Toolbox 101

Stephen King got it right- keep your toolbox handy. His book, On Writing, can help even the least experienced writer feel they can write!

When writing anything there are certain things people need to remember. How they work in Features Writing is really no different than they might work in research writing or fiction writing- or even writing a letter.

Your writing toolbox isn't heavy, it doesn't take up space- well, except in your brain- and it shouldn't get too cluttered. In other words, keep it tidy. If used correctly, like any type of toolbox, it will help you get the job done.

In my opinion, King's suggestions regarding a writer's toolbox actually begins on the pages prior to the section he titled "Toolbox." He suggests to read and read a lot. To be a good writer, you have to read what else is out there.

With so much instant news on the Internet, ebooks and blogs, there is no excuse not to. Reading helps writers become stronger in their writing, lets them know what people are interested and what's already been written and keeps them informed on what's happening in the world.

While King's writing is extremely conversational, he brings into play some great ideas and utilizes several sources. One, William Strunk's "The Elements of Style," deals with grammar and how to use it correctly. King is then quick to add that even Strunk, who he calls the "Mussolini of rhetoric," won't get too worked up if not every single sentence is a complete one.

Another concept that works great in Features Writing is the differing lengths of paragraphs. Pulling a novel down from the shelf, as King suggests, it's easy to see that varying the lengths keeps the words- and hopefully the story- flowing.

The bottom line, in King's opinion, is keeping the toolbox simple yet filled. Utilizing the fundamentals- noted by King as the elements of style, vocabulary and grammar- and then filling your toolbox with the right instruments will make good writing easier.