One of the strategies we encourage people to adopt is writing book reports. When I first heard about this approach through White Collar Advice, I thought it was absurd. I hadn’t written a book report since high school. But like many things, I promised to try—what did I have to lose? After all, how could it be bad to produce a book report and prove that I was actively doing something? Eventually, book reports became something I looked forward to, especially because of the third question we included in our format.
We use a simple three-question format for book reports:
Scotty’s Thoughts:
I know writing changed my life. It brought me hope in a place that felt hopeless. It connected me with people I thought I had lost. And it gave me a platform to grow—not just in my writing but as a person. King’s conclusion reaffirms something I’ve long believed: writing is not just a skill; it’s a tool for transformation.
Why did you read the book?
What did you learn?
How will you apply what you learned to your life moving forward?
I used to love writing the third part. So much runs through your mind when you’re reading a book, and the beauty of these reports is that you can write as little or as much as you want—whether half a page or ten pages. Book reports are a fantastic way to demonstrate to a case manager or any other stakeholder that you’re learning and applying that knowledge. It shows you’re putting in the work. I remember a federal judge whom our team at White Collar Advice/Prison Professors interviewed once said, “If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.”
Since my goal is to write a book about my experience in federal prison, and I’ve been lagging on it, my dad bought me a book on writing by Stephen King. Like most of King’s works, it was original, clever, and entertaining. It did its job, and now I’m back on track, finding time to write amidst my busy schedule.
So, here are my thoughts on King’s book, intertwined with my experience navigating federal prison. I will lay out how I know writing can help others trying to survive arguably the worst experience of their lives by reviewing each of King’s lessons, followed by my thoughts. If you’d rather listen to the podcast, click on it above. (I think the podcast is more fun because I add extra stories.)
Chapter 1: It is vital to create and adhere to a strict writing schedule
King emphasizes that writing is like any other disciplined craft—it requires practice, consistency, and dedication. He compares writing to synchronized swimming or ballet, where regular effort leads to mastery. King stresses that without a structured routine, no amount of natural talent can lead to success.
Scotty’s Thoughts:
In prison, I wrote every day. Writing became my sanctuary, an activity that helped me reconnect with a part of myself I had neglected for years. At first, I was rusty—my thoughts were scattered, and it was difficult to find a flow. But I created a schedule, setting aside time each day to write. Over time, the daily practice didn’t just make me a better writer—it gave me purpose. It reminded me of the power of discipline, something prison forces on you, but also something I had to rediscover on my own.
Reading, too, became an integral part of this practice. My dad, noticing my renewed commitment, started sending me books. Initially, they were light reads, but as I improved, the books became more complex. It felt like a mental training program. In prison, where you’re stripped of so many comforts, writing and reading became my tools for growth. My daily writing schedule became a lifeline, providing the structure I needed not only to survive but to thrive in such a challenging environment.
Eventually, writing became more than just a personal routine. I applied what I learned from White Collar Advice and created something of my own. I started a weekly newsletter, sharing my thoughts, experiences, and even my hopes for the future. That decision became a game-changer. One day, I received a law school offer from someone who had read my newsletter. Later, a job offer followed. Imagine that—people began flying into Leavenworth just to talk to me, all because I wrote. That’s the power of writing.
The key lesson I share with others is to set realistic writing goals. If you commit to writing weekly, stick to it, but don’t overpromise. Make your writing schedule manageable and deliver on what you say.
Chapter 2: The location we choose to situate ourselves when we write is an integral part of the process
King suggests that the writer’s environment significantly impacts creativity. He advises placing your desk in the corner to remind yourself that life supports art, not the other way around. Your surroundings—whether calm or chaotic—influence the way you write.
Scotty’s Thoughts:
Prison was an incredibly unique environment to write in. Every word I wrote was colored by the people, routines, and situations I encountered daily. It wasn’t an ideal place for concentration—noise, tension, and distractions everywhere—but it was the only place I had. Stephen King’s advice about how your environment shapes your writing deeply resonated with me. My writing became a direct reflection of the world around me—sometimes raw, often reflective, and always authentic.
