5 Things University Students Can Learn from Stephen KingJune 21, 2019

Is it possible to read Stephen King's "It" during the winter? No. Coursework is your priority this time of the year, but you can browse it for writing tips.

"It" is the "Moby Dick" of Horror fiction, its 1,400 pages not recommended to bring the book anywhere. It's best to read it in your room, where your hands, if not arms, won't get sore from holding it. Some would recommend reading it during the summer, which others would disagree. After all, the events of the first chapter, of the first novel, would take place during the third day of rainfall. It's unusual weather in Derry, Maine, even if precipitation does happen during the fall. Some would be reminded of the great deluge that would prompt Noah to build an ark, and they could be right. Derry, a small community compared to New York, looks peaceful and orderly on the surface. A closer look would reveal crime happening in the state of Maine, its rate not far from the others. It would go up every twenty seven years, and the rise is disturbing enough. Why 1,400 pages?

King would write about what could scare kids, and that malevolent figure would resemble Bob Gray, also known as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. He has features of Ronald McDonald and Bozo the Clown, yet he would be more than a horrific clown. It took four years for King to finish "It", where he summoned his knowledge on Horror fiction. Many didn't like "It", and you would be intimidated if you would write an essay about it. But this post is about King's helpful tips on writing. There are many things to learn from his masterpiece.

How to Get Your Reader's Attention

You must be good at seeing. Bill Denbrough is introduced as a ten-year-old lad struggling with a stammer. It didn't prevent him from becoming an honor student and a successful author later. The narrator, who happens to be one of the members of the Losers Club, would notice Bill's ability to see things differently. And he’s good at seeing. You're not a teenager with a disability, which means that you won't think of lame excuses on not finishing your assignment on time. You should read the assigned text slowly, even if it's 1,400 pages long. You're likely to have ideas after reading several chapters, if not after making it halfway in a poem. You must not only look at the obvious, but also find out something that has not been discovered before. Make a guess, as there isn't a correct answer, if not a set of right guesses, in this exercise. You might not agree with sex as the only way out of childhood, but this is King's depiction of the sordid world of Derry.

Always think of three-dimensional characters. The best thing about "It" is how King would depict the members of the Losers Club. They would fess up, which everyone could relate to. King would suggest people watching, but it could also be interpreted as your keen observation of the people you know and hang out with. Take note of that one particular trait. It can interest your readers or not.

Your essay must sizzle with emotion. You're writing from experience, which supports your argument. You can also substitute it with thoughts, but it must not be too abstract. You would know after a number of French films. It doesn’t matter if you’re not knowledgeable about French Cinema, as connection is the key here.

Know where to get your writing ideas. Stephen King is a native of Maine, a state located in the topmost corner of the US. He knows his hometown too well, such that Bill would remark about malls becoming the new reality. Sydney-siders and Melburnians would know, but not a small community in the Outback. There's no need to travel to the middle, as bush literature should be good enough. But read carefully.

You must get wet. "It" would start with a rainfall, and the climax of the second books takes place during the worst flooding in the history of Derry. King would make it a part of Derry's folklore. You must see the sea. You shouldn't leave the seaside after staring at the azure water for some time. Don’t let your mind wander too far, though.

What’s On Your Head?

You must have read a lot of books, which should give you some ideas on how to write your assignment. You can compare and contrast it, which should grab your reader’s attention immediately. If this won’t be good enough, you must consider memories. The remark on mall would allude to writers and aspiring writers alike. Scaring the wits out of your readers could be one way of doing it. There are other ways, and if you’re ready for another book, “War and Peace” should be next.

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