Before all, I recommend to read this book. Whether you like Stephen King or not, whether you like autobiographies or not.
In this case, Stephen King has written a real masterpiece which is so refreshing and easy to read. This book is not exactly an autobiography. It is not an instruction notice for an apprentice for writing; therefore I think that any person seriously envisaging to write should read this book. Absolutely.
In a true and direct style, Stephen King starts with telling the most remarkable events of his life. It is funny, it is moving and well done. By this way, he shows how what I call his 'spinal column' has been formed : his true vocation and how his way of thinking has been structured around those markings of the existence. He unveils himself without false modesty, without self-pity, with honesty. His language full of metaphors, which are as raw as true, is really delicious.
Then he speaks about writing itself, and gives his own tricks. His instructions were like arrows in my heart. It was not like reading a note, thinking Ah, so it is, I will have to remember that chapter. I listened to him. It is the sensation that I had : listening to him, not reading. And I thought That's it ! Nothing academic, nor theory on writing. It is just instinctive, but one can perceive a huge work, an extraordinary general culture, and a pitbull-alike tenacity. With a great experience. Three simple and powerful laws are taught :
1. Read a lot
2. Write a lot
3. Be true
One discovers Stephen King as a true, imaginative, a bit naive guy; but who is also a real generous worker, an excellent writing technician, and a great story teller. In this book, one feels accompanied by a warm, simple yet very intelligent person. On can trust him and take his hand, because he knows where he comes from and he knows where he goes.