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)

Pretty darn good- and I'm not a fan.

Before I bought this I had finished reading only one Stephen King book and listened to only a couple on audio. The one I managed to finish was only 148 pages long so I wouldn't call myself a "fan." Especially since I've started several of his books in the last thirty years and just given up on them.

So why did I purchase "On Writing?" Well, I am a writer trying to make a switch to mainstream fiction, and who else has been more successful AND written a book with advice on how he did it AND been available on Audible?

The experiment was a success as far as I am concerned. The book gives lots of insight into the publishing industry as well as where he got some of his ideas. He courageously gives opinions on his stories and other writers which, more often than not made me shrug and think, "That's pretty accurate, I guess..." His personal history was pretty cool too, and it's always nice for writers to see that someone is actually doing what we want to do. Realistically, even if I do break into writing, I'm not likely to replicate King's success- none of us are- but to think that you might be able to make a living at it is nice, even if it is a LOOOOOONG shot.

Mr King's narration is fine. He's not as expressive as Simon Preble, but he knows his material! I've thought for years that he wasn't the best narrator of his books because his women sound like his men and his dialogue often sounds like his exposition, but I realized as I listened to this that it doesn't matter that much. He may not be a great "actor" but he tells a heckuva story. Now I think I've been unfair to him.

I don't think a recap of the book is appropriate here. If you look at the cover you know what it's about. The only thing you really require from a review is whether it does a good job with what it sets out to do. My answer is- yes, it does. The greatest thing I can say about this audio book is that it makes me want to go out and buy the hard copy- not because I wouldn't listen again, I will, but because I want to use it as a reference.

If you're on the fence (and I was at one point), I say take the leap. You'll enjoy it.

A Must Have For Writers

You don't have to be a Stephen King fan to benefit from this book. The history of Stephen's life is a fascinating how-to in writing. If he can do it, you can too. His tips on writing and self-editing are a must-have for writers!

Write On

Pretty good listen. I particularly enjoyed hearing about King's personal life and early days.

You Want to Read This

The best book I've read for aspiring writers and one of my favorites by King.

It forces you to stand up and write, right now.

Having heard tons of good reviews about this book, I was afraid that my expectations would be a little too high to enjoy it fully. I was of course wrong. The book exceeded my expectations by a wide margin. More than any kind of "manual" on how to write (a concept which King swiftly tears apart), this is a great book about the love of writing, about the lengths and shortcomings we go into when trying it, and above all, about King being utterly honest about his profession.
I think I really liked it because of that. Rather than talking to us from some golden throne about "Writing" (queue thunder noises); King explains his trade in the most informal and open of ambiances, without pretending nor trying to embellish it, a feeling which is exponentially enhanced by his narration, which by the way is brilliant.
I have the feeling that anyone reading this book is already captivated by either books, writing, or both of them, and thus needs little convincing that writing is the most awesome thing in the world. With that in mind, I would recommend this book as a way to praise or share something that both you and King really love, with the added bonus of learning some great tips about this art. The full banana.

Built to Inspire

I have been reading biographies lately, mostly autobiographies. This one is half autobiography and half inspirational.

Upon thinking of Stephen King, you would expect this book on writing to be about how he creates such gruesome fiction. However it is not like that. You'd think he had somewhat of a demented childhood, one filled with satanistic activities. But it's not like that. Instead, he gives you his life story and his best words for why he continues to write. He has lived an average life, except for some childhood ear problems and adulthood addictions.

He explains that when he writes, he creates characters and it's these characters who take in life and create the story themselves. He just provided a situation. He loves this process. It is almost like a science experiment. It's what keeps him going.

I am not a writer, but the way he talks about it, I feel like I could be one. I feel like I want to create a 'What if...?' Situation and characters with personalities and a story that needs to be told through them.

The autobiographical part is always my favorite. It is the first part of the book; an introduction to the author, if you will. He talks about his life, childhood to the start of his career. He talks about writing, but he also talks about his love life, his kids, his struggles with finances and his struggles with his first book, Carrie.

I highly enjoyed this book.

If you write, you must read this book.

Thank goodness it's neither abridged nor narrated by someone other than King. Hearing his words about writing in his voice feels like he's talking to you. Loved it.

Loved it

Best book by Stephen King! He is funny, and real. It was a great read.

an intimate view into Stephen King's story writing

the interview between Stephen King and his oldest son is fantastic. I never realized how funny Stephen King's oldest son is. their interactions are priceless.

Great book

I really enjoyed this book that is part writing advice, part auto-biography. Although I’m not a fan of horror, I respect King’s work and thought 11/22/63 was awesome 🙌
The fact that I am a novice writer and appreciate King’s work obviously influences how I feel about On Writing, but this could be an interesting read for writers who are more experienced and/or don’t care for King’s work because it explores why we writers do what we do and how one successful novelist suggests it is best done.
Even if you don’t agree with every tip, the discussion is valuable, I think, because it prompts you to examine these things and decide for yourself.