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On Writing cover art

On Writing

Written by: Stephen King
Narrated by: Stephen King,Joe Hill,Owen King
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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.

What the critics say

"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: 10 Audiohacks that Will Teach You How to Write

The art of writing is both exciting and intimidating. While you may have a story to tell, knowing how to focus and begin telling that story is hard. Similarly, honing your writing and taking it from a first draft to an engaging narrative, and perhaps even best seller, is a different struggle again. Here we’ve compiled a list of ten audiobooks on writing well. Whether it's your first book, you're writing a memoir, a kids book, fiction or nonfiction, these titles will help you strengthen your skills and set yourself up for success.

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    2 out of 5 stars

Packed with nothing

The actual advice in this book could fit into three pages. The anecdotes and stories have almost no value. It's a memoir, not a writing book.

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12 people found this helpful

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The Ultimate Primer for Aspiring Writers

#Audible1 - Even if you don’t like Stephen King’s books, one cannot argue with his success. In this memoir of his life and career as an author, Mr. King imparts not only his wisdom about writing but also a large piece of himself. His no-nonsense approach to writing is refreshing and understandable without being condescending and obnoxious. His method of teaching is by showing and he does it like no other can. I have listened to this book many times and I read along with the narrative at the same time. Stephen King tells us in his own words and in his own voice what it takes to write a compelling and absorbing story and he holds nothing back. I highly recommend this book.

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7 people found this helpful

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EPIC READ AND GREAT TO LISTEN TO

Highly recommend! Wondering listen! Really enjoyed Stephen's enthusiasm while telling it and learned something too

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4 people found this helpful

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Great craft book (and funny too)

I did not think this book could be so funny and helpful. I loved it.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Good advice, but little advice

Too little advice, but the advice that's there is invaluable.

Although you could skip the first half, I still recommend it.

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2 people found this helpful

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A must have

It's a really great book. It helps you find yourself, and not only as a writer / future writer.

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Insightful, fascinating, and greatly enjoyable!

I picked this book on a whim as I was in a rush and a fan of Stephen King. I've also dabbled in writing. I am not exaggerating when I say that following this audiobook, I want to go write a novel! It is such a insightful, fun, and fascinating read! Highly, highly, highly recommend!

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A great account of what it means to write

I never read or listened to any if Stephen King’s work, but this is certainly a great introduction to the craft. Mr. King spins not only the technicalities of writing in a very straight forward manner, he also backs up the concepts with his own accounts and allegories, narrated in the most comfortable way possible. I highly recommend this work.

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Might make a Stephen King fan out of me yet . . .

I have never read a proper Stephen King novel. I am one of those shameless people who doesn’t like horror or thrillers, even though I have never read any. But I have read The Long Walk, a novella written under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman. Part of the grade 9 curriculum, that story has bided in my mind ever since, and is one of the reasons I considered reading On Writing in the first place. However terrifying I’ve made King’s mind out to be, I was curious what he would have to say about the craft.

For memoirs, especially those read by the author, I prefer to listen to the audiobook. The Simon & Schuster version of the book, narrated by Stephen King himself, felt like sitting at the feet of a master. Over the course of 8 hours, he details his personal life: how he came to writing in childhood, his path to success, his relationships, his addiction, and his recovery. He answers the common questions people ask and those he wishes people would ask while describing the tools that every serious writer best be aware of. He lets us in on his writing process while encouraging us to develop our own. His writing style is conversational and is perfectly complemented by the audiobook medium.

I approached the book from an editor’s perspective. Rather than looking for inspiration and encouragement to write, I was listening for how he navigated the publishing world, how he looks at the writing process (he is a pantser—he doesn’t plot out his manuscript beforehand, preferring to write by the seat of his pants), and his take on specific literary devices like dialogue, exposition, accommodating backstory, etc. He asserts his opinions humbly. My editor curiosity was satisfied, and for the little creative writing that I do, I felt validated and encouraged to not let the practice fall to the side.

While I enjoyed hearing his thoughts on what makes a good writer and good writing, I was surprised to find myself captivated by the little behind-the-scenes insights into his pivotal works. If his style of writing and speaking hadn’t already endeared him to me, these little revelations have enticed me to give one of his novels a try. I hope his words are enough to provide me a tether amidst the abject terror of his storytelling that I remain convinced will make me lose my mind.

I’m giving this book 5/5 stars for being exactly what it promised and making me want to expand my reading wheelhouse. I will undoubtedly read it again.

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Required Reading for Aspiring Writers

A no-nonsense look at the craft of writing. I love that it isn't bogged down with rigid plot structures to follow or formulaic approaches to storytelling. King is honest and humble, and I quite enjoyed hearing his backstory in the beginning of the novel. Bonus points for King narrating the book himself as well!

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