Stephen King: 'Writing is hypnosis'

The horror author says writing is a form of self-hypnosis and having a daily routine helps him fall into a trance.

[@bjornflokison7443]

"If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that." -Stephen King

[@angusorvid8840]

King is so right. I tell this to anyone who tells me they want to write. I ask them what was the last book they read, when did they read it, and what are they reading now. If they don't have an answer I tel them they have to eat, sleep and breath books 24/7. You have to keep the DNA of story healthy. We're all born with the DNA of story, but a writer is innately aware and in tune with it.

[@midworld_witch5253]

I love Kings works and he gives such great advice!

[@bansheeofinisheerin]

@Santana Cooper No one cares, so shut up

[@mackfarlainethebarenakedau5113]

But John Irving said, if you wanna write, you don't have time to read. Works different for everyone.

[@MrGnarlybirdman]

This is true, but also bull shit. You can build up a library of reading but if you are working full time (as most authors are) with a family, you have to make tough choices. Reading is essential, but if you have two hours a day - write first.

[@barbellbender15]

I really hope paper books never become obsolete. Reading electronic screens for too long gives me headaches, and it's just not the same.

[@tonytee5121]

I agree!

[@wgaule]

The books that exist will stick around, if they're cared for, and there's some masterpieces already; whether or not they'll print new works on paper in the future remains to be seen. They'll probably do collector's editions etc. I can't see it dying out completely. Until, that is, the sun implodes ...

[@zero_one6297]

That's only because you haven't used an e-ink screen like on a Kindle.

[@barbellbender15]

William Gaule Well hopefully by then we'll have evacuated all of King's books to another planet. Maybe Stephen Hawking will find a way to save the works of Stephen King.

[@TheClassicWorld]

William Gaule I have some 200 year old Wordsworth and Shelly etc, the binds are falling to pieces - however the pages are perfect. One's collection of books will last them not just their life time but for centuries.

[@SirCouchus]

Books will never die, as long as there's people willing to pay money for the physical copies they will continue to be produced. Just like vinyl disks are still around despite musical download being a thing that exists.

[@goldenhiphop3224]

difference is books use up paper

[@Lincoln424242]

@@goldenhiphop3224 Paper is more common than Coltan...

[@goldenhiphop3224]

@@Lincoln424242 true

[@JohnMartin-oh6bf]

You’re probably right,the written page is the original and most of us love books plus the shelves,libraries and nooks they’re associated with. The smartwatch is around,but then again so too are the analogue watches and indeed the sundial.

[@The01t]

People will still buy paper books. UK were I'm from has the book store chain Waterstones and it's always popular. I'm a reader and I see the benefits of ebooks, having books without the weight etc. But I find reading books on phone or kindle start to hurt the eyes. So that's why I like paper books.

[@digital44]

0:47 "I think that writing is self-hypnosis, and you fall into a kind of trance if you do the same passes over an over." I love the quick bit where he talks about his writing routine. He makes it sound so simple! He gets up, watches CNN, makes a pot of tea, and writes for 3 1/2 hours.

[@god5535]

I like how he plugs CNN

[@squamish4244]

He probably doesn't even think about it by this point.

[@nightmuffin937]

My favorite Stephen King Novels 1.) The Dark Tower Series 2.) Insomnia 3.) IT 4.) Salem's Lot 5.) Pet Cemmetary 6.) The Stand 7.) Carrie 8.) Desperation 9.) Christine 10.) Cell 11.) Cujo 12.) The Skeleton Crew 13.) Cycle Of The Werewolf 14.) Night Shift 15.) The Shining 16.) The Dead Zone 17.) Thinner 18.) A Car from Buick 8 19.) Misery 20.) A Bizzar of Bad Dreams

[@RollModel724]

I have a Kindle...but a book gives you are geography. It gives you a spacial recognition of where you are in the book and that is important to me for some reason. Not nostalgia, but I actually need to know where in the book is something so I can put it in order in my head. When I read in a kindle, the words end up all jumbled together.

[@mikeitkulof]

A good thought. A minor thing that bites. Also, if you have a whole library inside, there is nearly no border between one book and another, so no room for reflection if you don't force it yourself. If you read two similar books in a row, they will get mixed too.

[@squamish4244]

Like how the sound from vinyl is better. (This is actually scientifically true lol.)

[@ArtieMcCannMusic]

'The book is the delivery system' - I've been saying this for so long. I love how down to earth he is.

