On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Stephen King, Joe Hill, Owen King

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)

Ah Stephen, just what I thought it would be...

For the entire weekend my family and neighbors though I had gone mad. Yes, she finally had done it I am sure they all were thinking. Our in the yard working, my Audible Otis strapped to my side, earphones on, and laughing as Stephen King entertained me. So personal, that New England voice of his. My delight came from a combination of his characteristic wit, his ability to tell a good yarn, and the similarities in our past. I would have liked The Vomit.

Ah Stephen, you didn't waste your talent. Your right were you should be.

You'll Never Look at Adverbs the Same Way Again

Really fun to listen to and I'm glad King actually read the book too. Sometimes books read by the author are a huge mistake, but King does a great job with this. The first half of this book was a bit of a biography, at least of the parts of King's life that led him to writing. The second half wasn't so much a how-to-write book, as a way to think about writing. He gives an overview of what he thinks are the important parts of writing a story and some advice based on his own experience. I would recommend this even if you have no wish to be a writer, but would simply like a behind the scenes look at the world of writing.

Insights abound

The text is valuable. The subtext is telling. One of the best books on writing available, by one of the best writers.

Steven King's Memoirs read by Steven King!!

Quite often we encounter in reviews the opinion that writers are not skilled enough to narrate their own work. If that is true, here is the exception that proves the rule! If Steven King had not been a best selling author, he surely could have done this for a living. What a treat to hear him give voices to the various characters he reads for in the writing lesson portion of this work. It surely would have been acceptable for him to read them in his own voice, but he goes the extra mile.

Witty, self-effacing, not afraid to reveal even the most embarrassing episodes from his youth, he has created a book on writing that is also the story of his own journey to becoming a writer, as interesting as any autobiography out there. He also offers a lot of good advice to would-be writers, useful stuff whether you are actually an aspiring novelist or just have to do routine writing for work.

I think it's one of his best books, and I will listen to it multiple times.

The master shares his secret...and it is...

...that there is no secret. This is a wonderful blend of memoir and guidebook. I found his observations on the craft refreshingly down to earth and pragmatic. Highly recommended!

so so good!

this is so well written and so well read. what an absolute blast. it gives you great insight into stephen king's life behind the scenes and what it takes to be a good writer.

Excellent Book & Narrator

Would you consider the audio edition of On Writing to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version of this book, but King's narration really makes

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

One of my favorite parts was in the beginning when King stated that his book would be short because most books about writing are long and mostly full of BS.

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

His narration helps personalize the experience, especially when he's talking about his own life. And his great sense of humor comes through beautifully.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Hearing about his near-death experience, and how he came back from it, was fascinating and inspiring.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book for aspiring writers as well as Stephen King fans. It's a wonderful book.

Perfect Balance and Informative

I found that this audio book was the perfect balance between Mr. King's story and writing "how to" insight. I found his story very entertaining and funny at times. I found the advice portion (about half the audio) to be insightful, informative, and some parts especially profound. Great work from a Master, indeed.

not just for students of writing

I have no interest in writing but I enjoyed listening to kings process. great job.

Hated for it to end.

Priceless lessons from the master storyteller himself. If this hasn't been my favorite audible book it is among the top two.