Stephen King is not only a successful writer but also a person of literature! In his works (at least those I have read so far), he often mentions and directs the readers' attention to many diverse books and authors. Therefore, I am not surprised that in this short autobiography, he has embedded so many useful tips...

I think every writing person will discover and like at least a few valuable thoughts in "On Writing" even if they are not familiar with King's wonderful novels or do not like the horror genre.

The best-selling author does not take the opportunity to boast about his achievements but, on the contrary, very honestly shares about the difficulties in life, experienced along with their creation, as well as about his addiction to alcohol and drugs...

In this book, Uncle Stevie does not meet us with dangerous supernatural forces (unless we count grammar as such), but understandably and well-intentionedly gives his advice to beginner writers. Do not expect any magical formulas for writing - he helps everyone to organize their toolbox, as well as reminds that a lot of reading is also necessary.

"On the day I handed him my first two stories, Gould said something else interesting: Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open. Or in other words: At the beginning, the story is only yours, but in the end, it's a poem to the world."

"Truly, she never said it aloud, but it wasn't necessary. Her texts spoke eloquently enough."

"Life is not a support for art. Exactly the opposite is true."

"Grammar is not only a nuisance in the bushes but also a support on which you dig in when you have to put your thoughts on their feet and make them move forward."

"In fiction, paragraphs are not so strictly structured - they rather form the rhythm rather than the melody itself. The more novels you read and write, the more you will get the impression that the new lines form themselves as if by themselves. And that's how it should be."

"To be captivated by the combination of a great plot and a masterful style - or rather to feel oppressed - is an essential part of the development of every writer. You cannot expect to captivate people with the style of your words if you have not experienced it yourself."

"If you don't have time to read, it means you don't have time (or the necessary tools) to write either. It's that simple."

"You just have to remember that there is a difference between stuffing your knowledge and enriching your story with it. The second is good. The first is not."

"I often have a clear idea of how everything could end, but I have never yet required my characters to fulfill my expectations. Exactly the opposite: they have to act in their own way."

"If I describe my memories too detailedly, it will cloud yours and so the bond of understanding that strives to forge between you and me will fade away."

"The description begins in the writer's imagination but ends in the reader's."

An essential book for any writer.



I'm not a big fan of'self-help' type books because I feel their tone is condescending. In general, I'm not a fan of people who think they're above you and decide to lend you their precious time to teach you what they know, but making it clear that their success is unattainable. I was afraid that On Writing would be like that, and it wasn't at all.



Stephen King is one of the most prolific and highly regarded authors of the contemporary era. People pigeonhole him in horror, but he has written everything from thrillers to police novels, science fiction, and fantasy. As some of my friends said many years ago, he is the Master of the Human Being. He has a gift for dialogue, for connecting with the reader, for creating characters, and above all, for making you feel something, whether good or bad.







In On Writing, we will find a book different from everything you have read. It's not a guide, nor a style book, nor a biography, nor an inspirational book. It's all of that together, mixed, and the hodgepodge makes it incredible. But come on, what could we expect from Mr. King? It's not a book for everyone either, as he clearly states on several occasions. It's a book for writers: for those who have already written, or those who want to start, or those who feel they don't need to. It's a book for anyone who feels the power of words flowing in their veins.



King's style is, as always, direct. He doesn't mince words or tell you things to your face. If he feels that an author or a concept is crap or stupid, he'll tell you. And he'll explain why. And, best of all, in the end you'll end up agreeing with him. Specifically, regarding the chapters where he talks about the 'tools' of writing, you'll be left stunned by his explanations. Also, one of the things I like is that it's not just his experience, but he analyzes the texts of other people, gives examples, and even cites books on language theory so you can see that he's not crazy.



Undoubtedly, the beginning can be confusing. Why is Stephen King telling me about his childhood? Why do I care that he had ear problems or that he almost died in an accident? Well, dear friends, without that part this book wouldn't make sense. Not only does it let you see that being a writer is almost from birth, that since childhood he felt the need to absorb stories and also create them, but how writing saved him and how being a writer is not a bed of roses. His life story is one of those that you could listen to for hours, not only because it's interesting, but because it's meaningful.








  I have learned a great deal from this book.

There were things I already knew about him (like that he is very prone to being simple and direct in his books because he believes there are more important things to do than put adverbs or bombastic words), but I didn't know his full justification. Thanks to this strange book, I have learned to appreciate things that I had never stopped to think about, but above all, it has given me ideas and a huge boost of energy. It was the book I needed at this moment.



