This is an absolute must-read for writers, readers, and Stephen King enthusiasts alike.

Filled to the brim with inspiration, it encourages you to take the leap and embark on the journey of writing your own story, whether it's a short story or a full-fledged novel. Just imagine the great writers of the past, like Dickens, being around to offer advice to aspiring writers. It's a truly remarkable opportunity to seize.

Stephen King, this remarkable man, worked tirelessly to become a writer. He had unwavering determination, from working around the clock to pay for his college education to penning his first stories in a trailer. He was a single-parent child with one brother, and his life story is the stuff of dreams. He shattered the stereotype of a single-parent upbringing and made things work. When awaiting that crucial call from his agent regarding the paperback rights for Carrie, he was only expecting around $40,000 but received a staggering $400,000. He truly loves to write and has mentioned that it was "never about the money." His solid marriage also played a significant role in his career. He met his wife Tabitha at a poetry workshop, and their shared love for writing was an essential ingredient in their relationship.

From a millworker to one of the greatest writers, he had written Running Man in just a week and writes one word at a time. He tells us in his book that it's all about the story, not the plot. Write what you know, use fresh images, simple vocabulary, create believable characters, have graceful narration, and tell the truth – all the hallmarks of good writing.

It's truly refreshing to hear him say that if you don't have time to read, you don't have time to write. A bad story can teach the reader so much about what not to do when writing a story. Reading is an essential core to successful story writing. As I reflect on all this advice, I am also eager to start writing my own story.

He suggests that writing 1000 words a day is a good goal and, most importantly, having a dedicated space to write. Cut yourself off from distractions, immerse yourself, and close the door to the outside world. Write one word at a time.

It was fascinating to hear about his time in London at The Brown's Hotel. He wrote the first words of his novel Misery at Rudyard Kipling's desk. Here is a photo of the table and what he said: "I wrote most of Misery by hand, sitting at Kipling's desk in Brown's Hotel in London.....Then I found out he died at the desk. That spooked me, so I quit the hotel."

Close that door, shut out the world, and immerse yourself in writing your story!

Some quotes from the book: "Read to measure ourselves against the good and the greats and to what can be done." "If you don't have the time to read you don't have the time to write."

REVIEW HERE TOO.

What better day to post a review for this book than on Stephen King’s birthday?

Happy Birthday, ya crazy bastard. ;)

Anyway, as most of the GR community knows, I am the real life Annie Wilkes a huge fan of Stephen King. He has been a major influence in my life since I was about 10 years old. His writing changed my life. His books changed my mind and my way of thinking.

Listen, not everyone knows this but I’m about to out myself. I am an aspiring writer. I don’t flash it or wave it out there for all to see. I am just me. I am insecure, scared, and lack the confidence it takes to put myself out there. It’s terrifying.

My whole life I have been a writer. I won several awards throughout my high school career, and college professors begged me to change my major and focus more on my writing. But for me, writing is just a hobby. I’m afraid if I focus on it, it will become a chore. So I write when the mood strikes me and don’t when it doesn’t. There are a handful of close friends on here who have read what I’ve written and given me feedback. I even submitted a short story to www.Tor.com. As of right now, that’s enough for me.

I picked up On Writing for several reasons. The first is that I’m obsessed with Stephen King. Duh! Another is because it’s listed as part memoir, and I was dying to know more about his life. And lastly, I thought maybe, just maybe, he might have a few good pointers for the wannabe writer.

This book.

No really, you don’t understand. This book changes everything. A lot of what he says is great advice, but it’s the things he didn’t say that really resonate. I know what you’re thinking - this crazy MahFah has done lost her mind! But really, the simplicity of it all is laid out before you. It’s up to you to see it.

I really can’t imagine how my life might be if my uncle had never bought me Bag of Bones. Would I have eventually picked a different one up? Would I have become the super fan that I am today? Would Stephen King be locked in my basement?

I can’t answer those questions. I can only say how thankful I am that he came into my life when he did. He is a writer who has shaped my life in ways unimaginable. He has enriched my life and saved me countless times. Thank you, Stephen King, for giving me books that make life seem like it isn’t ALL bad. I’m your #1 Fan. ;)

I truly enjoyed this book.

It was fascinating to learn about how the author got into writing his novels.

Starting from being in a hotel lobby, he had various experiences that led him to this path.

Meeting his wife was also an important part of his journey.

His work at the university with a low pay didn't stop him from pursuing his passion for writing.

He wrote his first book, Carrie, without realizing how successful it would be.

Little did he know that it would catapult him to become one of the world's best authors.

In my opinion, he is the best.

His story is an inspiration and shows that with determination and hard work, one can achieve great things in the field of writing.

I was constructed with a passion for the night and the restless coffin, and that's just the way it is.

If you don't approve, I can only give a shrug of my shoulders; this is what I possess.

This audiobook was truly a source of absolute delight! It was narrated by King, and it concluded with the most excellent Q&A session with his son, Joe Hill.

