Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - On Writing

On Writing
On Writing
Author: Stephen King
'Not since Dickens has a writer had so many readers by the throat ...King's imagination is vast. He knows how to engage the deepest sympathies of his readers ...It is part biography, part collection of tips for the aspiring writer. In the final chapters, King tells, in graphic details, the story of his recent accident ...a bizarre and absorbing ...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781444723250
ISBN-10: 1444723251
Publication Date: 3/1/2012
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 3

4.5 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

Jennmarie68 avatar reviewed On Writing on + 217 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
When I sat down with this book I was expecting a manual on writing. Do this, don't do this kind of thing. But that is so not what this book is.

The beginning of the book tells the story of Stephen King's life. Then he goes into some of the things he thinks every writer needs to know (vocabulary, grammar, and basic concepts for dialogue). As he continues through the writing process he doesn't say "you should do this" he simply states this is what I do.

I was amazed that Stephen King could write a book about writing and make it something I couldn't put down. But I guess that's the beauty of how he writes. I think he makes his writing interesting by making it simple. Sure there were a few words I didn't expressly know, but I used my vocabulary toolbox to figure out their meaning.

This book also gave me a ton of new reading recommendations. Will I make it through them all? Probably not anytime soon, but I'm glad that I made a list of them so that I can keep referring back to them.

I don't know if I'll ever write a book, but after reading this book I think I'm more prepared if I ever decide that I do want to try writing.
reviewed On Writing on
Helpful Score: 6
I used to read Stephen King in high school, and haven't done a lot of it since then - with the rare exception (usually audios at work). After reading this book I am reminded of the kind of friendly relationship he cultivates with his readers, and just how endearing his persona is to his fans. If you have been entertained by this man (and who hasn't), I recommend reading this book to deepen your experience of his work. An excellent description of his life, his work habits, advice and pet peeves about the art of writing - and a chapter on the accident that almost ended his life, and the relationships that have sustained that unique life. I was reminded why I was such a big fan - and I've had that attitude reignited.
waterbearer avatar reviewed On Writing on + 62 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I loved this because it was so personal from King. The first part is a mini-biography. The rest is a sort of "this is what I've done" and "this is what I recommend". I expected it would be more of a "manual" but I was pleasantly surprised to find that was not the case. A must for King fans and aspiring writers as well.
kben avatar reviewed On Writing on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Part memoir, part how-to, this is my favorite book about the nuances and elements of writing.

King's an every-man, he doesn't pretend to be anything fancy and he doesn't consider himself to be the end-all, be-all of writing. He simply explains how (and why) he writes.
reviewed On Writing on
Helpful Score: 3
You get Stephen King's backstory, and lots of clues about where certain plots and characters originated. All this in the context of how he learned to write, what he found helpfuf, and the setbacks he encountered. It wasn't a smooth ride, but he and his wife kept going, found the pot of gold, and then had to deal with another of life's blows. All an easy read, no scary King elements.
Read All 56 Book Reviews of "On Writing"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

reviewed On Writing on + 18 more book reviews
I do not like Stephen King's books but I love this book! It is a must read for writers. This book is sincere. If writers choose to ignore his advice on most of these points, they will find out the hard way that he is right!
reviewed On Writing on + 14 more book reviews
Interesting, funny, and all times pure "King", "On Writing" is part biographical tale and part writer's manual. A must for any King lover and/or amateur writer who could use a push from one of the greats.
MtnGoblin avatar reviewed On Writing on + 30 more book reviews
This is one of the finest, 'writers on writing' books I've ever read. He truly gives an inside view of the process, inspiration and work of being a writer. I highly recommend this book.
sabian30 avatar reviewed On Writing on + 9 more book reviews
I went searching for the craft and got mostly memoir, but the second half describes his (surprising) writing process and I learned a lot from it.
reviewed On Writing on
Book was part Biography (interesting). When it came down to the Nuts & Bolts on writing Stephen was real and down to earth. Language is rough and is used alot. F-bombs, GD's,Slag for body parts, etc.
I plan on keeping to review actual writing tips.
aliciagc avatar reviewed On Writing on + 29 more book reviews
I enjoyed it, part autobiography, part how-to book. It was easy to listen to.
reviewed On Writing on + 120 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book. It had many interesting tips on writing but what I really enjoyed was Stephen King's description of how he came up with the ideas for his books like Carrie. That was really neat.
reviewed On Writing on + 30 more book reviews
I don't like Stephen King's writing but I sure liked his writing on writing! I have to admit, he knows what he is talking about.This is a straight forward guide to how to put pen to paper (or computer to printer) and produce the story that you want to write. this book is informative and enjoyable.
reviewed On Writing on + 27 more book reviews
An encouraging, thoughtful and warm guide for aspiring writers on the craft and the passion behind it.
ckledford avatar reviewed On Writing on
A pleasant surprise! I've read many how-to books on writing, but King's advice and opinions offer a fresh (and much-needed) perspective on the whole subject. In addition, the biographical section of the book brings realness with a touch of humor and is written in the style of many of his other novels. An excellent read that's hard to put down.
buzzby avatar reviewed On Writing on + 6062 more book reviews
What I read of it was mostly biography.
reviewed On Writing on + 36 more book reviews
"Long live the King," hailed Entertainment Weekly upon the publication of Stephen King's On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authoris of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's cragt, comprising the basic tools of te trade every writer must have. King's advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, ..." USA Today


Genres: