On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

by Stephen King

Audiobook Download

English language

Published Oct. 13, 2000 by Simon & Schuster Audio.

ISBN:: 978-0-7435-6337-6

View on OpenLibrary

(147 reviews)

"If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write."

Here is Stephen King's master class on his craft. On Writing begins with a mesmerizing account of King's childhood and his early focus on writing to tell a story. A series of vivid memories from adolescence, college, and the struggling years that led up to his first novel, Carrie, offer a fresh and often funny perspective on the formation of a writer. King then turns to the tools of his trade, examining crucial aspects of the wriiter's art and life, offering practical and inspiring advice on everything from plot and character development to work habits and rejection. King was in the middle of writing this book when he was nearly killed in a widely reported accident. On Writing culminates with a profoundly moving account of how his need to write spurred him …

"If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write."

source: www.simonandschuster.com/books/On-Writing/Stephen-King/9780743563376

52 editions

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 …

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.

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.

astrodad reviewed On Writing by Stephen King

Review of 'On Writing' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

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.

ReneCNielsen reviewed On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

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 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.