On Writing is an intelligent book that, without pause, and mixing sweet and sour, manages to teach you and improve you as a writer without you realizing it. That's right: it's a book that tells it like it is. After all, it's Stephen King. (And if you're fans of his, it reveals very interesting secrets about some of his most famous novels, as well as his working method. Specifically, he talks a lot about Carrie, Misery, The Shining, Salem's Lot, and some of his most famous short stories at the time of writing the book.)

The genius of King, of course, also lies in the fact that he not only provides truly simple and workable advice, but also follows it himself. Many books would only benefit if they were compressed by 10 percent and rid of the clusters of adjectives and adverbs that many authors, for some reason, mistake for manifestations of talent. However, in reality, this is only within the reach of truly great writers.

King's approach is refreshingly straightforward. His writing is devoid of unnecessary ornamentation, allowing the essence of his ideas to shine through. He doesn't try to impress with flowery language or convoluted sentences. Instead, he focuses on getting his message across clearly and effectively.

This simplicity is what makes his advice so accessible and applicable. Whether you're a budding writer or someone looking to improve their communication skills, King's words offer valuable insights. By following his example and stripping away the excess, we can all learn to write more powerfully and persuasively.

"On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King is an extraordinary book that has the power to leave a lasting impression. It's a must-read for any writer, especially those looking to improve their craft.

King's memoir is not only a guide to writing but also a personal account of his life and experiences. He shares his journey from a young aspiring writer to one of the most successful authors of all time.

The book is filled with valuable advice, such as the importance of reading widely, writing regularly, and being open to criticism. King also emphasizes the need to find your own voice and style as a writer.

One of the things I loved about this book is King's honesty. He doesn't sugarcoat the challenges and difficulties of being a writer. He talks about his struggles with alcoholism, drug addiction, and self-doubt.

Despite these challenges, King never gave up on his dream of becoming a writer. His perseverance and determination are truly inspiring.

Another aspect of the book that I found fascinating was King's insights into the creative process. He explains how he comes up with his ideas, develops his characters, and constructs his stories.

Overall, "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" is a remarkable book that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in writing. It's a book that you can read again and again and always discover something new.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, this book has something to offer. It's a book that will inspire you, motivate you, and help you become a better writer.

So, if you're looking for a book that will change your perspective on writing, look no further than "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King.

I simply cannot heap enough praise upon this memoir.

Mr. King not only validates my entire creative process, which, until this reading, I had regarded as entirely unique to myself.

Moreover, he is highly encouraging and optimistic. He dissects his habits, failures, and successes in the most accessible and engaging manner.

I have an intense love for this book, and I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to read it once more.

His words have had a profound impact on me, inspiring me to continue on my creative journey with greater confidence and determination.

I believe that this memoir is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the creative process or who is seeking inspiration and motivation.

It is a truly remarkable work that I will cherish for a long time to come.

Desde muy pequeño disfruto de la escritura.

However, I have always been limited by the fear of not being good enough, not knowing how to do it, or simply lacking sufficient motivation. This book has helped to remove each insecurity and uncertainty regarding this fear.

Stephen King has been one of my favorite writers for a long time. Thanks to his advice, anecdotes, and recommendations, I can understand the success in his literary career. I was very surprised by the origins of some of his novels and the advice he received to be able to continue creating them.

If you have the desire to start writing and don't know how to do it, this is a great beginning. However, if you don't know King beforehand, certain parts may bore you as they are very intimate moments of his life.

For me, I was left with a great taste in my mouth. I learned a great deal and the only thing I want to do now is write until I can't anymore.

I am inspired by King's words and experiences, and I believe that I can overcome my own fears and limitations and pursue my passion for writing.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in writing or wants to learn more about the creative process.

It is a valuable resource that can provide inspiration, motivation, and practical advice for writers of all levels.

So, if you're ready to take the plunge and start writing, pick up this book and let Stephen King guide you on your journey.

You might be surprised at what you can achieve.

This book on writing was truly remarkable, far exceeding my initial expectations. I was deeply enthralled by the fact that Stephen King shared some of his precious childhood memories and vividly detailed how he embarked on his journey to become a writer.

This book proved to be a double blessing for me as it enabled me to achieve two goals simultaneously. Firstly, I had been eager to explore the best works of Stephen King, considering his prolific output. Secondly, I was striving to read more books related to the craft of writing. King not only offers valuable advice on enhancing one's writing skills but also regales the readers with some captivating stories from his own life and how they have had a profound influence on his novels.

The book concludes with a deeply moving section that describes the fateful day in June 1999 when King was out for his regular walk and was unfortunately hit by a van whose driver was distracted. The impact was so forceful that it was nothing short of a miracle that he escaped without being killed or paralyzed. He endured weeks of hospitalization. However, upon his return home, he made the resolute decision to channel his writing energy towards completing this memoir, and for that, I am truly grateful.

