On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

REQUIRED READING

As I remember the anecdote, when Stephen King was a little kid his grandfather said to his mother, "Why don't you shut that kid up, Ruth. When Steven opens his mouth, all his guts fall out." Well, they still do, and I, for one, am glad they do. I don't think there is anyone writing today who writes more from a place of honesty than Stephen King. Not just in his fiction or in the more informal things he writes, say, to introduce a story, but whenever he puts fingers to keys. On Writing is much more than a "Memoir of the Craft," which it surely is-it is an unequalled reading experience, period. I realized earlier today that this may well be my favorite book of all time, which is saying something. The thought crept up on me by surprise when it occurred to me I have bought four copies of On Writing over the years. Every time I finish reading it, I want to turn it over and read it again. Every time. No matter what King writes, he makes you feel he is sitting next to you, telling you what's on his mind, but no book does this more than this one. His words on the craft of writing are jewels, plain and simple, but it's the feeling that someone understands and is making the journey with you that matters.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Still awesome the second time around

I read this book back in 2001 and I still thing that it's a wonderful book for beginning writers to study. Stephen has dominated the horror genre for quite a long time. In his book he talks about how he got started, his love for writing, and why he continues to do so.

Reading it again, I still could not put this book down until I had turned the last page. This book still remains one of my "bibles" on the art and craft of writing. Stephen advises the beginning writer to "write every day no matter what."

His account of the writing craft is both funny, sarcastic, witty and downright truthful. His story of the author who was found sprawled out on his desk in despair because although he wrote only seven words, he did not know in which order they should go, still resonates with me even more now that I am writing my first novel.

One of the other things Stephen mentioned is the undying love and respect he has for his wife Tabitha is by far a true plus. As writers we yearn to have someone, anyone in our corner. Thank you Stephen for handing me my very own secret weapon to writing. Bravo!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

The Only Fictional Literature Book I'll Ever Use

Stephen King's On Writing is one of the few non-fiction books I've ever enjoyed and I will probably read it again someday for inspiration and the helpful advice it gives. The book starts out as a small memoir of King's childhood, his family life, how he first found his passion for writing, and how he used his talent and determination to get where he is today, as well as meeting his friends and his future wife. The second part of the book is divided up into chapters of how each component of a good fiction book is to be written (plot, characters, word usage, grammar, etc) and it gives the basic dos and don'ts of literature. The final part of the book is the King giving his farewell to his readers and a sneak peek at one of his other novels 1408 as well as a list of books that he liked to read and gave him inspiration. The major themes of the writing are determination, knowing what you're doing, and passion for what it is you want to do, and in this book's case: writing. I liked all the helpful advice King gave and he gave it in such a way that it was easy to understand, and I liked how he wrote the book on a personal level, like he was speaking directly to the readers themselves. I had no major dislikes of the book, only some confusion at certain parts when King was describing the structure of literature. Someone who wishes to one day become a fiction writer, particularly if they wish write the same genre King writes, this is a perfect book to read to help them get started. King gives everything you'll ever need to know about fictional writing, from character development, to grammar corrections, to dealing with writer's block. It is the absolute fiction writer's instruction manual. I would recommend reading his other works, after reading On Writing, to see how he put his own advice to work and what the end result should look like. I personally would recommend The Long Walk or Rose Red. My overall rating on this book is five out of five stars; a hard-working literary master like Stephen King deserves no less. I too wish to be a fictional writer someday, and work in the same genre as King, so this book has been incredibly inspirational to me and has helped me harden my resolve to one day become an author like King himself. This book is one I will treasure for a long time.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Insanely Inspiring...

I found this book insanely inspiring. Sometimes vulger, sometimes surprisingly romantic and moving, reading this was like spending an evening with a master storyteller and having him answer all the questions you've always wanted to ask. I loved it.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

So you just write for fun? READ THIS BOOK ANYWAY!

Just so you know, this book is good for anyone. Anyone who creates or has to press on or has worked crappy jobs wanting to go forward. I gave it a shot and have not put it down.

