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On Writing  By  cover art

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: 45+ Quotes About Writing from Famous Writers


No matter how passionate you are about it, writing can be difficult. Whenever you’re struggling with writer’s block, rejection, competition, insecurity, or any of the countless obstacles that wordsmiths encounter daily, it can help to get encouragement from those who have successfully overcome the very same challenges. If you're looking for inspiration to start your next project, these quotes about writing from writers themselves are sure to be welcome reading!

What listeners say about On Writing

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Loved the book

I don't care for the horror genre that King mostly writes, but I truly admire him as a writer, and this book is fantastic. If you're like me and secretly wish you too could become a professional writer, then listen to this book.

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So good.

It was worth every penny; even those not interested in writing would love this story.

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I haven't read anything by Stephen King

I have seen movie versions of King's novels, and watched him in interviews. So I already knew I would "like" him. This little book, written without an iota of pretention or condescension, did not disappoint. His overarching advice to writers is: read, read, read, and write, write, write. He recounts generously, honestly, unsentimentally, and with plenty of humor, on finding his voice.

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Outstanding!

An excellent work by a master of his craft. Thank you, Mr. King, for a thoughtful and poignant memoir.

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Captivated from first word until the last

I was captivated from the first word until the last. It was easy to see how Stephen King's real life stores have lead to the thoughts that have resulted in his novels. I've never read a Stephen King book but watched IT: Chapter 1. I can't wait to read some of his novels!

I have no desire to write a novel but the lessons Stephen King wrote about in this section easily bleed into writing nonfiction. I'll be buying the Kindle book and referencing it endlessly for, well, the rest of my life. :)

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Stephen King is my hero

This is an excellent book. Lots of inspiration. I will listen to it again and again.

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Phenomenal, as expected from the King.

loved it, even better it was narrated by the King himself. A must have!

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Captivating

As someone looking for advice of where to start and what to think about when writing, this helped me tremendously. I was not ready though for the captivating nature of the tales from Mr. King, and it was all the better for it. Highly recommend this read/listen.

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Must Read for Authors!

This was an amazing read for authors at any stage. If you're beginning, there are tips and stories to give you ideas and inspiration. If you're further into the game, it gives you insights into another perspective towards the craft. One of the best pieces from Stephen King!

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Wanna Write Right? Listen to a Keeng

Godamnly son, you nailed it! Not only informative but a revealing biOMG that is as fun as it is inspiring. Your contributions to art and lit have lit my heart afire! I have been considering a writing career for years but this (got to it late, my bad) top shelf tool is a great assist to find a laundry closet type hole and start digging. Thank you for not giving up as you well could have having cujowieller try to seal you out of sharing your secrets to us all. If anyone desires to write start f***KING right here!

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