King describes the writer’s toolbox as a **physical metaphor** for the skills and knowledge writers carry with them. The toolbox has multiple levels: ![[writer_toolbox2.png|500]] ### Level 1: Vocabulary & Grammar • **Vocabulary**: Use the words you know. Don’t try to dress them up. Be natural and clear. • **Grammar**: Know basic grammar, especially the parts that help with clarity (like active vs. passive voice). > _“Put your vocabulary on the top shelf of your toolbox, and don’t make any conscious effort to improve it.”_ ### Level 2: Elements of Style • **Avoid passive voice**: It weakens writing. • **Avoid adverbs**, especially in dialogue attribution (e.g., “he said softly”). • **Use strong verbs** and straightforward sentence construction. ### Level 3: Tools for Narrative • **Paragraphs**: The "beat" of writing. Understand how they control pacing. • **Description**: Use sensory detail, but don’t overdo it. • **Dialogue**: It should sound real and reveal character. • **Theme and Symbolism** (deeper layer): Let these emerge naturally, not forced. King emphasizes that the **TOOLBOX** is built over time and with practice. You add tools through reading and writing consistently. 👇 More (maybe not from King) ![[Writer_toolbox1.png]]