On Writing

By Stephen King

On Writing - Stephen King
  • Release Date: 2000-10-03
  • Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 700 Ratings

Description

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF WRITING with fresh testimonials from fellow writers about why they love Stephen King and On Writing—and a few new words on the joy of writing from King himself.

*ONE 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 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.

Reviews

  • How Stephen King Writes

    2
    By Scott's take on things
    King describes how he writes, and begins by giving some background into his life, which is an interesting way to start. The best parts of the book are the stories King tells. He’s a great storyteller. I was less interested in his observations about the writing process. Like many successful writers it’s hard for him to remember his general principles may be things that work for him but may not work for others nor may necessarily be useful ways to think about being g a writer.
  • The Science & The Art

    4
    By Richard Bakare
    Stephen King wrote a book for aspiring and struggling writers but I believe he managed something larger. A book that is as much about the symbiotic relationship between a well lived life and settled work, as it is about writing. The key being that when you design your life to support positive habit building, you will create the space to hone your craft of choice, which naturally feeds satisfaction back into life. To serve writers, he delivers blunt guidance that demystifies the lore of what makes a successful writer. One of the most important bubbles he pops is the idea that creative output comes to us like some violent gust of wind. Inspiration that is supposed to consume you and carry you all the way to some brilliant novel. King distills the real effort down to a craftsperson, discipline, and a toolbox. On top of all of that he shares his life journey in away that is refreshing. This approach underscores how are lives shape us and subsequently what we write about. It’s not just about writing what we know but also leaning into your history to give your work more authenticity. An honesty that the reader will appreciate. Whether you’re a King fan or not, this is a great read about following passions and making a life.
  • Good advice

    4
    By Big Daddy Mas
    At first I was like, is this a memoir or an instruction, a little of both and very well done!
  • Boring

    2
    By Sowatee
    Starts with an autobiography with little tidbits. Towards the middle of the book is where “real” writing instruction happens, which is very generous to begin with. Best advice he’s given is to simply read a lot and write a lot.
  • Great Book

    5
    By Bostonmc
    Excellent book for any author looking to get started writing... and stay writing.
  • Love it

    5
    By sylviexiaoweizhuang
    I love this book and can’t wait to read it again!
  • Invite Stephen over for some tea and listen for a while

    5
    By Malvicus
    If you’d like to have Stephen King come over and tell you several engaging story about his life and learn some great tips on the process of writing, this is the book!
  • Excellent

    5
    By Liviparr
    I read this book for a final essay assignment, and I had so much to highlight. The stories at the beginning were well told and lighthearted, and the seamless segway into the this and that of writing made the topic that much more interesting. King is an excellent writer, and the way he wrote and explained writing, filling the book with stories, and funny comments of his, it was almost as though the book was one of those can’t put it down books. Highly recommend.
  • Great book loved it

    5
    By Vichoney
    Such an amazing person
  • A brilliant read for any writer!

    5
    By mjm11983
    Fantastic! That is all.