I am a writer. Not because I'm published, but because I sit for hours at my computer pounding out words that somewhat convey a cohesive story. Steven King probably didn't publish this book years and years ago for a couple of reasons. Of course, these are just guesses. But probably because he's tired of seeing the stuff this coming generation puts out, and also because we just might not have listened. But after his great success as a writer, he is, no matter what we have to say, a bit of an expert on it. What is great about this book, what is most meaningful is the fact that King has lived the life of an average writer. His folks didn't have tons of money, and he struggled much in the way I, type A commoner, struggles. But along with his self expose, he also teaches and uplifts. His voice jumps off the page and says, "No excuses." As a writer, I think this has been wonderful. Most of us don't have mentors pushing us in one direction or another. And most creative writers that we look up to don't really have the time. King's book took the mind of a mentor and put it into our hands. You don't have to read his type of fiction or even like it to really REALLY grow from this book. Yes, he may reference from some of them, but trust me, it won't be giving you nightmares. It'll be giving you ideas, telling you that it's alright to spend time on your work, and giving you permission to dream in ways that no one has ever told you it was okay. And it's not just for writers; it's for free thinkers.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

helpful

an excellent view inside the mind of successful creative genius. i will never look at adverbs the same.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Not a fan of the Author (until now), but I loved this book and I am now a bit smitten with the Author too.

I have never read a Stephen King book, nor did I anticipate ever reading one. I am not one who likes to be scared. I have a 50 year habit of sleep walking after scary movies, and I sleep in the nude... but then that is another story....and a little scary in itself.
Anyway, I was given this book by my sister, who knows that I will only read the truth. No previous use for fiction, or fantasy books here.
As it turned out, I really did enjoy this book, and I have since referred it to a couple of friends, who are budding authors. I feel that the tips and suggestions were very concise, and I had many "well duh" moments. It seems so easy, and so obvious. And yet, it took the book to make me realize it. Genius!! I would highly recommend this book, to anyone planning to write, or who thought that they knew how to write already. Heck, I may even buy a Stephen King Book of pure fiction soon. Egad!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Part Memoir, Part Writing Instruction. Loved this book. I orig

Part Memoir, Part Writing Instruction. Loved this book. I originally thought this to be a purely instructional book but was pleasantly surprised by Mr. King's in depth memoir, which I enjoyed immensely. It enriches this book and explains a lot about his writing style. He also speaks about the horrible accident (during the writing of this book) which almost took his life. I admire his courage. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone pursuing a writing career, because it is filled with insight and wisdom from a hugely successful writer. Get the nitty-gritty straight from the source.

Writing 101

For once, a book on writing that tells you how to do it, and not in terms of stringing letters and words together. If you write, this book will let you know that you aren't alone in your choice of methods, there are lots of writers in the same boat you are, and it will point a way through for you.

A Fascinating Read Whether You Are a Writer or Not!

Stephen King has a way of writing that just doesn't seem to compare with anyone else! If you write, this is a must read from a very successful author who still has the voice of doubt in his head. And even if you don't, King's journey is a refreshing look at the writing process.

Entertaining writing tutorial

Nonfiction is typically painful for me to read but this reads like a novel. Learning about his past and how he comes up with ideas is fascinating, and his tips for writing are invaluable. I have already seen great improvement in my writing and have recommended this book to aspiring authors. A must read for anyone who lives to write!

Highly Reecommended

Thsi is an amazing book. The details are awe inspiring and the ideas about writing are dead on.

Great read, even if you don't aspire to write.

Great memior and reflection of the process not just of writing, but of growing up, growing into becoming a writer, and allowing one's self to change. I loved it!

Definitely Recommended

This is a great book, especially for new writers. I was assigned to buy this for a creative writing class and bought it with the same excitement that is attributed to most text books - required reading... but I couldn't put it down.

...

I have never really liked reading but our teacher had us use this book as our text book in a college english class.this is noww officially my favorite book it is funny contains plenty of stories throught the whole thing all while explaining the different things needed to write. It is an all around great book

Great Advice, but Drags

I enjoyed the first and last sections of this book. Stephen King is a great story teller and has a unique tone in his writting. The middle section was thorough, informative, and filled with many useful details, but it was very difficult to get through it because the pages dragged. I would still recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about writting. Just know to be prepared for a long read at times.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great Advice!

