Ah, the craft of writing. It’s driven plenty of folks to the brink—especially when you’re trying to craft a blog post that people actually want to read. Lucky for us, Stephen King, the master of horror and bestselling author, has given us a roadmap in his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. It’s packed with practical tips you can use to improve your writing, whether you’re penning the next big novel or simply trying to create a blog post that doesn’t put readers to sleep.
1. Forget the Fancy Stuff: Write Like You’re Making Burgers, Not a Five-Course Meal
If you’ve been toiling over finding the “perfect” words, King’s advice is refreshingly simple: skip the fluff. King’s style is all about clear, no-nonsense writing. For blog posts, this translates to getting straight to the point and avoiding overly complicated language. Your readers don’t need a literature degree to enjoy your content, so keep it simple and easy to digest—like a burger instead of foie gras.
2. Start with a Strong Hook: Keep Readers Engaged from the Start
King knows how to grip readers from the first line, and this is key for blogging. In a world full of distractions, you need a hook that grabs attention. Think of the first few lines as your chance to pull readers into your post. Try opening with a question, a surprising fact, or a relatable statement. Remember, the job of your introduction is to make readers want to keep scrolling.
3. King’s Golden Rule: Read a Lot and Write a Lot
To be a better writer, you need to read other blogs and write regularly. King’s rule applies perfectly to blogging: the more you write, the better you get at structuring your posts, finding your voice, and engaging readers. And by reading widely, you get a feel for what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to holding people’s attention.
4. Set a Word Count Goal: Consistency is Key
King suggests setting a daily word count goal. For bloggers, this could be a weekly or monthly goal—whether it’s 500 words a day or two posts a week. Having a word goal encourages consistency and keeps you from overthinking every single sentence. The more you write, the easier it becomes to hit that “Publish” button confidently.
5. “Write with the Door Closed, Rewrite with the Door Open”
King’s approach to drafting is perfect for blogging. In the first draft, focus on getting your ideas out without worrying about perfection. Once you have your draft, go back with a reader’s eye—thinking about what your audience will gain from each section and trimming out anything that doesn’t add value. In blogging, as in horror, less can be more!
6. Trim the Adverbs and Get to the Point
King famously despises adverbs and urges writers to cut unnecessary words. For bloggers, this means avoiding filler words and long-winded sentences. Stick to clear, concise language. Instead of writing “really very easy,” just say “simple.” Instead of “walked quickly,” say “rushed.” Cutting down on unnecessary words keeps your blog post clean, readable, and engaging.
7. Write Authentic Dialogue—Be Real with Your Readers
When it comes to writing dialogue, King suggests listening to real conversations. For bloggers, this translates to writing in a natural, conversational tone. Imagine you’re explaining something to a friend, not delivering a lecture. Authenticity connects with readers, so avoid sounding robotic or overly formal.
8. Focus on Characters and Situations, Not Just Plot
King believes that characters and situations matter more than strict plot outlines. For bloggers, this translates to focusing on your audience’s needs and real-life situations rather than rigidly following a formula. Address real problems, relatable situations, and common questions your readers have. When you’re speaking to their experiences, they’ll stay engaged.
9. Theme Emerges Naturally—Don’t Force It
King warns against starting with a rigid theme. For blog posts, this means that while it’s great to have a central idea, allow the message to evolve naturally. Focus on answering questions or solving problems, and the theme of your post will emerge on its own. Trying too hard to “force” a theme can come off as inauthentic.
10. Tackle the Tough Stuff: Be Honest with Your Audience
King doesn’t shy away from addressing his personal struggles in On Writing. For bloggers, this is a reminder to keep things real and relatable. Share your own experiences, be upfront about what you know (and what you don’t), and be willing to show a bit of vulnerability. Readers connect with authenticity, and sharing your ups and downs makes your blog posts more compelling.
In Conclusion: Stephen King’s Blueprint for Writing Blog Posts that Stick
King’s no-nonsense advice in On Writing is a goldmine for bloggers. Here’s the quick rundown:
- Hook them early: Start with a strong introduction.
- Read and write regularly: Keep improving by doing.
- Set a word count goal: Stay consistent.
- Keep it simple: Ditch filler words and cut the fluff.
- Be real and relatable: Write as if you’re talking to a friend.
Following King’s advice won’t just make you a better writer—it’ll make your blog posts clearer, more engaging, and ultimately, more memorable. So go ahead, embrace the simplicity, and start creating posts that are just as addictive as the best King novels. Who knows? Your next post could be the Misery of blog content.