On Writing is indeed a literary gem. It comes highly recommended for any aspiring writers seeking guidance on how to get started or improve their writing prowess. It is also a must-read for fans of Stephen King. Additionally, it is recommended to anyone who has a penchant for books. And even if you are not particularly inclined towards books, I would still earnestly urge you to give this one a try. It is simply outstanding.

Favorite Quotes
\\"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things that I'm aware of, no shortcut.\\"
\\"I'm a slow reader, but I usually get through seventy or eighty books a year, mostly fiction. I don't read in order to study the craft; I read because I like to read. It's what I do at night, kicked back in my blue chair. Similarly, I don't read fiction to study the art of fiction, but simply because I like stories. Yet there is a learning process going on. Every book you pick up has its own lesson or lessons, and quite often the bad books have more to teach than the good ones.\\"
[On writing The Stand]
\\"At one moment I had none of this; at the next I had all of it. If there is any one thing I love about writing more than the rest, it's that sudden flash of insight when you see how everything connects.\\"
\\"It starts with this: put your desk in the corner, and every time you sit down there to write, remind yourself why it isn't in the middle of the room. Life isn't a support system for art. It's the other way around.\\"

No one can deny that Stephen King knows very well what he is talking about. However, I don't feel comfortable with him. I don't know, it's as if when reading his works, I am watching a TV program with interference. I'm sorry, I just don't tune in well to his pen. Therefore, this review is out of the question. Maybe it's because his writing style is too unique for me. It's not that his stories are not interesting, but there is something in his way of expression that makes me feel a bit off. I have tried to read some of his famous novels, but I always give up halfway. I guess I just don't have the patience or the ability to understand his works.

This is one of my all-time favorite books on writing, and I have perused it numerous times.

Not only is it an excellently written memoir, but its structure serves as a convenient means to learn the art of writing.

At the rear of the book, there is a section where he showcases how he edits some of his own work.

He also recounts the harrowing incident when a van struck him as he was walking on the side of the road. It is truly spine-chilling.

This book offers a profound insight into a brilliant craftsman, one of the finest writers of our era.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to both readers and writers alike.

David Putnam, the author of the Bruno Johnson series.

If I had to pick a favorite book from all the books listed here, it would be a tough decision. However, this particular book stands out for several reasons.

Firstly, the story is engaging and captivating from the very beginning. It takes the reader on a thrilling journey filled with adventure, mystery, and unexpected twists.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their lives and experiences.

Secondly, the writing style is excellent. The author has a way of painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind, making it feel as if they are actually a part of the story.

The language is rich and descriptive, adding depth and texture to the narrative.

Finally, this book has a powerful message that stays with you long after you have finished reading it. It makes you think about life, love, and the importance of following your dreams.

For all these reasons, if I had to choose just one favorite book from the list, this might very well be it.

RESEÑA EN LEE.SUEÑA.VUELA :D


A couple of weeks ago, I signed up for a creative writing masterclass that had gone viral on Twitter. It was taught by an unknown person, and I couldn't find anything about her, not even published texts or credentials. But I was intrigued by the massive response it was getting and the way people were celebrating this class on social media. As a writer, I'm always learning, and as an editor, I'm always on the lookout. So I thought, why not give it a try? Maybe I could learn something new, or at the very least, her class might inspire me to write.


To no one's surprise, it turned out to be a pseudoinfluencer who spent an hour and a half of a Wednesday morning talking about herself, herself, herself, her friends, and more herself. She gave one good tip for developing the writing habit, but many bad ones that could kill the motivation of even the most prolific and inspired writer. And her sources were, and I quote, "what everyone says," "I read it everywhere," and "While I'm writing about Stephen King."


I had this essay pending for years and years, and that's more or less how it all started.


I loved this book. I liked the first part, which is autobiographical, even more because I'm a crazy fan of authors' biographies. And when we got to the technical part, I almost fell in love with King when I discovered that we hate the same things: the passive voice, adverbs ending in -ly, and the absurd abuse of verbs other than "say" for dialogue.


It's not perfect. Stephen also has a somewhat closed-minded view on some topics. He's a bit too harsh on things that aren't black or white but have a wider range of options. And, of course, since this is a work from twenty years ago, some things are outdated or obsolete.


But overall, I really liked it. I enjoyed it, I liked getting to know better an author whose works I like to read but with whom I wasn't too familiar outside of his books. And I even got emotional a couple of times. (Crying and everything, of course).