I didn’t have a corner desk, but I had a bunk—a small space I claimed as my own. It was within this confined environment that I found clarity. I realized that, in many ways, the physical environment doesn’t matter as much as how you respond to it. The act of writing itself became my escape from prison’s harsh realities. It allowed me to mentally step outside my cell and explore parts of myself I hadn’t visited in years.
Chapter 3: Writing is much easier if you know just how to do it
King advocates for simplicity in writing, encouraging the use of straightforward language. He emphasizes focusing on nouns and verbs while avoiding adverbs and passive voice. He also advises reading widely to improve your writing, adding that even bad books have value by teaching you what not to do.
Scotty’s Thoughts:
This point really struck a chord with me. Before prison, I thought I had to impress people with big words and overly complex sentences. I used to think being smart meant showing off with intellectual-sounding phrases. But in prison, I realized how wrong that mindset was. I worked with people who barely had a high school education, yet some displayed incredible leadership and communication skills—far better than I had seen in corporate offices.
Simplicity became my new approach. I started writing in a way that was clear, straightforward, and direct. King’s advice to focus on nouns and verbs made sense because I had lived through the consequences of over-complicating things. Writing is about communication—connecting with your audience clearly, not impressing them. If you can’t get your point across, then what’s the point?
I saw this firsthand when helping fellow inmates. Many had never written more than a letter, yet they had incredible stories and ideas. Working with them reminded me that simplicity doesn’t mean a lack of depth. It means clarity, and clarity is what moves people.
Chapter 4: The audience you are writing for plays a massive role in the creative process
King advises writers always to consider their audience. Communication with the reader should be clear, simple, and relatable. Understanding your audience determines the tone, style, and language you use. While writing for yourself is important, the reader’s experience must be considered.
Scotty’s Thoughts:
As I write my book about prison and my experiences, I constantly think about my audience. I imagine they’ll be people facing the criminal justice system, those already incarcerated, or their families. They’ll be searching for guidance, perhaps desperate for hope or direction. I must be mindful of that and ensure my words resonate with them.
At the same time, I’d love for this book to reach a broader audience. I know the lessons I’ve learned apply beyond just incarceration. The challenge is balancing that—staying true to my core message while making it relatable to as many people as possible. I learned this lesson early in prison: success comes from finding a niche and becoming the best at it. I realized I don’t need to reach everyone, just those who really need the message.
Chapter 5: It is crucial to write not for superficial gains but for the benefit of the readers
King argues that writing for fame or money leads to shallow work. Authenticity should always be the goal. Writing focusing on making a meaningful connection with the reader will naturally lead to rewards, but those shouldn’t be the primary motivation. The aim should always be to create something of value for the audience.
Scotty’s Thoughts:
I’ve seen firsthand that writing for recognition, fame, or financial gain isn’t the way to go. I wrote my newsletter because I needed to communicate honestly about my situation—what I was going through, both the good and the bad. It was never about gaining attention and certainly not about money. I wasn’t even sure if anyone would care about what I had to say. But people did care. My authenticity, my commitment to being completely open, brought people to my side who I thought had written me off for good.
Ironically, real opportunities came to me by writing with pure intention—just trying to make sense of things. People began paying attention, and they reached out. But it wasn’t because I had a polished, glamorous story but because I wrote the truth.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
King concludes by reaffirming that writing is more than just producing words—it’s about making an impact and creating something meaningful that resonates with readers. To become a great writer, one must read extensively and write consistently. Location, structure, and understanding one’s audience are all essential components.
As I sit here, working on my book, I reflect on what it has already done for me and what it could do for others.
My story isn’t just about surviving prison—it’s about finding redemption, growth, and, ultimately, freedom. Writing is how I continue to discover that freedom.
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