I loved this book. It has to be my favourite book of 2010. I have always been a fan of Stephen King and I found, as an aspiring writer, that a book about writing written by someone who knows what they're doing is a great help. I initially had to read this book for my Fiction Writing class, I absolutely fell in love with it from page one and my love for it continued all the way to page 288. There were times when this book made me laugh out loud, embarrassingly on my part, in public places and there were times when I was reading it that I realized some of the mistakes I made as a writer and I learned ways in which I could fix those mistakes without taking away from the idea I want to get across.

Now, Stephen King is a very blunt man. He is not shy about saying that there is such a thing as a "bad writer." To quote the book, he says:

...while it is impossible to make a competent writer out of a bad writer, and while it is equally impossible to make a great writer out of a good one, it is possible, with lots of hard work, dedication, and timely help, to make a good writer out of a merely competent one.

He gives you the facts, straight from the horse's mouth, if you will, and yet he puts it in a way that not only comforts you, but helps you learn exactly why it is the way it is. He even uses examples from his own writing, whereas a textbook would merely give you examples of someone else's work.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Anyone at all. Especially those who are looking to become professional writers. On Writing helped me out so much, I don't know where I would be if I hadn't read this book. Probably writing crappy novels that border on fan fiction. Who knows?

A Must Read For Writers!

This book is inspiring and gives you a glimpse into the writing life of the horror master Stephen King. It's a must read for anyone who wants to write. GREAT book!

Has its interesting and dull parts.

On Writing by Stephen King is a book cleverly divided into 3 sections, each very different parts of the novel. The first section discusses his life. He was born in Indiana, and started off submitting horror and sci-fi stories to magazines, and had his own newspaper with his brother which they distributed at schools. Most of his short stories sent to magazines were initially rejected, each with tips and things to fix, but eventually he was published. Stephen moved around quite often and had an unstable childhood. He also eventually married and had his first book Carrie published. In 1999 he almost died when he was hit by a car, which is the main focus of part 3. My favorite part about this novel is the silly and funny things Stephen includes, and he seems to have a sarcastic sense of humor throughout. He also has some exquisite tips on starting off as a writer. I also like how he seems to be personally talking to you. It felt like I was sitting at a table drinking coffee and having a nice chat with him. The way he connects to the reader immediately is astonishing. Another thing I enjoyed is the casual feel to the book. My dislikes, though, are his cocky and somewhat rude attitude in the book, like he is superior because of his accomplishments in writing. He often talks down about other writers in general, and quite often dismisses a lot of basic English skills and necessary things in stories. If you're looking for some autobiographical references from Stephen King himself, read Part 1 and Part 3, and skip Part 2. Part 2 is focused on the craft of writing, and is slightly boring if you're not reading for help and tips on writing. Part 1 and Part 3 are strictly autobiographical, but enveloping and a fun read. It mostly centers on how Stephen became a writer himself and what inspires him and shaped him as a person to be who he is today. But if you're an aspiring writer, starting at Part 2 wouldn't be a bad idea. Stephen has a lot to say about grammar, word choice, story length, plot, character development and pretty much every aspect of a story or book. There's even a small part from Stephen's story 1408, which he shows before and after editing and showing what's necessary and what isn't. I really enjoyed that part of the book because it was unique and fun to see what made the cut and what didn't and why something was edited out. It's all very helpful for an aspiring writer. Overall, I'd give On Writing a 6/10. It just wasn't my type of book, but did have some interesting points and stories in it. The somewhat low rating is due to Part 2, it bored me to pieces and I was waiting for that part to be done (I was required to read all of it for school). I would also recommend reading The Shining by Stephen King, which is a very wonderful and creepy book by Stephen King, although a very different style since it is fiction.

My Favorite King Book

Despite the almost immeasurable mainstream success of his fiction, I find Stephen King most engaging when he's talking or writing about his own life. On Writing contains plenty of references to King's own personal history, each with some lesson or bit of encouragement for budding writers attached. But what I found most intriguing in this collection of the author's nuggets of wisdom, was King's account of his collision with a van--the one that very nearly killed him. King may have been simply recalling the primary details of the incident at the tail end of the text, but the accident represents my favorite scene of any King book I've read. Fancy that.