On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Stephen King, Joe Hill, Owen King

Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Twentieth Anniversary Edition with Contributions from Joe Hill and Owen King

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.

The twentieth-anniversary audio edition includes Owen King reading his essay, “Recording Audiobooks for My Dad, Stephen King,” and a recorded conversation with Joe Hill and Stephen King.

©2000 ©2000 Stephen King, All Rights Reserved; (P)2000 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"These rare glimpses into King's personal life - as related in his earnest tone and real (thank God) Maine accent - are fascinating.... If you write - or want to - get this book." (AudioFile)

"Spunky, vivid prose are the prime ingredients of what must be considered not at all the usual writer's guide." (Booklist)

"On Writing contains some of the most harrowing pages he has ever written." (Salon.com)

Words cannot express my gratitude. Thank you!

I spent the day with the legendary Steven King. I am not frigging kidding you. It was insightful, inspiring and fucking amazing. He made me laugh, think about lot and when he opened his heart and spoke about his wife. I teared up. 5Stars. 2Thumbs UP! bless your heart for taking the time to teach aspiring writers. Wmah! Judy Prescott Marshall xoxo's

Stephen King NARRATES!!!

If you look through the many Stephen King titles available audiobook, you might also notice that he never narrates his own words. I mean, I can't say that I blame him. He's a writer. Not, necessarily, a performer. I was still very excited to see that a book that I had been already looking forward to experiencing via Audible, was told by the author. I'm relatively new to Audible and don't have anywhere near the amount of titles under my belt as most. Of the upteen titles that I HAVE listened to, I'd say that 1/3 were read by the author. For me, it gives a great deal more to the narrative.
Anyway, the first quarter of the book is autobiographical. That's all well and good, I was just hoping for something a bit more technical. Well, my friends, be careful what you wish for. After Mr. King speaks a bit about his humble beginnings, his unexpected success and his addiction problem, he gets VERY technical regarding how to write a book.
With sentences like "The comma is NOT your friend.", you might want to find him waxing philosophical about wiping his own ass with Poison Ivy leaves, as he mentions more than once in the first 50, or so, pages.
Otherwise, this is an audiobook that I will wear the "F" out. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE to hear my heroes dissect their craft. This is a great one, no matter HOW MUCH I criticize it in order to sound smart. Everyone who wants to write fiction should read and/or listen to this book. - BOB

Who knew.

Mr. King's advice and insight how to write is a great read and worth it.

Like talking to your best friend about writing!

This is like talking to your best friend about writing... and your best friend is smart, caring, nonjudgmental and a world renowned story teller.

I've spent over a year and a half listening to every book (novels and short stories) that is available through audibles. This marks the last one. Until April when "The Dead Zone" is released and hopefully one day when they release "Pet Semetary". Of course I'm eagerly looking forward to any new work to come as well.
Thank you, Stephen King.

For fans, writers, or merely curious

I am a Stephen King fan and enjoy when he reads his own work. That said, this book is part memoir with plenty of personal revelation. The other part SK attempts to share what he believes is important for the beginning or intermediate writer. I do not plan on writing anything longer than a quick review on Audible and really enjoy this whole volume.

An Essential for Every Writer

What did you love best about On Writing?

I loved the ease of listening and absorbing the material. Each time I listen. I learn more about writing.

What did you like best about this story?

The book opens with Stephen King's personal memoir. After hearing it several times I have a a better idea of which techniques he uses will work in my memoir.

What about Stephen King’s performance did you like?

Stephen King is a natural born storyteller when it comes to oral presentation. It felt like he and I were in the same room and he was telling me personally about his life, giving me tips on what to look for and what to avoid in my writing, then recounting his horrific accident and his recovery and return to writing. It never felt that he was reading aloud from his book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The story of the evolution of Stephen King from boy reporter to master of writing best-selling thrillers

Any additional comments?

This is my favorite book on writing. I listen to it while falling asleep at night. I listen to it during the day. Without pretense, King offers the listener invaluable insight into what will improve the listener's writing and what practices he should avoid, like use of the deadly adverb.. He doesn't preach; he doesn't lecture. King's memories of his childhood are more like snapshots than film vignettes. He uses little dialogue yet still holds the attention of his audience. Listen to it until you can pick upon little nuances that can transform your. writing.

Raw. Honest. Real. Oh, and inspirational.

Where does On Writing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This audiobook is at the top of my list when it comes to my favorite audiobooks listened to so far. I loved it so much that I bought a copy of the book to make notes in!

What was one of the most memorable moments of On Writing?

Mr. King's reflection on his marriage struck close to home. It caused me to look at my own marriage and strive to be the kind of husband to my wife that Mr. King is to his wife.

What about Stephen King’s performance did you like?

I felt like I was at a heartfelt lecture. This wasn't just a reading of a book, or a mere performance, this was Mr. King sharing his life with the listener. It was intimate.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book hit me in the heart. It left me with much to think about. Not just on the craft on writing, but on life, relationships, family, hardships, and perseverance. I took so much away from this book.

Any additional comments?

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft isn't just for aspiring writers, or fans of Stephen King. It has valuable life lessons and insights that anyone who picks up this book, or listens to the audiobook, can draw from.

A must-read if you love Stephen King!

If you could sum up On Writing in three words, what would they be?

His approach to writing, combined with the way his mind integrates his own experiences and invents others, is nothing short of amazing. Great tips.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Definitely worth a credit!

Inspiration from a King

After hearing many authors recommend this book on podcasts and in live interviews I finally got the Audible version and headed to Maui. Boy was I surprised and flattered that Stephen King was joking me as the narrator of his non-fiction masterpiece.

This book entertained, educated and enlightened me with insight only a master like Stephen King possesses. No I'm ordering the hard copy as there are too man nuggets of wisdom to remember.

King's narration = One of my favorite books ever

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES. The writing advice is highly practical, and King reads it with such a personal flair that I can't imagine having digested this book any other way.

Who was your favorite character and why?

n/a

What does Stephen King bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I felt like he was reading it just to me - his inflections, his unique voice and tone, it made it a journey I will revisit often.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Highly inspired to get my writing career going, and will now use "Uncle Stephen" as the mentor in my head.