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)

Got Me Off My Rear End

I had suffered nearly a decade of "writer's block" until I listened to this book. King kicked me in the posterior with this inspiring and informative book. Three months after I first listened to this book, I had finished a 55,500-word first draft of a new novel! This is such a good book for writers or people who are interested in what makes King tick. I hate to admit it, but I have only read a few of his other books. That will now change! Thanks, Mr. King.

Final Chapter Worth Your Credit By Itself

A fine little volume for aspiring writers, fans of King, or just avid readers. Time Magazine ranked this book in its top 10 non-fiction books and I get why.

This book has been heavily reviewed, so just a short thought: the final chapter talks about the car accident that nearly killed King and how his love of his wife and writing helped him to recover. This chapter is one of the best things I've ever read and particularly moving to hear King read it.

On Writing delivers a master's class on writing

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

On Writing ranks at the top of my audiobook list, even over The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo audios which I enjoyed immensely. The combination of Mr. King's thought-provoking instruction read in his own voice weaves a resonant spell, imbibing lessons in the hard, resistant ground of my writer's mind.

What did you like best about this story?

Stephen King delivers a no-nonsense performance as professor-in-chief, offering his unique take on the craft & business of writing. As per his writing style, King's comprehension of the many layers of writing along with an intrinsic grasp of story brings experience & insight together in a way I wish I'd had in a teacher on my academic journey. Stripping away the bs and getting to the nitty gritty of things is what separates good professors from great ones and I dare say that the inspiration to write that has been sparked for me by this audio is unprecedented. The tools given in this short book are treasures that have been hiding in plain site, presented to the student in usable form.

Which scene was your favorite?

This is an instructive manual so it's not played out in scenes but Stephen King does tell his writing story as instruction. Beautifully, I might add. My favorite part of the entire production is the precise way he gets to the heart of writing and demands that only the serious apply. An authenticity which dissolves the fluff, quelling any offense such that one can only appreciate the time saved minus the bells & whistles that can sometimes infiltrate artistic discussion.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

If I had to describe On Writing in one word, that one word would be,

Exceeded My Expectations.

It might sound strange, but this is the first Stephen King book I've ever read (or had read to me). Now I can guarantee it won't be the last. As a somewhat fledgling writer, I've seen this book thrown around as one of the holy tomes for anyone who puts pen to paper. I ignored that advice for a long time, and after finally giving in, I want to build a time machine, go back about 5 years, and slap myself around for not listening sooner. It's not so much the technical guide I was expecting, rather a philosophical how-to wrapped up with a number of funny, endearing, and raw personal stories. Absolutely worth the time spent with it.

Master Writer on Writing

So far, this is the first and best book I would recommend and have encountered for aspiring authors, having read many. He's frank. Frank in a market that has a lot of fluff and is advice from folks who, frankly, haven't made it.

From the heart

Stephen King takes a fresh approach as he shares his wisdom on writing. Not surprisingly, he uses his master storyteller skills to breath life into what could have otherwise been a boring manual. The mix works. He is able to do the impossible conveying technical information with precision in an entertaining manner. This is now a classic, a must read for aspiring writers. While Mr. King is not a professional narrator, having him read his own text is priceless. It works because he obviously cares about the work. Highly recommended.

Motivational

Steven King reads his memoir on the craft of writing with style and feeling. He is encouraging to would be writers, offering tips and advice on everything from where to get your ideas to getting published. He actually gives us permission to be writers if that is what we want to be. Sometimes that's all we need to start something new. I recommend this to anyone interested in writing fiction whether Steven King fans or not.

Thoroughly enjoyed having a chat with Stephen King

Not only was this interlude with writer Stephen King informative, it was entertaining too! Thanks.

Funny and poignant

What made the experience of listening to On Writing the most enjoyable?

Stephen King's " ah shucks" draw

What did you like best about this story?

When Stephen talks about all the crazy stuff he and his brother use to get into. It's hilarious!

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

King's unique pace and the sound of his own voice. It's a treasure.

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

Yes. king can be quite self deprecating and brutally honest.

Any additional comments?

This is a great listening experience even if you have never and or liked Stephen King's books.

Laugh Out Loud Funny

I expected to learn a few tips and tricks here and there but never thought I would laugh and laugh a lot.
Though I fancy my strengths to be of a non-fiction way, I'm inspired to try fiction now.
Highly recommended.
Thank you Stevie :)