Able Quote by Stephen King
“There are, occasionally, writers who are able to combine both story and style. They are, of course, the best. You get a spectacular view and you also get to look at it from the backseat of a chauffeur-driven Cadillac. In the field of fantasy, those writers able to combine story-as-narration with story-as-style are even rarer. But there are a few...the late Theodore Sturgeon, the early Ray Bradbury...and Richard Christian Matheson. A brilliant chip off the old block.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Writing, Stephen King, 2000
Combining compelling narrative with distinctive prose creates a rare, high-quality work that engages readers on multiple levels.
In simple terms: Great story plus style makes a book unforgettable.
Seek both plot and voice in writing.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- editing
- workshop feedback
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you develop a unique voice without sacrificing story clarity?
- What techniques help blend plot and prose seamlessly?
Balancing plot and style can be difficult for new writers.