[@aflamrecab1]

I love my Kindle but I'd rather have the printed version..just watching the cover for a few seconds bring about feelings you can't get with e-books

[@michaelbillington8737]

I couldn't agree more about writing being a form of self hypnosis: One of the great pleasures of writing fiction is, I think, the opportunity to go to another place in your mind, interact with some fascinating characters and simply enjoy them.

[@Fyrtenheimer]

I love how it immediately cuts off at "you're done."

[@msarrington27]

It really is a trance which is why when the ideas for stories hit me I HAVE get them out onto pages.

[@SIMKINETICS]

Writers & writing are fascinating! The value of writing is found in reflection; that is that the best chapters, paragraphs & sentences can be tested & perfected for coherence, economy, logic, originality & relevance before being shared. This discipline in writing often extends to speaking, both of which benefit from sharing thought from a clarified mind. Evolution has uniquely given us complex language that we are remiss to ignore in our betterment.

[@timmyrobinson1589]

Also, The Green Mile... WOW. A lot of people say they preferred the movie, but King's attention to detail and emotion was seriously above and beyond.

[@carriewrites9477]

What a wonderful guy. I love hearing about his morning routine.

[@corichin2156]

STEPHEN KING!!!!! kept me alive during high school :'(

[@mellar07]

this guy has entertained me for so many hours through his fantastic books, thank you Mr. King. :) And I love that his views on e-books are so rational, clearheaded, and wise, instead of a lot of the hand wringing and fear mongering everyone else seems to be doing.

[@imjustpassinthru]

One of the great things about owning books is displaying them on bookshelves so that friends and visitors can see what's in your head.

[@Guigley]

Great interview as always from Stephen King.

[@RavenLotz]

It is always enjoyable to hear him talk about writing and reading

[@rarrington44]

I'm not a literary critic - I just like to read. The first of his books I bought (1975-76) I was dubious until I read the first page! I couldn't put the book down and read the entire book non-stop - all 500+ pages. Stephen King is the most talented writer around. What an imagination,vocabulary and command of words he has. Good video.

[@NOLASaintOfSin]

I hear the third part of this interview will come out in his next book. What a genius!

[@dmeachy]

I love the smell, the look, and the memories that are evoked when I am reading a book, placing the book down for the night, and eventually putting the book away in my library where a mere glance of it will help capture some memory during the time I was reading it. But, as King suggests, it's not the medium the book is presented but the story itself that is important.

[@jcmck0320]

I agree that "presentation is everything", though I have never used an e-book reader. How do you feel about audiobooks? I'm a big fan. With audio, I am better at following the story and retaining more information. I become engaged in the story.

[@mastema001]

There's still nothing like getting a fresh new book with the pages untouched, just waiting for you to dive into them. Even the smell of a new book is great... but it's the old books I love, looking through second hand book sellers stock, I dunno about kindle, but you can give Me a book anyday. I love to hear people sit and tell a story also, one on one or in a group setting, with nice atmosphere. I agree on the writing being self hpynosis, I write and never know what I've written till it's done

[@jcmck0320]

I love the fact that Stephen King himself appreciates books, e-books and audiobooks. I kept waiting for him to say it's all about the story, and I was very happy when he did. I applaud his logic.

[@littlemissmel23]

Cool to see. So true for me, when I put pen to paper, the words, characters and story come to life.

[@LorrieSmithSTOPANIMALCRUELTY]

AMEN!

[@_noctivagus_]

That last bit XD

[@AtlanticaPhoenix]

Stephen King is such a smart and down-to-earth guy. I just like listening to what he has to say.

[@jadebethj4807]

you have to teach yourself to appreciate every form --- yes! Because I never listened to audiobooks before I had a baby. Then I needed to be hands free or read while multitasking. And now I do audiobooks and its great.

[@manthasagittarius1]

And if you do it right, your characters will start to boss you around. This is a sign that you are tapped into what's normally below the conscious level, and it's a priceless state.

[@AtlanticaPhoenix]

I agree. Books are great because if the power goes out during a storm, they still work (assuming you have daylight or a candle or something). Or, say you're an outdoorsy type of person, and you want to read on your camping trip or something along those lines. I really enjoy the simplicity of a paper book and I hope there is always some option for people who prefer it over electronics.

[@jackiereamy4871]

Reading is hypnotic too. Your eyes left and right like EMDR

[@JabberCT]

Sorry Stephen, but if i drop a book in the toilet, its done lol. I'll buy a new one before i dry it off and touch it again.