I adored the information regarding King's early life, how he developed a love for writing, and how he achieved success in this field.

This particular work is an outstanding read, and I highly recommend it!

"Books are a uniquely portable magic." This statement couldn't be more accurate.

Books have the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to diverse characters, and expand our minds.

They are a source of entertainment, knowledge, and inspiration.

Whether we're reading a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking non-fiction piece, books have the ability to touch our souls and make a lasting impact.

So, pick up a book today and let the magic begin!

Here we get to know Stephen King from a different perspective. For me, it was the first time to read about Stephen away from his novels. The book is not just a talk about writing. It is also Stephen's memories, whether related to writing and creating, or personal memories from his childhood, his memories with the beginning of his writing and the rejection letters he received at the start, his meeting with his wife and his relationship with her, and I got to know a new side of Stephen. I was impressed by his admission and emphasis on the importance of his wife's presence and that she is his first reader and critic. The incident that happened to him and affected him physically and mentally, and his survival from it is considered a wonder and a miracle from our Lord. And praise be to God that he survived to keep his artistic creation ongoing.

He also clearly presented advice and techniques for those who wish to write, and the best thing is that he presented them in an interesting way by mixing them with his personal experiences. And far from the technical advice that I think will benefit those who wish to write, especially the world of fantasy. Among them is that he advises to read a lot and write a lot, because not only the how is important but also the quantity is important.

And he ended the book by presenting a sample of his story 1408 and its first draft and then added it with an explanation of the revisions he made. And this book, along with a large number of the novels he read and that affected him, I think most of them have not been translated, but I will search for them and try to read what has been translated. And I was happy when I found a book he recommended that I had already read, a sweet childhood joy

One of the most perceptive books regarding the writing process that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It is brimming with joy, a positive and upbeat attitude, and is filled to the brim with fun and passion. Stephen King is unmistakably a man who has a deep love for what he does. He generously shares all the trade secrets that not only offer encouragement but also foster a profound love for writing. Additionally, it serves as a truly beautiful homage to his love for books, great literature, and his family. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone who is contemplating writing as a means of livelihood or simply for the pure pleasure of it to pick up this book.

I also have a great admiration for Mr. King's literary taste, which is neatly outlined in a book list at the back. Coincidentally, I have read quite a few of those books myself. It is truly witty and often elicits out-loud laughter. Rereading this book is an act of genius. The best part? When King proclaims, “you don’t need writing classes or seminars a more than you need this or any other book on writing” (King 236). I couldn't concur more. When he states “you learn best by reading a lot and writing a lot,” it is indeed life-affirming advice.

I love it when someone tells me about their work with pleasure and you can almost feel it. I am one of those people who (think that) don't like Stephen King. I don't even know if there are such people, maybe I'm some kind of scared specimen. The only one of his that I tried to read is "The Shining" and it made me feel physically bad. I think I was constantly disgusted. It made me feel only "Crime and Punishment". I guess that means Stephen King did his job well. Or as S. once said: "People in Bulgaria are scared of the thought that someone might make them watch horrors." That's how it is with me and their reading. The horror genre probably has its own charms that I will never understand, but in this case the valuable thing was to learn that Stephen King actually doesn't write only horrors. This discovery really surprised me (and I wrote myself a dot in the graph "Ignorance about things - that everyone knows - but you still didn't understand").

Given the above things, the semi-memoir-semi-guide to creative writing surprised me with its style and presentation. For a (confirmed) writer, probably there is no greater recognition than someone approaching his book quite reservedly and remaining charmed. Stephen King writes easily. Only he knows what lies behind it. I liked the explanations about the careful editing of the text, the shortening of the initial excesses, the fact that he made a mess when he was in a hurry to put his thoughts on paper. It's not bad for people to know that even such writers as Stephen King, who are read in millions of copies around the world, are actually not so incredibly genius that they just sit down, write and everything is perfect. There is a lot of polishing after that. Yes, if you're still stupid, probably nothing will come of it, but if you're an uneducated genius, it's no less bad. There are also no sugary stories - there is no "You will definitely succeed if you work hard". There are very simple tips that he admits work for him. He doesn't even try to be modest, as in many places he explains how his honors are cosmic, one of his novels is great and he is one of the most famous authors. Usually such statements irritate me to the point of pain, but in this case I didn't feel them as an expression of self-praise, but just as facts. They didn't carry any kind of arrogance. Just things that happened.

Stephen King's relationship with writing is not that tortured connection in which many famous authors have been. Remember - how literature is like a beloved wife who cheats on you and you love her, you want to strangle her. No. Writing is a necessity, the absolute impossibility not to write. It is a way of life, and in crisis moments it also brings him back to life. Besides everything else, it is also entertainment. Just writing means being.

**"Discovering Stephen King and Learning from 'On Writing'"**

"Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well."

