Twentieth Anniversary Edition with Contributions from Joe Hill and Owen KingONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S TOP 100 NONFICTION BOOKS OF ALL TIME Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, this special edition of Stephen King’s critically lauded, million-copy bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work. “Long live the King” hailed …
“Long live the King” hailed Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it—fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.
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If you are an aspiring writer, have been a writer for a while, or just wanting to up your game this is a must have book.
One of the most informative “on writing” books I’ve read, Stephen King’s ON WRITING goes to the very top of my list of creative writing how-tos. This book is not only educational and inspiring, but entertaining as only King can entertain. Amusing, thought-provoking, and chock-full of useful information and priceless insights, this is a must-read for writers of all ilk and every level.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough to working and aspiring writers. Full or practical and inspirational counsel – and brilliantly written. Writers will identify will King’s love of language and fiction writing. You will LOVE this book.
Great advice and inspiring for all authors and those curious about the writing business.
It is funny and yet insightful. I love to read about his childhood and journey to become such a successful writer. It is honest and inspiring. Highly recommended.
Fantastic! King’s love for writing really shines through. I wish I could hang out with him and discuss.
Interesting reading King talks about writing, his childhood, and his addiction after his accident n
On Writing by Stephen King was an excellent book and my first book by the author. Mr. King shares laugh-out-loud moments, memories of his younger self, family life, courting his college sweetheart, who he later married and continues to be his greatest cheerleader.
I was amazed at how relatable his book is. He speaks of his early career as a teacher, addiction recovery, severe accident that almost took his life, and how his short stories were first picked up. My favorite parts were time spent with his mother. My only issue was the few sections with cursing. The book is 45-60% memoir, 15% part comedy, 25% a writing MasterClass, and totally a delight.
He provides writing exercises and tips for newbie writing careers. He explains how to write, find an agent, and some pitfalls to avoid—a good book for writers and others who enjoy memoirs.
This is a classic. If you’re a stephen king fan, a must read for sure. If you’re a writer, then an absolutely mandatory book, surely? I loved it.
Best book on writing and being a writer I have read. Highly recommend to anyone interested in the art and craft of writing
Such an amazing resource from an equally amazing writer. I first read this book (because I am a huge fan) before I became an author. I found it interesting, but not something I would choose to read again. However, now that I am an author, I fid this book fascinating. Perspective is everything.
What I thought would be a book of advice for aspiring writers turned out to be so much more: a moving biography in which the author shows not only what led to his becoming a writer, but also what shaped him as a person. I re-read this every few years, as it is like having a conversation with someone greatly to be admired, who shares generously of his humor, wisdom, and life experiences. I have never met Mr. King, but this book has made me feel I know him.
This incredible book, written by the master himself, is worth its weight in gold. I’m not an SK fan of his horror books, but man, the guy is the pinnacle of writers; no one does it quite like him.
May I be frank? If you are an aspiring writer and you have not read this book at least once, you are missing the boat. SK gives heartfelt, poignant, and hard-hitting truisms about the craft of writing, what it takes, and its pitfalls. I listened to this on audio, and Mr. King narrates it, which is PHENOMENAL.
Can I just be bold – BUY THE BOOK. READ THE BOOK. And then READ IT AGAIN. I guarantee you will get something out of it every time.
This should be, and for all I know it is, required reading in the 101 curricula for every creative writing class at every university.
ON WRITING
By Steven King
I recently re-read Steven King’s ON WRITING and it was time well spent. That’s no small admission. My list of books to read and review is long and always calling me, so to pull myself away and read a “how to” was quite a commitment. Even this far in my writing journey—fourth book published by a small press this fall—I found the lessons and suggestions in King’s classic work worth revisiting.
Did I learn anything new? That depends. I learned why King is such a prolific writer and has had such success. He can make even lessons on grammar and style interesting. His ability to match these “instructions” with stories of his own or others’ writing moved them from tolerable to actually interesting—something I struggled to accomplish in my high school English classroom, years ago. Of course, the educator in me chafed at his denigration of college creative writing programs. Perhaps, he was showing a bit too much of his own bias here.
But I found most of his arguments on what to do and not to do confirmed what I’d learned, more or less by trial and error and revisions along my writing journey. I didn’t agree with everything—his writing regimen and routine doesn’t work for me—but I found myself nodding my head again and again as I read section after section.
I’d recommend this little “writing bible” to both writers starting out or those, like me, who could use a little refresher.
Both memoir and reflections on writing. In the first part, Stephen King describes how his early life led to his love of writing, especially horror. He then explained basic aspects of writing, and what he sees as being most important. There is plenty to think about in his observations, but he reiterates often that the story is king.
Included near the end are samples of both first and second drafts of a short story, and two reading lists of books King read and enjoyed.
Well written, of course, personal and reflective. Glad I found it. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Simply amazing! I got the audio book first, so it was no wonder reading the book you hear Mr. King’s voice in your head narrating. This is written in such a way that I would have regardless…and I’ve only read one other semi-autobiographical book where I’ve had this happen.
Buy this book, you will enjoy it beyond measure – even if you don’t plan to write.
Entertaining account of King’s childhood introduction to writing, but his writing advice is mostly just a review of Strunk and White that, amazingly, violates nearly every tenet of writing the classic guide lays out. Disappointing.
If you are a writer, this book is a ‘must read.’ King has a way with words, both poetic and raw words, but the things he explains are worth your time.
Every writer and wanna-be writer should read this book. King knows his craft. It’s not just a how-to book on writing. He shares personal stories which are quite interesting. He tells about the event in his life that very near killed him – when he was hit by a weird guy in a van while King was out on a walk. The true life story is as creepy as some of his novels. It’s a good read for anyone interested in crafting stories.
The absolute word(s) on what it takes to be a full-time writer. I also appreciated King’s frank humility about his struggles with, and recovery from, addiction.