[@cj-seejay-cj-seejay]

i'd rather pay for a new book than a new kindle though...

[@epicbarista]

Well, why not let the library decide that...

[@davidcopson5800]

Yeah, that was the only piece of shitty advice he gave.

[@crisvis8905]

Kindle paperwhite is water proof now. So are the Kobo e-readers. You can submerge them in water and nothing will happen.

[@Lleanlleawrg]

The story is the most important, sure, but presentation matters too. I prefer a physical copy, but still have a kindle I read a lot on. They both have their advantages, and I appreciate both, really.

[@PhilipSmithComposer]

Loved the way the video just...ended :) Was actually quite funny.

[@tryingtobarefruitinoldage9878]

Kind of like CNN was trying to cut his last sentence out. Lol

[@timmyrobinson1589]

hahah! yeah I agree 100%. Misery is another one I enjoyed immensely - and quite a bit more than the movie (despite it being a classic). The only story by King where I can actually recall enjoying the movie more than the novel was probably with 'The Mist'... which is kind of weird because that seems to be one where most people thought the book was far better. With SK's stories, some are better than others - but his characters never fail to be unique and always show raw emotion.

[@ShotTower1]

I have ebooks, I enjoy them but sometimes a real book is better for several things. First textbooks are generally better in printed form, second the ebook loses all of the romance of a book. The feel of paper, the smell of the book, the slow slight yellowing of the pages from the outside in. I think these are wonderful.

[@jstark565]

@JOEtheHOE28 KZbin is own by Google. Most of the time, when you see an ad on a video, its because of A) the user is a youtube partner, B) theres copywrighted material on the video(music), I think its A in this case.

[@mittROMNEY666]

excellent point about kindle vis a vis toilets. insights like that are what make king americas greatest writer

[@sylviastein9225]

This was so great and thanks Stephen King!

[@louiehannigan6038]

Favourite writer , his books are awesome

[@melissasalasblair5273]

Thanks so much!!

[@AbleAbeStudios]

Great interview ...GO!!!

[@skevbeats]

I wish I was more into fiction. I love his books Faithful and On writing. I’m writing a book now and he & hank moody are my inspirations!

[@nuthologytv3001]

Great interview! This is great advice for Authors! I've just published a book about dealing with various bias related obstacles, ' Nuthology Pser 400 Bias Index: And the Secret Capsule Of Talents” . I always read books on paper but there are many people who enjoy them in electronic form. The pudding is ultimately on the story and the talent not the delivery media used.

[@CGKf35]

Thats true but then you have to factor in shipping and wait times as oppose to just going to the store and picking up the book.Stores like B&N or Chapters here in Canada also have that whole "Starbucks while you read" dynamic that draws a lot of ppl in just for that warm experience so I don't think they'll be going away anytime soon.

[@mittROMNEY666]

yeah i like audiobooks too. but i have to like the narrator. im listening to perdido street station right now, very well done.

[@Vividcranberry]

My hero since age 9! Keep going Steve!

[@catmagic2226]

I lugged 'Infinite Jest' around for years...never did get into it. I like DFW's shorts collections. Oh and 'This Is Water'. Of course I read all Mary's books too. 'Lit' is the only one I'm able to think of right now. She talked about their affair, in that one. I chose not to finish Margaret Atwood's 'Madd Adam' trilogy; after the first book I was shook. If you haven't read 'H Is For Hawk' it's a beautiful read, an excellent book. I read every Larry McMurtry book there is...the westerns are all unquestionably classics. There was another of his (Evening Star?) that was a truly great read. I got into memoirs, David Sedaris 'Me Talk Pretty One Day' and 'When You Are Engulfed In Flames' are really funny at least to me. I read 'What Remains' by Carol Radziwell about 7 times. Not only is it incredibly well written, much of it takes place on martha's vineyard, where I was born & raised. Bill Bryson's books never get old. I still read 'All Creatures Great and Small' series...by now I could deliver a calf. His books are treasures. My favorite Steven King book? 'The Stand'. The surprise of my life was how well done the movie was...really memorable, really true to the book, great actors.

[@GibbsTruth]

Writing and reading puts me into a trance. I love paperbacks so they'll always exist

[@b.c.7741]

Nothing hurts my being quite like when books meet water

[@benjaminj.kreger-creative8001]

“If you drop a kindle in the toilet, you’re done.”

