On Writing by Stephen King (2000, Hardcover)

This is not so much an autobiography as it is a history of how Steven King became a writer. It's a memoir of his writing life! It offers wonderful insight on how he became a writer and what concerns him most today on being a popular writer as opposed to a literary novelist. That is, people rarely talk about the language in his writing and that is the context of this book, the language within the writing. As an engineer transitioning into a career in writing, I feel remorse that I didn't follow my passion for writing at a young age like Steven King, but this book reminds aspiring writers wherever you may be in your life that it's never too late to write that first novel.

This is a good read for writers, because it's low on the BS and high on good ideas!

I love writing, but as most writers feel a sense of insecurity when it comes to embracing the grittiness of it. Stephen King's memoir demonstrates we are not alone in this. Taken from the man himself--who is arguably the most successful writer in modern-day America--is his own descriptive story about how he evolved from kid in a single-mother, working-class American household into the genius narrator and movie mogul he is today. King weaves in excellent tips throughout the biography--and leaves us with the story of his own near death experience back in '98 when he was hit by a car. Interesting enough, he wrote the book before and after this traumatic episode, which may account for the more personal side of Stephen King we don't see in his usual works. Overall, it was fascinating to learn about the man behind the horror stories and shadow his own experience from a poor, struggling family man to multi-millionaire novelist.

In this fascinating memoir, Stephen King writes about how his experiences with writing. He explains how life events and other factors have contributed to his vast catalogue of novels and short stories. In addition, he talks about those who have influenced his writing as well as where his ideas have come from. Especially interesting are his anecdotes about his drug use and how it affected his writing and writing ability. It's a book you can read in chapters, as its not necessary to sit and read from start to finish (although it's so good youll want to). The book is a great read for entertainment value, and it's also a great thing to share with writing students of many different ages. I've used some of it (the appropriate parts!) with middle school students as they struggle with their own writing. A great book on many levels.

Any fan of Stephen King would love this book, and I am a HUGE fan. His imaginative stories and true to life characters have always made his books come alive for me. Stephen King's books are hard to put down, and this one is
no exception. What I enjoyed most were his tales of growing up. Even as a child he wrote stories and sold them at school. In high school he wrote for the school paper, and in college he continued to write and met his wife Tabitha. Stephen's book on writing will make you feel like he's talking only to you, and telling you the story of his life. You'll learn more about that marvelously creative mind of his and how he gets his ideas and his characters. This is what I was looking for when I bought his book, and I was not disappointed. I give it an Excellent rating.

Being a huge Stephen King fan I just had to own this book. The insight into the mind of someone who has gone from a simple teacher who originally threw away "Carrie" to surving a horrific accident, is priceless. He is clear and explains how he "creates" so anyone can do it. Awsome book!!

I bought this book because my husband recently retired and began writing books. He was told about Stephen King's book, "On Writing". I purchased it for him for an early birthday gift. He really likes the book. He's not a big fan of Stephen Kings stories but likes the way he write his book. He's down to earth and he tells it like it is. The book has many good suggestions to beginning writers. It's a learning tool as well as a good read. A wise very purchase.

This book is a very easy read. It's fascinating and entertaining in it's own right,(especially to King fans), and that's if you don't count the really solid and often illuminating advice King gives to prospective authors. You're not going to be lectured on theme and composition by an english teacher with a novel at home in his desk drawer; you're going to be given the honest, inside line by the master of dark fiction himself. Even if you never write a word yourself after reading this book, you'll still acquire an interesting perspective on what you read in the future. HUGELY recommended!!

I bought this book because I am an avid S. King reader. It was interesting reading something of his that wasn't fiction, but on the how and why of writing, with insights into his as well. It was enjoyable, imformative and interesting. Mr. King has a way of making the reader feel as if he is speaking directly to them. I would recommend it to anyone who even thinks they might want to become a writer.
While it is primarily written about the craft of writing itself, there were also parts in which Mr. King speaks about his past - childhood and early days I found entertaining. He talks, too, about the accident which could have easily taken his life and the resulting injuries he sustained.

Would buy from again..! Book was in good condition and shipped it in a timely manor. I would buy from them again...!

Great book, good for those wanting to become writers. Some of it may be outdated at this point, but overall, a good resource.

It was in great condition and got it right away. Can't wait to start reading it Do you write in it or did it come like that I don't remember my first one being like that?

I bought this book for my brother because his school recommended he read it for his english course. After he read it he couldnt stop talking about how amazing Stephen King is and how the book approaches writing in a way no one ever has. I decided to take a peek at it myself and it turned out a be a fine piece of work. if you havent already, check it out.

For the writer this book shows, that if you have it within, you can overcome obstacles. As you will see the obstacles that Stephen King overcame, to become what he is today.

For the fan, this book will give you a new perspective on the works of King that you thought you knew so well. I will not spoil the book for you, but as you read what the author was going through when he wrote certain books, you may just say, "oh, now I understand where he got that from" and want to read the book again.

This is a book I would recommend.

I loved this book the first time I read it and just finished reading it again a few years later. This is a must read for aspiring writers. King fills the book with snippets of his life, telling how he first began writing and of all the rejections until he got published. And look at him now!! Great read.

There are too many books to help the aspiring writing. But this is one of the perhaps two handfuls that is a "Must read". Not just because its written by one of the most popular writers of a few generations but because Stephen draws upon the experiences, insights and learnings from a lifetime of aspirations, struggles and eventually, success.

The book has a autobiographical approach blending stories from Stephen's life as a means of helping the writer understand some of the most valuable lessons a writer needs to know.

Highly Recommended! Two ink stained 'Thumbs Up'.

Crypt Keeper
The Bookshop of Horror

Who knew that King was once a struggling writer who didn't have enough money to get "pink stuff" for his daughter's fever? Through perserverance King collected his rejection slips, continued to submit his work and continued to do what he was born to do - write! There are interesting facts on the backgrounds on some of his most successful works and snippets from his life starting in childhood. On Writing is a fantastic read where King blends memoir and how-to, and shares his sometimes unorthodox approaches to writing. We are not all horror writers but his insights and know-how can be applied for any type of fiction writing.

I have been a big fan of Stephen King since the early 70. He is a great writer and I really like his style.