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)

Truly a joyous read!

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

This is one of the first audiobooks I listened to many years ago and to this day I still find myself reading it again and again. Read by the Man himself and although not an autobiography it includes many gems of wisdom regarding the craft of writing.

Truly a must have for anyone who's appreciative of the craft, the Author or if you're just interested in learning just what it takes to succeed against all odds.

Which scene was your favorite?

I was specially touched by King's recollection of when he learned that Carrie's paperback rights had been sold for 400K, at a time when he and his wife where a young couple with two young children struggling to make ends meet.

Any additional comments?

This is a great little book period.

A must read book for anyone who loves to write

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

Yes, I would definitely recommend it. This book does the unusual; it tells the truth. In a straight forward manner, Stephen King gives us his story of writing, and along the way shares tips on writing any fledgling author can benefit from.

What did you like best about this story?

It tells inexperienced authors what the don’t know about making a career of writing.

Have you listened to any of Stephen King’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Stephen King’s recent books are awesome. His trilogy beginning with Mr. Mercedes and ending with End of Watch is the reason I became interested again in his books. On Writing isn’t a fictional book. Rather it’s almost like sitting down with King over a cup of coffee and talking about the art of writing.

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

Everything any inexperienced author needs to know about the art and craft of writing.

Wasn’t what I was expecting

It is a how to write book, sorrta. Most of it is a Bio about Steven’s life. I liked learning about him but that wasn’t what I wanted when I picked it up. If you’re expecting a how to book skip half the book and start in the middle. He has some good pointers.

Inspiring for starting writers

I think all aspiring writers can take away something from this book, if at least the knowledge that if you love reading and writing and are willing to work for it, anything is possible. Also great to read about the experiences of a great author. All in all a great read.

Teaches with stories, typical Stephen

Great writers amaze me. The ability to take a mundane subject like learning how to write and wrapping it in a life's work, is what makes Stephen King enjoyable to read/listen.
Having the author read the story has the added benefit of his inflection.

Hilarious performance w/substantive content

What did you love best about On Writing?

I caught myself laughing out loud many times as Stephen told his story. Part autobiography, part instruction manual, the book is entirely entertaining.

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

Stephen gives a vivid description of writing (Carrie I think) in the laundry room of what sounded like my first apartment.

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

I laughed a lot, darn near cried at the end, and winced all the way through at some pretty salty language.

Any additional comments?

I bought the Kindle edition too so I could highlight some sections.

Read it!

I have to say, when I started listening to this book, I sure that I got stuck again with an author that just wants to write his own autobiography. But this book proved me wrong on more than one occasion.
This book ended up changing my whole perception on writing, and I'll be forever thankful for that.
So like I said in the title: "Read it!"

I fell in love with writing again.

I had given up on writing. listening to this book from one of my favorite authors read in his own voice , woke up a dream that had been dormant. I'm so thankful for this book.

Love Stephen King and his sense of humor.

Great book with King reading his own work made me buy the book on Audible just to hear him.

Great book

Well written and very engaging. I enjoyed not only learning about King's method of writing, but also learning about King himself.