[@davidcopson5800]

Well, the Kindle's done anyway.

[@cherylkelloggherman1303]

I know this will sound weird to some people and to some they will sadly know where I'm coming from. Stephen King saved my sanity as a teenager. When i read his books i could leave my horrible home life for a few chapters at a time. When people talk about his drug/alcohol abuse. He's human. Shit happens. Mr. King is the one who told us He had a problem. He's overcome His addictions and is a better man for it. Be like Stephen King!

[@sibylsaint]

Nothing quite like holding that book in your hand, though.

[@Starrdusk2]

Just saying thanks, for your comments there. I am wondering how books in the virtual world are going to feel?

[@paulhowes1396]

Hi there,loved the quirky ending.It made me laugh.

[@zarly49]

that just makes it more interesting!

[@zoriusth]

write your own to bring your own talent and imagination out ^^

[@sitizenkanemusic]

King mentioned that he was reading "Infinite Jest" by David Foster Wallace, which is an AMAZING read. Very very scary. I recommend it if you like Huxley or Orwell. It's sad to think that David F Wallace committed suicide. Such a bright, brilliant writer.

[@engared]

Id really say that depends. If the medium itself changes, the form of writing may change or evolve into something different. And this may not always be for the better based on present values. Or reading (fiction) books as we know it may fall out of favor with the younger generation as fewer and fewer people read for pleasure, the demand for such books may disappear; being instead replaced by other genres. I did a survey of random people and found that very few people actually read for fun.

[@ace1122tw]

Its easier to find something on my tablet. I can always kinda remember some of the words from the line I am trying to find. Quick search and it comes right up.

[@zzzhuh]

A kindle vs a book really comes down to the idea of Physical media vs digital. Some people would rather have a physical copy of a book, movie, game, ect. because it's something you can actually hold, valuate, and maybe even get nostalgia from. Digital gives you the same thing, but won't have the same type of value associated with it.

[@spikutus]

I love this man! He's the best!

[@regemo]

When you can carry thousands of ebooks around with you it doesn't make sense to carry a paper book, unless it's just something you're used to and it gives you a nostalgic comfortable feeling.

[@goldengreaser]

ebooksare great because many platforms (kindle, nook) can be shared across their namesake devices and apps forpc, mac, phones and tablets.They are stored in the cloud so if the device breaks,you still have the book.

[@imjustpassinthru]

Does the shift from paper books to e-books mean that writing books will be less profitable for authors?

[@Doggieworld3Show]

Thank ya

[@rockabillylaker]

I love Barnes N Noble and here in Los Angeles. they're disappearing quick. Borders is gone. Used to be all over the valley.

[@MissLillith666]

That's true, but what if you can't find the books? I live in Romania and I am a huge Stephen King fan, but his books are rarities here. So, instead, I save up and then buy a few from Amazon, but in the meantime, I read on my Kindle. E-books are more convenient, but books are great to hold in your hand.

[@PZCherokee]

@Doggieworld3 Abso-freakin-lutely! I love my computer, laptop, itouch, and will probably like a nook or Kindle when I get one, but when I want to read a story, there is something a thousand times more effective about reading a it in a book than on something electronic. A book never runs out of batteries for one, and also I get tired of looking at screens all day. There are a lot more cons to e-books than paper books lol.

[@GamerMickey87]

And that's one of the reasons I love this guy. Also his opinion on Twilight helps.

[@SBSmashers]

One Kindle charge can last two months of pretty consistent use. During that time, I can have 500 books all available at the tip of my fingers, digital bookmarks and footnotes can be added to any page, and I can't lose them. Newer models have backlights, internet searches. I can hear about a book and buy it and be reading it in less than 2 minutes and it will cost less. Then, when it runs out of batteries, I can charge it in three hours and then do it all again. Also, I can search digitally.

[@gotohellaaron]

Does he still write or did he retire? Gerald's Game was really good.

[@FormatorBlack]

My favorite is his earlier work, especially anything he did as Bachman,,,like "The Long Walk", liked "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption" LONG before everybody knew what it was,,,,

[@angerjohn]

Toilet analogy…NEEDED THAT.

[@rajamohammed8683]

Authors and books are the true teachers, and books hold hidden knowledge even thier authors aren't aware of during and after they have written them. Books are strange mediums and Stephen King often talk about good books and bad books too, which is one of the reasons he is one of my most favourite authors. Other than Stephen King and Dean Koontz, i like almost every other bestselling authors and classic authors are my most favourite too.

