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)

A Gift to Writers

Buy this book on audio.

If anyone out there is anything like me then you are looking at this book because you are a writer, you have questions about writing and you have a desire to improve your writing. This recording has one unique and powerful element: Stephen King reads the narration himself creating a one-on-one conversational aspect I have never experienced in an audible book.
King cuts through and breaks down the illusions of amateur writing and tells it like it is, like it should be. He does not make rules or attempt to police the lifestyle of a writer. Instead, his is a book of suggestions, personal stories and honest opinions on writing.
This has been the single most helpful book/experience that I have yet encountered as a writer and I think many of you will agree. In a profession where the path to learning and mastering the craft is a shrouded and personal path, Stephen King proved an unexpected mentor on the journey.
You don't have to be a Stephen King fan to appreciate this book! I had never once read a book of his before and seriously wondered if a horror writer could help. His messages transcend any genre and are applicable to anyone who loves to write...
(I am now reading his 'The Gunslinger' and am sure to read many more.)

Thanks Stephen King!

Try it, buy it!

A gift from a gifted writer

King is probably the best pure story teller of his time. He proves his ability by doing what must be incredibly hard for a fiction writer; he tells his own true story in a compelling manner. King's voice was the only voice for this book, perfect choice because the book and the reading have a unique unity. I feel like I got to know the guy like I knew my favorite teacher in high school - giving me insight into his real life while drawing me into the subject matter (in this case, how to write). If you think you can write, listen to this book. If you'd like to write, listen to this book. If you can't stand writing, listen to this book. You won't be disappointed.

Entertaining... and informative

I heard this as a recommendation off a popular tech podcast - I've never been a great writer, however i could always get my point across.
Me personally, i'm a student of success, and who better to learn from than one of the greats?! Not a straight up, laid out, here is how i write well, try it and see what works... but it's weaved with his life story.

Overall great nuggets of gold scattered throughout, and entertaining the whole way through. I would have given it 4 1/2 stars only because at some points Steven reading sounds a little bit tired (not the whole way through just little parts) but if i had to choose 4 or 5 i went with 5 stars...

check it out and learn something.

Inspired

Don't bother with other books about plot points and planning your novel. This is the one you should read first.

If you want to start writing, but don't
know how or have gotten stuck this book will certainly nudge you over.

Stephen King captures the truth about writing. The magic, the story, ideas coming together and the characters. The real reason why writers write.

Delightful...

King is wonderful. This is not heavy handed when it comes to advice or insight. Just enjoyable.

King gives a great read.

Intriguing and Insightful

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

If you are a fan of Stephen King, an aspiring author, or both,, this is a must read. As the title suggests, this is a combination auto-biogrophy/ writing workshop and is terrific in both aspects. Hearing Mr.King recount his life as a child and the trials and tribulations that come along with writing is a treat that any King aficionado can not miss.

I was sad when it was over...

Such a great book on writing. Stephen King does an incredible job with the narration.

Wicked Awesome!!!!!

I have read a bunch of books on the craft of writing, and this one was by far the best. I think it's because Stephen King takes you into his personal journey.

Very useful, yet also very entertaining!

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

Yes! I'd recommend it if I knew someone who either just adored Stephen King, or was a writer, at any stage of their career at all.

Any additional comments?

This is a realistic, yet encouraging account of what a writer's life can be like, and some of the knowledge that a writer will need to reach their full potential, and it comes straight from the source of one who lives off of his writing. King's taking on the reading of the audiobook himself turned out to be a good thing, as I can't imagine anyone knowing what tone to use when, and where to place emphasis in such a personal story's narration more than the writer himself. King understands his memories and life lessons better than any other narrator could, and he brings a sense of who he is to his words. A warm, entertaining, educating, and thoughtful read.

very intresting, even if you're not a King fan.

Would you listen to On Writing again? Why?

Yes, the second half of the book is a clinic on the craft of writing, very informative.

If you’ve listened to books by Stephen King before, how does this one compare?

I am not normally a Steven King fan, and for the first half of this book I was worried this was just going to be him recounting his childhood but wait for it - the second half is worth the wait.

What about Stephen King’s performance did you like?

He is an incredibly prolific writer and hearing his views on writing is worth a listen.

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

King sits as his desk for hours! WHY IN GODS NAME WOULD YOU WATCH THIS MOVIE!