On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Amazing little gem that is half autobiography / half writing manual. The bio part is quite eye-opening, revealing not just about King, but as he is as a writer. The actual writing part is choke full of witty stories and helpful tips for the one of the best writer’s of today.

I am not a fiction writer or an aspiring one, but I am a fan of Stephen King. Loved reading about some of his novels and the process that went into writing them. It's been some time since I've read any of Steven King's novels, but I found myself easily slipping back into his work. I also gleaned some good advice for my own writing.

I had only read one Stephen King novel before picking this up and hadn't been too impressed by it. I was interested, though, to read the thoughts of one of America's most prolific novelists on the process of writing. I was very pleasantly surprised. The book surprised me somewhat; perhaps I was expecting more of a guide to writing fiction, but the subtitle describes the work perfectly--it is...more

I had only read one Stephen King novel before picking this up and hadn't been too impressed by it. I was interested, though, to read the thoughts of one of America's most prolific novelists on the process of writing. I was very pleasantly surprised. The book surprised me somewhat; perhaps I was expecting more of a guide to writing fiction, but the subtitle describes the work perfectly--it is a memoir of the craft. It is, first of all, a memoir--containing more autobiographical material than straightforward writing advice. According to King, writing is a craft, one that can be honed and improved upon, but one that is also, like witchcraft, magical. I read through this book in about five days and immediately upon finishing it went and checked out The Dead Zone. Well worth the time.   hide

I loved this book! I haven't read that many of King's books, but have always found him an interesting personality. This book is part memoir and part creative writing class. The background information on what has shaped him as a writer was fascinating and certainly provides great insight into why he writes the types of stories that he does. The section on writing was wonderful. His...more

I loved this book! I haven't read that many of King's books, but have always found him an interesting personality. This book is part memoir and part creative writing class. The background information on what has shaped him as a writer was fascinating and certainly provides great insight into why he writes the types of stories that he does. The section on writing was wonderful. His take on the necessary items for a writer to have in their "toolbox" was quite helpful. I would recommend this book both to budding writers and/or Stephen King fans. There is something for everyone!   hide

A book that should be on the shelves of any author, January 9, 2009 I enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it, especially for aspiring writers. "On Writing" is not your ordinary, boring, english how-to manual. It is a book written by a successful author (who started off as an unknown himself), who gives the reader tips on writing a good story......more

A book that should be on the shelves of any author, January 9, 2009 I enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it, especially for aspiring writers. "On Writing" is not your ordinary, boring, english how-to manual. It is a book written by a successful author (who started off as an unknown himself), who gives the reader tips on writing a good story... their story. Throughout, we learn of Stephen's past which not only keeps our interest but allows us to relate to him as a person - not just another successful, unreachable author. He has endured problems in his life, much as many of us have, and through each one he has conquered and improved as a person and as a writer. As an author myself, I personally like the quick, to-the-point tips that he gives, as well as the encouragement for all of us to keep writing. After all, he is "the great Stephen King"... he could just as easily give us a tip or two and then hope that he stays at the top forever. Instead, he encourages company at his desk of success, and notes that he enjoys reading our books just as much as we enjoy reading his. I found Stephen King's "On Writing" an enjoyable read and one that should be on the shelves of all authors. J.R. Reardon author, "Confidential Communications"   hide

Stephen Kings shares tha magic and you get front row seats, and it's a creation worth mention because it's about his point of views on personal issues, writting and life. This book is a mixture of his biography (first part), his craft and how he achieves it (second part) and his "second chance" in this world as he almost got killed when he was ran through by a...more

Stephen Kings shares tha magic and you get front row seats, and it's a creation worth mention because it's about his point of views on personal issues, writting and life. This book is a mixture of his biography (first part), his craft and how he achieves it (second part) and his "second chance" in this world as he almost got killed when he was ran through by a carless driver(third part). SK let's you in to the unvarnished aspects of his thoughts on how to write and then tries to answer the many questions he has been asked over the years on how he writes, and the ones he didn't got asked but wished he had. I recomend it because it's Sthephen Kings mind, I recomendet because its not just about what he writes but how he writes it and you deserve to be part of that magistral event.   hide

As fragmented as some might find the book--his work having been interrupted by the struck-by-a-van-while-walking incident--I still have to note that a. it benefits from his always-comfortable prose style; b. it offers practical advice (at least one piece of which could be called "provocative"--it involves plot[ting]) that can...more

As fragmented as some might find the book--his work having been interrupted by the struck-by-a-van-while-walking incident--I still have to note that a. it benefits from his always-comfortable prose style; b. it offers practical advice (at least one piece of which could be called "provocative"--it involves plot[ting]) that can benefit even experienced writers; and, c. it includes anecdotes (about his childhood, his substance abuse, the accident) that, for me, inspired a certain level of emotional identification. In the end, there's enough good material on writing itself--fictive or otherwise--that I'm assigning it in my "developmental" writing classes, as a way to encourage my students both to have confidence in their own voices and to start thinking about writing as a craft.   hide

Part memoir, part guide to writing, Stephen King’s On Writing is an enjoyable, fast paced, and easy read. King tells his life story in a frank and funny manner which is almost certain to coax laughter from readers. Near the end of the book, when King recounts his near-death experience, the tale is almost heartbreaking, but it is a tale of survival, love, and determination. Even readers...more

Part memoir, part guide to writing, Stephen King’s On Writing is an enjoyable, fast paced, and easy read. King tells his life story in a frank and funny manner which is almost certain to coax laughter from readers. Near the end of the book, when King recounts his near-death experience, the tale is almost heartbreaking, but it is a tale of survival, love, and determination. Even readers who have never read any of Stephen King’s work before can appreciate this book. I had never read any of Stephen King’s work before, other than a wonderful short story entitled “The Reach,” but I found On Writing to be interesting and informative. King’s life story is fascinating, and his instruction on the art of writing is invaluable. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming a writer or who is currently an aspiring writer. On Writing has great tips about the writing, editing, and publishing process. King gives readers a rare look at his creative process, discussing changes he has made in his work and his struggles to complete some of his stories. His advice about the art of writing is simple. If you want to write, you have to be committed to writing. Becoming an author does not happen overnight, and it does not happen without a great deal of effort. Do what you love, and if that happens to be writing, then read and write to your heart’s content. Writing should be for enjoyment. If writing reaps greater benefits that the sheer joy of writing, then so be it, and welcome.   hide

This book is worthy of a 5-star rating, offering great insight into King and his craft. It could be argued that too much of the book is spent on King's personal life story but one could counter by saying that to understand the art, one needs to understand the man behind it. In any case, the stories are never clunky, drawn out, or boring. Plus, there are many gems of sage-like advice...more

This book is worthy of a 5-star rating, offering great insight into King and his craft. It could be argued that too much of the book is spent on King's personal life story but one could counter by saying that to understand the art, one needs to understand the man behind it. In any case, the stories are never clunky, drawn out, or boring. Plus, there are many gems of sage-like advice contained within for those wishing to embark on a writing career or merely wishing to write more effectively. A must read for King fans and burgeoning writers - and, dare I say, a recommended read for anyone who communicates through the written word.   hide