JANuary 24, 2006

Stacey Murray Reporter

In this non-fiction biography/writing guide, Stephen King tackles hard questions, such as “How do you become a good writer?”

His main advice: “Read a lot and write a lot.” The book consists of two themes: his own life, and the tools it takes to write. Each is written in a very different style, yet both are appealing to the reader.

The autobiography section of the novel is meant to draw readers in and has a unique way of narrating funny and entertaining moments of Stephen King’s life. From his mistrust of doctors who insist “this won’t hurt,” to one of his first writing rooms: the laundry room of his apartment complex.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

On Writing Stephen King

Leaving out nothing, King told an inspiring story about his near-fatal accident when he was hit by a van and how it has changed him. He also went into great and shameless detail about his years as an alcoholic and a drug user, which showed a dark side to the man we think of primarily as a writer.

Stephen King also reveals some of the background to a few of his novels, and the strange ways in which he thought of them. It serves as a behind the scenes look at many

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The Student Union is now accepting applications for the annual F If you would like to nominate one of your professor’s, nomination

forms are available at the Student Union, Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 10", at 3:00pm.

of his books, from Carrie, to The Stand. Stephen King fans will love this commentary.

Although the technical ‘how to’ section of his book wasn’t nearly as satisfying as his life story, he threw in random thoughts and blunt humour that will keep readers entertained throughout. He also succeeds in not boring readers with information, and tries to teach readers to follow a similar rule when writing fiction. While using his own examples, as well as examples from books like Be Cool and Lord of the Rings, his advice is practical, and can be easily described as the most entertaining textbook Pve ever read. For any aspiring fiction writer or fiction fan, this is a must read.

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DO YOU HAVE A GREAT PROFESSOR? st WELL THEN, NOMINATE THEM FOR FACULTY OF THE YEAR

THE CADRE e 8

Arts Seminars Student Leadets Session Jan. 27

The Arts Seminars Programme engages pairs of third- or fourth-year Arts students who design and lead credit seminar courses for small groups of first- year students. Seminars explore themes in the humanities and social sciences, and emphasize critical thinking, reading, writing, and presentations. Seminar leaders enrol in Arts 400, earning six- semester hours credit. If you like working with people and with ideas, and have a strong academic-record, come to this session to learn more from former seminar leaders and the programme coordinator. The application deadline for seminar leaders (for the fall, 2006 semester)is 15 February. For more information, contact Dr. Philip Smith at

smithp@upei.ca. The meeting will take

place in Main 020 at 1:30 January 27.

aculty of the Year Award.