[@Inspicerwetrust]

Love him and Dan brown

[@littleripper312]

Printed books will always be an option for popular books but digital will grow because theres no barrier to entry for writers.

[@SoloBoyZ100]

I'm 21 years old, I have seen many of Stephen King's movies growing up. But this is my FIRST TIME seeing who Stephen King is, Wow!

[@Growndweller]

The paper book was ideal in a time when most people never moved from the house they were born let alone travelled. The Kindle is ideal today when most people travel to other countries to work & live, not knowing when or if they will ever return to their birthplace. I would keep the classics in bound book form & get the newer stories on Kindle.

[@BlielPol]

Stephen King reading and loving Infinite Jest is the last thing I would have expected

[@davidcopson5800]

Perhaps he was just jesting?

[@cutelostsoul20]

I like the last part.

[@MaJoDo]

Why would the existence of bookstores be limited?... How else would I know I want to buy a random book if I'm not able to at least skim through the pages first?

[@TheAtomicSurvivor]

This is how I see a Kindle and Nook. Much like in the music and movie industry, you can rip the CD unto your computer, they are a backup. I think there is a lot of good in a Nook and a Kindle, as well as a book. The Kindle and the Nook, just backup the book and you have it if the hard copy ever disappears.

[@ChocoholicZombie]

Exactly! Give me a real book, anyday.

[@polymathperspective]

When I write I write from my subconscious mind with a subconscious flow. Never do I have writers block. It takes me around 20 days to write 300 pages. In the winter I work on cases, doing original research, making connections and I write book at the same time with evidence.

[@corythesniper]

So many young people who have never read Stephen King, he's a great writer. Don't believe me? Check out the Dark Tower Series. It's absolutely great.

[@coachchrisbasketballtipsan6168]

With all the time he had to have spent in his life writing all of his books; where does he or did he find the time to read or do just about anything else?

[@morganeoghmanann9792]

+nofap bro - In more than one interview, he has mentioned he has read over 17,000 books throughout his life and has kept every one. In one video profile of him, they showed his personal library, I believe at his home in Maine. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves surround the room with a large, double-sided book cabinet in the center of the library. He and his wife explained that all the books on the built-ins had been read and that the center bookshelf/cabinet usually hold about 200-300 books - new purchases he hasn't read yet. Yeah, I'd call that a bibliophile. He also used to read books while he did his daily walks. Don't know personally how one can read while walking, but hey, he did it. He was actually reading a book during the walk where he was hit.

[@mikeitkulof]

It's a question of book. I suggest he has favorite places to sit or stand in on his walk, and turn some dozens of pages. But when the book catch you it pays no fucks whatever you need to go home, or you are in a public transport, or you are in another place not meant to, so he should have been walking blindly with a book in hand a thousand of times on that 17k lifespan.

[@lijit77]

i love the scent of a new book

[@engared]

I was talking in terms of percentage of people. Most people now only read for educational purposes or read because their work or school demands it.

[@johnnyshowbones8689]

Infinite Jest, boom. What a fantastic book.

[@bobwaht]

When I visit people I don't really know that well, I tend to look at their bookshelves to see what kind of stuff they read. I'd be much less likely to browse their kindle. :)

[@beautystar2721]

I love you Stephen king 💗

[@1805movie]

Words of wisdom

[@guywittamic]

I disagree with your last point. The pages and the cover of a wet book can become quite warped. A book can also be hard to hold when it's had water damage. On the other hand, when you destroy a kindle, you just get a new one and download all your books again. Once that's done, even if the kindle was completely destroyed, you simply go back to where you left off, with no warped pages!

[@AllenCaraway]

As a writer myself, I agree.

[@sufficientlyoldskool]

I used to be a staunch supporter of e-books and my mother was the traditional paper book reader. Now I only read paper books and she's the one always borrowing my nook.

[@CGKf35]

Books will never go away for the simple fact that publishing companies make far too much money selling tangible "hardcover" and "paperback" versions of a story. Too much money in that "delivery system" for it to just go away. NOTHING CAN REPLACE AN ACTUAL BOOK!

[@Klender]

Cool story bro

[@andreb8700]

my dream is to become another stephen king type of writer

[@charlessmyth]

You could buy another Kindle, I suppose :-) Even without that, Kindle is also available via an an app or via your web browser