Why You Should Write With The Door Closed
Analysis of "On Writing" by Stephen King
📚 On Writing provides a fascinating look into Stephen King’s process.
🕒 Save time by reading my comprehensive summary.
My summary is broken into four posts:
Part 1: Stephen King’s guide to good writing
Part 2: The 2 things every writer must do
Part 3: Why you should write with the door closed
Here is Part 3:
One of the most famous lines in On Writing is:
“Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open.”
In this one sentence, Stephen King outlines the two phases of writing a novel:
Phase 1 = Door closed
Phase 2 = Door open
The number of drafts included in each phase differs for every writer.
You might only need two drafts (one for each phase), or dozens once the process is over.
Whatever the case, each phase serves a particular role in the process:
Phase 1: Door Closed
Writing with the door closed means writing for yourself.
You’re downloading the ideas in your head onto the page. At this point you should be keeping your story ideas to yourself.
Don’t let outside doubt or even praise disrupt the process.
Instead, let your hope of success carry you on through the difficult times.
Stephen King recommends keeping up the pressure during this phase. You want to write as quickly as you can so you can maintain your enthusiasm about the story and outrun the self-doubt.
Phase 2: Door Open
Once phase 1 is done and you have a draft (or drafts), Stephen King urges writers to take a break.
“You’ve done a lot of work and you need a period of time to rest.”
This gives your mind and imagination time to recycle themselves.
After your break, it’s time for phase 2.
Writing with the door open means writing with others in mind.
A novel is for readers at the end of the day.
You’ve already told yourself the story during phase 1, so now you want to start to factor in clarity and readibility.
Take a step back and examine what you’ve written. Start to think through and bring out the story’s symbols and themes.
It’s also a good idea to get a second opinion and incorporate any needed revisions that are brought to your attention. Let a friend or family member read the work (or hire a Beta reader).
Continue reading my On Writing summary:
Part 1: Stephen King’s guide to good writing
Part 2: The 2 things every writer must do
Part 3: Why you should write with the door closed
Summaries are available only to C.S.M. Fiction paid subscribers. Thank you for your support.
