I've just finished reading Stephen Kings' On Writing and although I don't read his work, I found this book full of many words of wisdom and some excellent techniques for the writer. After all, even if I'm not really into the supernatural, science fiction or horror, I can't dispute that the man is a genius and obviously knows what he's doing with a pen! Here are the main points that I took away from this novel:

• Give yourself permission to be bad in the 1st draft
• Watch your adverbs!
• If you don't have time to read, you don't have time to write
• Turn off the TV
• Write every day
• Tell the truth
• Steer clear of cliched similes
• Show don't tell
• Murder your darlings
• Rest your 1st draft for six weeks before reading or re-writing
• 2nd draft = 1st draft - 10%
• The story comes first
• Omit needless words
  

I'd definitely recommend reading this book; it's interesting and inspiring and even if you're not a writer I'm sure you will enjoy reading about the life of one of the worlds most popular authors.