So, fortunately, I did get something good out of that masterclass: the lesson that I have to do my research well before signing up for any course because there's a lot of nonsense on the Internet giving lectures. I also had a great time chatting until dawn with a friend whom I dragged to that lovely class, and, of course, this wonderful book.

Full disclosure. I have only read two Stephen King books prior to this one, and both were about baseball. I am the world’s biggest fraidy cat, perhaps with an imagination rivaling Stephen King’s. I can't watch anything remotely scary past noon, or I'll have nightmares for days. I choose not to dream at night to avoid waking up in fits and starts. Movies based on King's award-winning books are a huge no-no. You get the picture. Why would I, the world's biggest fraidy cat, want to read Stephen King's how-to manual on writing?

As a reader, I appreciate quality writing from any genre. The two books of King's I have read were in the upper echelon as far as reading goes. Granted, they were both about baseball, and one was nonfiction. Learning more about writing from someone who has made it a career, I was game, even if there were sure to be some spine-tingling moments along the way.

After detailing his upbringing in the first third of "On Writing," I discovered that Stephen King is actually a funny person. I couldn't help but find his childhood humorous, if not tragicomic, as he pokes fun at himself. After meeting his wife Tabitha in college, the two stayed in Maine, started a family right away, and got to work writing and teaching. King's first big break was "Carrie." For fans, I won't reiterate the plot here. King takes the time to summarize it, and I actually found it sounding humorous because it's centered around a high school outcast. Let's face it, other than a few people, no one fully enjoys their high school experience. King describes "Carrie" in a way that even I would be willing to read it, albeit at eight in the morning to avoid resulting nightmares.

Following this break, King's early career had a sharp, upward trajectory, including early hits like "Misery" with his unique take on Scheherazade's Arabian nights. What King began to impart even in the first section of this memoir is to write what one knows. That's why some characters in his early work mirror his life as a high school teacher, and many of his books are set in Maine. He happens to enjoy horror and science fiction, so that's what he writes. Imagine if Stephen King's childhood reading of choice had been biography or historical fiction. His career would have taken a completely different path.

King's biggest advice to new writers is to read and read a lot. Reading expands one's horizons and increases one's vocabulary. He always has a book with him: audio in the car, physical wherever he goes - waiting rooms, grocery store lines. I chuckle as I see this because I read today while teaching classes doing independent work that didn't need a teacher's assistance. As King's advice goes, one can only play on a device for so long, so I read and read some more. Like King, I try to read at least one hundred pages a day. Unlike King, I don't spend hours writing in a closed room, although if I really wanted to change my career to that of a writer, I feel I have the mental stamina to do so.

That being said, he shifts gears and begins to show readers a glimpse of his writing process. This is the main reason I wanted to read this: I am a grammar nerd fascinated by the writing process. King did not disappoint. He provided full sections on passive versus active voice and to adverb or not to adverb. As someone whose goal is to cut down on passive voice, I smiled at this. I also had a silent argument with myself about adverbs because I love flowery vocabulary and superfluous language. Apparently, this is a no-no. I had no idea and read on.

According to King's first agent, the second draft is a first draft minus ten percent. King admits to being someone who has more of a tendency to add more details rather than omit them. This is where the use of adverbs comes into play. He shows a sample of "Room 1408" as an example of how he goes about his revisions. In some cases, he omits entire paragraphs. In others, he adds extra words that take an otherwise dull story to new heights. He also provides a sample letter for a writer just starting out who needs to sell stories to literary magazines. That's how his career started, and he felt the sting of rejection as much as the next person. Until that first break, one has to keep writing. Keep a schedule and stick to it. That break will come or it won't. Not everyone is destined to become a world-renowned writer. Those who aren't work as high school or community college English teachers or as editors. There is no shame in that. There are few people who occupy the upper echelons of the writing world. That's why they are the ones to write about writing, and the rest of us can nod in appreciation.

King ends this with a look into the horrific accident that nearly ended his life, which undoubtedly led to more ideas for more stories that I probably won't read because they will trigger my runaway imagination. This memoir took a few years to complete because King is admittedly not a nonfiction writer. The nonfiction book of his I did read is an epistolary between him and Stewart O’Nan about the 2004 Red Sox championship season. Other than curse breaking, nothing scary about baseball, which is what I generally choose to read about. King himself reads about eighty books a year and has included his preferred reading lists as an addendum. Reading leads to rereading which leads to writing. According to Stephen King, I have the characteristics of a writer should I choose to go that route. Or I can keep my job, appreciate great writers like Stephen King for who they are, and take their advice to heart when I endlessly debate whether or not to include adverbs in dull sentences.

4 stars