted to give a panorama of the town for no real reason. I guess it gave the town a little more 'life' beyond Susan and Ben (which it didn't need), but it seemed like just filler. Even the guy at the graveyard that found a dead cat hanging on his rail was a big yawn. So, my last page read was the end of the conversation between Straker and Larry.
Does anyone have any feedback/criticism/advice? I want to hear from someone that actually likes King's writing, and this book. Do you feel my feelings are accurate? Should I keep reading? Will it get more interesting?

Thank you!

......i dont think yu undrstand everthing that you think you know about what it is your trying to do.
welcome to the board
 

Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
46,336
195,472
79
Just north of Duma Key
Hello and welcome. As a constant reader of SK for many years, I have always found his development of characters one of the things that draws me to his writing. You become those characters. Of course, a reader may attach to certain characters more than others. However, the minor characters play an important roil. In real life, a town is made up of a variety of people. Thus, in as story the same is true. You need others, you also need a feel for that town-description of places. SK gives the reader all of these aspects. All this is the story.
A story that only includes two characters might as well be a Dick and Jane and add a critter, Spot type story. SK stories / characters/ scenes are developed to the max. This allows the reader to be one with the story/ place/people.

I'd suggest a continued read, see what happens to your two characters, and how the others play into the happenings. Enjoy.
 

wolfphoenix

She-Wolf finally Risen and Strapping On.
Apr 24, 2019
2,919
17,451
57
Hello and welcome. As a constant reader of SK for many years, I have always found his development of characters one of the things that draws me to his writing. You become those characters. Of course, a reader may attach to certain characters more than others. However, the minor characters play an important roil. In real life, a town is made up of a variety of people. Thus, in as story the same is true. You need others, you also need a feel for that town-description of places. SK gives the reader all of these aspects. All this is the story.
A story that only includes two characters might as well be a Dick and Jane and add a critter, Spot type story. SK stories / characters/ scenes are developed to the max. This allows the reader to be one with the story/ place/people.

I'd suggest a continued read, see what happens to your two characters, and how the others play into the happenings. Enjoy.
perfect post Lady
 

DiO'Bolic

Not completely obtuse
Nov 14, 2013
22,864
129,998
Poconos, PA
I haven’t read all of King’s works. From the one’s I have read... I liked some... and some not so much. No batter gets a hit every time they approach the base. There is a reason so many of his writings have been made into movies... IMO, his characters and intriguing plots provide an almost cinematic quality put into words. I can't name another author capable of this. And, bottom line, one does not get numerous awards and accolades for being a ‘bad writer.’
 

Moderator

Ms. Mod
Administrator
Jul 10, 2006
52,243
157,324
Maine
I haven’t read all of King’s works. From the one’s I have read... I liked some... and some not so much. No batter gets a hit every time they approach the base. There is a reason so many of his writings have been made into movies... IMO, his characters and intriguing plots provide an almost cinematic quality put into words. I can't name another author capable of this. And, bottom line, one does not get numerous awards and accolades for being a ‘bad writer.’
In fairness, I wouldn't have allowed a picture of the current administration giving out an award so felt I had to delete the one you'd posted as it could be considered political by some even though the National Medal of Arts award which was bestowed upon Stephen in a ceremony with President Barack Obama is not a political one.
 

DiO'Bolic

Not completely obtuse
Nov 14, 2013
22,864
129,998
Poconos, PA
In fairness, I wouldn't have allowed a picture of the current administration giving out an award so felt I had to delete the one you'd posted as it could be considered political by some even though the National Medal of Arts award which was bestowed upon Stephen in a ceremony with President Barack Obama is not a political one.
Okay… no problem. And you are correct that the honor and ceremony is not political.
 

mal

content
Jun 23, 2007
4,714
27,243
61
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Hi hardus77, I agree with Spidey. Also, sometimes you have to separate the wheat from the chaff when reading. Throw away what you don't need or care for, and keep what's dear to you. I don't believe there would ever be a case of a perfect novel where every description or sub-plot is to the readers approval. Enjoy the tale for what it is. This book was my very first read when I was 13 years old and it is what introduced me to Stephen King and made me seek him out. I've been a constant reader and fan ever since. I think the same types of criticisms you speak of would apply to any book. Sometimes you've just gotta roll your eyes and keep plowing through. Nice critique by the way. mal
 

Notaro

Stark Raving Normal
Mar 23, 2007
1,135
7,321
58
Dublin/Ireland
Personally I loved Salem's Lot, it was the first King book I ever read, I normally try to get through any book that I spend money on, the only time I quit reading a book I bought was James Herbert's "Once", I am a big Herbert fan but I got a hundred or so pages in and I just couldn't face any more of it, so I guess if you're really not enjoying Salem's Lot then just put it down, there are other books to read, there's always a chance you might go back to it somewhere down the line.
 

swiftdog2.0

I tell you one and one makes three...
Mar 16, 2010
7,095
35,344
Macroverse
My .02:

The town itself is a major character in this novel so there is considerable wordage devoted to it. The infection and death of small town America is a major theme. Focusing on Susan and Ben only would lessen the impact of that death.

The way the town is personified has influenced other author's works as well. Affliction by Russel Banks is one example.

Remember the novel was published in 1975. It is of it's time but is also timeless. I consider it to be a text book example of the modern horror novel.

Just my opinion. But what do I know? I'm just a an uneducated SwiftDog.
 

Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
46,336
195,472
79
Just north of Duma Key
My .02:

The town itself is a major character in this novel so there is considerable wordage devoted to it. The infection and death of small town America is a major theme. Focusing on Susan and Ben only would lessen the impact of that death.

The way the town is personified has influenced other author's works as well. Affliction by Russel Banks is one example.

Remember the novel was published in 1975. It is of it's time but is also timeless. I consider it to be a text book example of the modern horror novel.

Just my opinion. But what do I know? I'm just a an uneducated SwiftDog.
spot on.
 

doowopgirl

very avid fan
Aug 7, 2009
6,946
25,119
65
dublin ireland
Welcome to the board. For the record Salem's Lot has never been a favorite of mine. I still find a lot of the dialogue creaky. But as has been said no one hits a home run every time. One point I must disagree with you on. Your so fair town is perfect for the quaint outsider speaking that line. Keep reading, you won't be disappointed.
 

osnafrank

Well-Known Member
Jan 24, 2017
7,121
50,822
47
Germany
s-l300.jpg


Salem's Lot was a quick read., years ago
For me, this book became boring when it came to light....it's just a vampire story.
I hate Vampire Storys.

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Tick off, go on.
 

Sundrop

Sunny the Great & Wonderful
Jun 12, 2008
28,520
156,619
My .02:

The town itself is a major character in this novel so there is considerable wordage devoted to it. The infection and death of small town America is a major theme. Focusing on Susan and Ben only would lessen the impact of that death.

The way the town is personified has influenced other author's works as well. Affliction by Russel Banks is one example.

Remember the novel was published in 1975. It is of it's time but is also timeless. I consider it to be a text book example of the modern horror novel.

Just my opinion. But what do I know? I'm just a an uneducated SwiftDog.
You're far from uneducated......and I agree with you, so that makes you right :biggrin2: