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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Realistic, practical insights on the craft of writing with plenty of King’s dry humor.
Great writing advice from a master storyteller, On Writing isn’t so much a how-to manual on writing as it is what it would be like to go to dinner with Stephen King and listen to him talk about writing and creating.
I would recommend to any aspiring writer. As I write now, I still have his book in my head reminding me of his points, tips, and stories of the hard journey. The realities of writing with a hopeful guide.
I love this little book about writing. In fact, it helped me finish my 4th book in a series. I had started it but was hemming and hawing about the plot…I didn’t really have a good one in mind. So, that meant I just put it off, and off, and off. It sat for close to a year while I wrestled with what to write next. But after reading this little gem, I got my BIC (butt in chair) and started writing again. I clung to Stephen’s advice to not worry about the plot. Or really anything. Just write. Write, write and write. Which is what I did. Lo and behold, my book took shape and I finally finished it. I have to say it was this wonderful book that motivated me to get going again.
One of my favorite books on writing
If it weren’t for this book, I wouldn’t have written mine … well, maybe I would have, but it probably would have sucked. I am a huge fan of Stephen King (not Misery huge, but still huge), and have read just about everything he’s written (some things two or three times). This book, however, is one that I’ve read probably 8 or 9 times, and I’ve listened to the audio version twice. Everything he said to do, I did. Everything he said to not do, I did not do. I not only learned a lot from the book, but I was also entertained the whole time I was learning. The man is brilliant, and so is this book.
You could not go wrong taking the advice of such a prolific and imaginative writer who really knows how to write (as does his wife, Tabitha, whose influence can often be seen in his novels)
Oddly enough, I don’t read Stephen King’s books, but I love his take on the craft of writing. I recommend.
If you’ve ever wanted to get inside a writer’s mind and find out what he was thinking when he wrote Carrie or Misery, (and a few others), you’ll love Stephen King’s anecdotal glimpse into his world in On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. I found his frank language entertaining and if you’re a writer to boot, his brilliant “straight-shooting” writing tips are “aha” worthy!
Even more than the writing lessons, he includes a little of everything; the early life, the later life and a gold mine of his humble beginnings. All the crazy jobs he had to support his clever storytelling because let’s face it, writers are starving artists until–or if–they make it. I’m still floundering with climbing the “latter.”
He reveals his number one test reader for all his stories. This is the person he places validity on, the one he aims to impress and hopes gets all his jokes and gore. This is who provides loving support as well as brutal honesty. How lucky he is to have that springboard, even if it’s painful at times.
And speaking of pain, he sheds light on that too, especially the accident that urged him to finish the book. I enjoyed the whole package Stephen King wrapped between the pages. I especially love finding out where authors get their story ideas– I include covert information in all of my books– and King’s did not disappoint. In fact, it was my favorite part! I wish he spilled secrets on them all.
His homemade approach to early creativity was hilarious and relatable, namely making a neighborhood newspaper with his brother. My middle bro used to draw comic books, and embarrassingly enough, I used to draw greeting cards on manila paper and once tried peddling my crude wares to local businesses. (insert cringe here!) I also still have most of my primitive, handwritten and illustrated teen mystery booklets, which I treasure.
I’m in awe of Stephen King’s “never give up” attitude, even as a kid when he first started submitting stories to sci-fi and spec fiction magazines. He was only a preteen at the time! Imagine finding positive gleams in rejection letters, especially at that impressionable age! He kept them all, but it’s an accolade to his talent having finagled a single typed line of advice from hardcore editors, and whether or not a form letter contained it, he always took them in stride. Really, it’s the only way to improve and it’s a crucial part of the journey.
Coming away from this book, it’s like visiting with a friend you’ve admired for a long time. Sort of like authors of a kindred spirit both living in New England, although Maine may not be considered part of it, it is to me.
I’ve seen a few of his movies and a mini-series or two, and even though my husband has read many of his books, I never have–gasp!– but after this memoir, his writing style has me hankering for more. I may sink my teeth into some–if I dare.
Might be perfect timing, too; Halloween season is a’ howling.
I thoroughly enjoyed this little peak into the mind of King.
On Writing by Stephen King is a candid memoir about the craft of writing and the making of an author. Through the use of personal stories and anecdotes, King takes the reader on a journey from his childhood to adulthood visiting the pivotal moments that helped shape him into the author he has become. His insights on writing craft and the life of a writer are shared in an engaging, relatable manner. A fascinating and entertaining memoir full of nuggets of wisdom for both new and seasoned writers. Highly recommended!
Of all the books I’ve read about writing, this has been to most helpful – to me specifically. Even one little thought: Yes, there’s no getting around it, you have to write “she said,” or “he said,” a lot! So simple, but very freeing.
A little insight into the mind of a writer who produces hit stories on an (at least) annual basis. Follow his writing career from his own newspaper to movies to hit books. Author wannabes can get some great advice on every aspect of writing from this fantastic author.
Great great read!
It’s just the best
Changed the way I read.
The master of writing, Stephen King, discourses on writing.
As a writer I picked up this book to look at what such a prolific writer had to say about writing. The first half is a very comprehensive autobiography telling how he became a writer, and his struggle with addition. So engaging and at times, humorous, but especially important to me, it is honest.
The second half is more instructional and to the point. He explains why certain techniques have certain effects for the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it helpful
I loved this book. Gives a lot of background into the life of Stephen King and his passion for the art of writing.
If you are starting out as a new author or you have already been a writer for a while, this Stephen King book “On Writing” is amazing. He describes his own personal journey in becoming a writer. Giving tips on how to write a proper manuscript, as well as the the do’s and don’ts in writing. I highly recommend any Stephen King fan or author to read this book.