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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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

great and inspritational

stephen king is probably the best reader of stephen king. i loved hearing him talk about his life and career. i would highly recommend this.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Good for Future Writers

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

Yes if they are a Stephen King fan and if they were even thinking about becoming a writer

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stephen King

Have you listened to any of Stephen King’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first one

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

When he was writing in the laundry room of the trailer and threw away Carrie and Tabitha rescued it from the round filing cabinet

Any additional comments?

He was definitely a little different then what I had imagined him to be

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

No Bullshit, Great How-To by a Great Storyteller

Love this again and again. Written in the late 1990's and in need of an update for today's self-publishing world (King refers to self-publishing as "Vanity Press" in this book), it is still valid, still excellent for any writer.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A revelation

I’ve read Stephen King’s On Writing several times, and recommend it to any one who shows an interest in writing, or asks my advise, but hearing the book read by Mr King was a revelation; parts of the book that had previously not stuck in my memory came to life for me as he read. Thank you Mr King, for this book, and for putting your voice to it.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

A bit self involved but still a worthwhile read

loved the tips on writing. king can come across as a bit pompous, but I guess at his level of success he's entitled to that. I did get stalled out on the very very long CV section, which is basically a condensed autobiography. I was reading more for his tips on the craft as a writer myself, so I ended up skipping a large chunk of part I to listen to part II which I really enjoyed.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great read

King is the master. What else is there to say? I'd be stupid not to take some of what he's said to heart 📚

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

So much to unpack!

Even if you've already read the print version, it's still worth a listen. Masterfully written.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An absolute must for anyone who’s interested in writing

This book is definitely worth every minute of your precious time, regardless if you are seasoned writer or just an student dabbling into treacherous world of essays.
Epic lesson in life and importance of stubborn dogged will to follow your dreams.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting

Any fan of writing should be able to enjoy this memoir from one of the greats.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A great book, it makes you think.

There is a reason why Stephen King has been so successful. This book summarizes it, he makes you think about the why.

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