Misty reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Highly recommended for anyone interested in writing as a craft.
Paperback, 291 pages
English language
Published Dec. 13, 2010 by Scribner.
4 stars
(165 reviews)
"Long live the King," hailed Entertainment Weekly upon the publication of Stephen King's On Writing. Part memoir, part masterclass 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. --back cover
Alex Keane reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
I really liked the format of the book. Part one is a memoir made up of selected snapshots from King's youth that led him to the writer he became. They don't necessarily always follow chronological order but they've got a certain logic to them that reinforces the advice that comes later. And you care. I couldn't stop reading as King went from the kid in Durham to sliding down the wall as he heard the good news about Carrie's paperback rights going for a ton, which is neatly foreshadowed in an earlier snapshot.
The advice itself also reads as a narrative, less Strunk and White and more your buddy telling you over lunch to try this thing, it's helped him a lot. Again there's a lot of the snapshots from a career going on talking about "And here's this time I had to learn this bit, so don't be afraid. …
I really liked the format of the book. Part one is a memoir made up of selected snapshots from King's youth that led him to the writer he became. They don't necessarily always follow chronological order but they've got a certain logic to them that reinforces the advice that comes later. And you care. I couldn't stop reading as King went from the kid in Durham to sliding down the wall as he heard the good news about Carrie's paperback rights going for a ton, which is neatly foreshadowed in an earlier snapshot.
The advice itself also reads as a narrative, less Strunk and White and more your buddy telling you over lunch to try this thing, it's helped him a lot. Again there's a lot of the snapshots from a career going on talking about "And here's this time I had to learn this bit, so don't be afraid. It's gonna happen so just roll with it."
I've never really had non-fiction suck me in and keep me reading like this did. King can definitely say that he knows his language.
lijadora reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
There's 3 parts
- A memoir - back story for the next part. And yes, King knows how to tell a story or two.
- The actual 'on writing'. Don't expect a textbook, but do expect good advice and an insight in his approach. Main surprise (for me): he doesn't have a plot in advance, lets the story and characters take their course.
- A recount of the author's accident in 1999.
kracekumar reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'GoodReads'
5 stars
The book is pure insight into writing and how the writer Stephen king was made. The book doesn't get straight into how to get good at writing, rather builds up about the author, his struggle, his preaching and his struggle for life. A must read for every aspiring writer!
Terrance reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on Goodreads
5 stars
On Writing is a phenomenal book about the craft. While I've read many a book in my life, I've always struggled to think about what exactly makes a great book, what gives it that ability to grab you and drag you even deeper into its world.
Stephen King lays out how you should go about crafting worlds and characters but doesn't get bogged down in the nitty gritty of it, rather he gives you the tools and broad strokes you'll need to get down to figuring out that for yourself. The beauty of his approach is that it applies to writers of any genre, not just horror or suspense that he is the master of.
While I've just finished this book, I can see that over the coming years I'll come back again and again to learn more from it., with each read-through giving me something new to use and …
On Writing is a phenomenal book about the craft. While I've read many a book in my life, I've always struggled to think about what exactly makes a great book, what gives it that ability to grab you and drag you even deeper into its world.
Stephen King lays out how you should go about crafting worlds and characters but doesn't get bogged down in the nitty gritty of it, rather he gives you the tools and broad strokes you'll need to get down to figuring out that for yourself. The beauty of his approach is that it applies to writers of any genre, not just horror or suspense that he is the master of.
While I've just finished this book, I can see that over the coming years I'll come back again and again to learn more from it., with each read-through giving me something new to use and ponder on.
This is most definitely one of the most essential tools in any writer's toolbox.
Stephen reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Even if you are not planning to become a fiction writer or writer in general I think you would enjoy this book. I think what he presents on writing is good practice for anyone who has to write for any reason. The book is peppered with personal stories from his life which makes reading fun and easy.
If you are a writer, this is a must read!
Zelanator reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Really fun, engaging read. Part autobiography and part advice for aspiring writers. Highly recommended.
astrodad reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
I didn't think I was going to like this book because I've never been a huge fan of his work. Then again, I've only read one or two pieces and I actually did like The Stand and the first book of the Gunslinger series. His advice is honest, frank, and well laid out. And reading about his life was a delight. I had no idea that he struggled for so long with addiction. A very good read. I have about 200 highlights from it.
astroMD reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
I didn't think I was going to like this book because I've never been a huge fan of his work. Then again, I've only read one or two pieces and I actually did like The Stand and the first book of the Gunslinger series. His advice is honest, frank, and well laid out. And reading about his life was a delight. I had no idea that he struggled for so long with addiction. A very good read. I have about 200 highlights from it.
Paul J reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Really enjoyed this book. It is a terrific book for aspiring writers and a great opportunity to get to know Stephen King a little better.
emarsh reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
I should've read this a decade ago. A lot of this is stuff we already know, but it's good to be reminded. A lot of good advice for new writers and old.
Review of 'On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
I have never really read any of Stephen King's books, but someone told me to read this book on writing. It's a great read and the way this particular writer goes about his creative process is quite similar to mine (although I don't really write)). Just get going! You can always edit afterwards!
Michael @ Knowledge Lost reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Recently, I read Stephen King’s book, ‘On Writing’, which I found thoroughly enjoyable. The book starts off with parts of Stephen’s life which lead him to be a writer. It was interesting and it was nice to know he struggled too, but I was really wanted to read about writing. When I got to the writing side of things, that’s where I paid the most attention. It was interesting to know how he wrote and what he considers important for writing. I know everyone has different opinions on writing but there were some interesting tips in this book;
* A writer should do two things above all others; Read a lot and write a lot (I’m getting better at the first part, need to do the second part more)
* A writer needs three important tools which will be learnt along the way 1; Vocabulary 2; Grammar and 3; Basic …
Recently, I read Stephen King’s book, ‘On Writing’, which I found thoroughly enjoyable. The book starts off with parts of Stephen’s life which lead him to be a writer. It was interesting and it was nice to know he struggled too, but I was really wanted to read about writing. When I got to the writing side of things, that’s where I paid the most attention. It was interesting to know how he wrote and what he considers important for writing. I know everyone has different opinions on writing but there were some interesting tips in this book;
* A writer should do two things above all others; Read a lot and write a lot (I’m getting better at the first part, need to do the second part more)
* A writer needs three important tools which will be learnt along the way 1; Vocabulary 2; Grammar and 3; Basic Elements of Form and Style
* It’s not really write what you know (I’m sure Stephen King doesn’t know much about killing, etc) instead write honestly (eg. you will get a feeling of how the characters will act and talk, don’t try to censor the characters in any way)
One thing Stephen King does talk about which I found really interesting was the fact that he doesn’t plan his books; he says he is just the transcribers and the first reader. As he writes, the characters develop and end up telling him the story. I know there are heaps of books on writing but this one was just short, simple and a joy to read. I do think Stephen King offers some interesting insight into his art and writing in general.
I would like to leave you with how Stephen views writing; Writing is Telekinesis (the writer paints a picture through his words and the reader sees the same image.)
Eldaerenth reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
An exception read, both as an autiobiography and a tutorial on writing. Recommended to anyone with an interest in the real Stephen King and the art of writing.
Stephen reviewed On Writing by Stephen King
Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King (2000)