The first encounter with Stephen King was in my early twenties. I was in a phase where I devoured classic literature like Steinbeck, Shakespeare, and Tolstoy, considering myself a literary snob. My sister, who was into King's books, insisted I give him a try. With a roll of my eyes and a scrunched face, I reluctantly picked up a book, perhaps even imagining I was wearing latex gloves (though that might be a false memory). My preconceived notion that I would hate anything by a popular writer like King ensured I didn't enjoy the first book. I returned it with a smug smile, declaring it "not my thing." But my sister was persistent, and I read two more before she accepted that maybe King wasn't for everyone.

Years later, for some unknown reason, I had a sudden urge to read a King book again. Maybe it was the subtle advertising around the release of "The Institute," or perhaps it was because he'd spoken out against Trump, and I wanted to give him another chance. This time, without the latex gloves and youthful snobbery, I was completely entranced. I understood why so many people love him. He is truly a master storyteller.

I'm not a writer in the traditional sense. I enjoy writing book reviews and the occasional story that pops up while writing a review. My partner and friends have encouraged me to write more, but I'm lazy. Thinking about what to write makes me lose interest. However, I owe it to my readers, especially my partner and friends, to write as well as possible. So, I decided to learn from one of the world's most successful writers by reading "On Writing."

The first part of the book, a memoir of King's early years, was a bit boring. He didn't seem to enjoy writing it, and that came through. But the second part, where he discusses writing, was awesome. It felt like he was sitting there with me, sharing his trade secrets. I loved his examples from "Misery" and learning about the changes he made in the drafts. Although some of the advice was from over twenty years ago, like "Get busy putting those thousand words on paper or on a floppy disk," it was still valuable. My favorite advice was to read as much as possible if you want to be a good writer. This is advice that I, as a book review writer, will happily follow.

(A) 87% | Extraordinary

This is truly an extraordinary achievement. It marks the first time I have completed a novel-length book within the span of just one day. It was a remarkable feat that I accomplished in two sittings, with a refreshing nap in between. The experience was both intense and fulfilling. Reading for long stretches can be tiring, but in this case, the story was so captivating that I found myself completely immersed. Each page turned with anticipation, eager to discover what would happen next. By the end of the day, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, having accomplished something that I had never thought possible before. It just goes to show that with determination and a love for reading, anything is possible.

The scariest moment is always just before you start. As an aspiring writer, this book was truly inspiring for me. I've recently delved deeper into Stephen King novels, and for years everyone has been telling me to read this particular one. I'm extremely glad I finally did. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the hilarious and captivating stories from his childhood and about his life. It was really cool to learn where he gets all those amazing ideas for his stories. Moreover, he offers some truly great advice. I love his concept of having an 'ideal reader' and writing for someone specific, as well as the idea that you must write for yourself and what you're passionate about, not what you think will impress your friends. Also, his entire rant about adverbs was quite hilarious.

Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open. I really, really loved this one. I highly recommend the audio book as it is simply fantastic. I can't wait to explore even more of Stephen King's works in the new year. It's like opening a door to a world full of imagination and creativity, and I'm eager to step in and discover what lies ahead.

On Writing is, without a doubt, the finest book I have ever come across regarding the art of writing and the life of a writer as told by a writer himself.

This isn't your typical textbook focused solely on grammar and sentence structure. No, the subtitle accurately encapsulates the essence of the contents. It delves into Stephen King's arduous journey towards becoming a published author and his battles with words.

Listening to tales of how one of the world's most renowned authors once faced the same struggles as the rest of us ordinary folks is truly invigorating. For me, the stories of his humble beginnings were the most captivating. They are presented in a sort of historical timeline, interspersed with his famous early works. Later in the book, my attention was firmly held by personal anecdotes, like the time he was struck by a vehicle and almost lost his life.

I read this book before having read a single work by King. In fact, at that time, I could be considered one of his detractors. My college professors had instilled a rather low opinion of King's work in me, and that view persisted until recently when I decided to read his stuff for myself.

So, why did I pick up On Writing in the first place? Well, the man's ability to sell an enormous number of books (far more than those critical professors) cannot be ignored. Why wouldn't it be worthwhile to read the advice of an author who had legions of狂热 fans, even if I didn't hold his writing in high regard? It would be like cutting off my nose to spite my face.

Young, aspiring writers, don't make the same mistake. Read On Writing.

I absolutely adored this book!

Stephen King is truly endearing and has such a cool and engaging way of discussing writing.

It's a pity that I'm a bit of a coward when it comes to the genre of terror. As a result, I likely won't be able to make it through any of his other books.

However, this particular one is an absolute delight to read.

The way he shares his insights and experiences about the writing process is both fascinating and inspiring.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in writing or just enjoys a good read.

It's a great source of motivation and practical advice, and it's written in a way that makes it accessible and enjoyable for readers of all levels.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, you're sure to find something valuable in this book.

So don't hesitate to give it a try!