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On Writing

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: Stephen King, Joe Hill, Owen King
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Editorial reviews

To begin with, you've got Stephen King, a writer so talented in the art of thrill-generation that he could insert excitement into the assembly instructions for a bookshelf. Or, say, a book about writing and grammar. And that's precisely what King does in On Writing, an improbably fascinating, relentlessly compelling trip through the mind, style, life, and work of one of our greatest popular writers.

Hearing this unique combination of anecdotes and insider's advice told in King's charmingly nasal voice makes an already insightful narrative even more personal and powerful. If you want to write, this audiobook will quickly become a treasured resource, because it will improve your writing. But even if you have no interest whatsoever in writing, King's anecdotes and instructions into the art and process will probably make you a better, more informed reader.

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)

Featured Article: We All Quote Down Here—50+ of the Best Stephen King Quotes


It is King's versatility, his skills as a writer, and his ability to tap into our fears that makes Uncle Stevie so eminently quotable. Even though King writes mainly terrifying books, his works are also full of wisdom, heart, humor, and compassion. He can be scaring your pants off one minute, and really making you think about humankind the next. Here are the best quotes from the master of the macabre: Stephen King.

What listeners say about On Writing

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Game Changing

By FAR. THE BEST collection of words on "How to Write" I have had the pleasure to observe. A must for any aspiring writers.

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Fantastic

Should be required reading, not because Steve is always right but because he’ll always make you think.

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I thought this was Excellent!

Love Stephen King, and love hearing him read his own work. And hearing his sons, as well. There of course were some good information, about getting started writing. Hopefully I will be able to put it to some good use! Thanks!

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Best overall concept of a writers overview

This book is not a book on how to write, but yet it is. It is much deeper than that, it is an expose on what it takes to be a writer and how, like a sculptor, you must coax a story from out of the ground. It will not give you magic formulas, rather it sets you down a path where, over time, if you can tell a story, you can have success!

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You’ll enjoy this

15 or so hours flew by while listening to King read his views on writing.
Spend the credit, you won’t regret it.

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Just Awesome

Loved every moment. It was enlightening,informative,and just plain great. Would and have recommended it to others.

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Fantastic work.

The only writing book that I couldn’t put down. So many valuable lessons to learn here.

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Delightful!

I learned. I laughed.
Worth every minute.
Insightful and no adverbs.
Writing for everyone.
I will write more because of this book.

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I loved it!

The combination of King’s biography and his writing advice made for a great listen. And being narrated in his own voice made it superb because it was like he was having a casual conversation with the listener. I felt like he was talking to me. His biography is interesting and he gave easy to understand, thought-provoking, good writing tips and examples. I also enjoyed the interview at the end with one of his sons, Joe Hill, also an author. Highly recommend this audible book.

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An Excellent Read, Valuable Information

Really enjoyed this book,.. stellar narration, and most informative direction for the real world of writing. I am newly inspired. Thanks so much, sweet Stephen!

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