This is an absolutely fantastic book about writing. It has been recommended to me by countless friends and acquaintances, and it truly did not disappoint. When it comes to most nonfiction works, I often feel that I don't really have to remember every single detail or fact that is listed. However, with On Writing, I find myself wishing that I could retain every bit of it.

It offers an incredibly abundant amount of useful advice that would be of great benefit to any writer, regardless of their age or level of experience. At first, I was a bit unsettled by the anecdotes. When I initially began the novel, I had expected something along the lines of "writing = grammar + salesmanship" or some sort of formulaic approach. Needless to say, King easily demolished that assumption. His personal approach to the book significantly enhanced its impact on the reader. Instead of simply reading a writer's manual, it felt as if I was listening to a person sitting right across the table from me, sharing his story.

I also adored the grammar section. I have already violated some of the things he stated (for example: don't use adverbs). One major rule that I have taken away from this book is to be concise. That is one of my problem areas, and through reading this book, I have come to realize just how much better succinct writing can be.

I truly wish that all nonfiction was this enjoyable. It's worth noting that I have also broken the passive voice vs. active voice rule in this review. I mean, how are you supposed to write with active voice in a book review? "This book spoke volumes to me. It taught me many things. Some of them were... etc." Wait, that wasn't so difficult after all. Never mind.

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I am a new Steven King fan, and yet, in a strange way, I feel like an old one without even realizing it.

When I discovered that Steven King is actually quite funny and has a great sense of humor, I was truly delighted. His talent was very much in evidence even within the pages of this brief memoir. As I turned each page, I found myself developing a newfound respect for him.

He talked about the stories he had written, and there were some that I didn't even know were his, like The Green Mile. As an aspiring writer, his recommendations are of utmost value. I can't help but wish that I had picked up this book before shelling out thousands of dollars on books, seminars, and writing retreats.

He presents everything that you really need to know in a clear perspective and then gives you the permission to go ahead and write, following your own unique path. I absolutely loved it! Since then, I have downloaded two more of his books, and I am filled with hope that I will continue to learn from his genius.

I look forward to delving deeper into his works and uncovering more of the wisdom and inspiration that he has to offer.

This is the only book I've read about writing that truly made me have a strong desire to write. It remains excellent as it has always been. However, it is not as useful when you try to flip back through it to look for specific instructions. Instead, it is more of a how-to book that you should read all the way through.

By reading it from cover to cover, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the writing process and techniques. The author presents the information in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced writers.

This book offers valuable insights and practical advice on various aspects of writing, such as developing ideas, structuring your writing, and using language effectively. It also includes examples and exercises to help you apply what you have learned.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills and gain inspiration for their own writing projects.

So it has become extremely clear to me at present that very few writers actually pen about the craft. The sole Latin American writer to do so? Mario Vargas Llosa (who dedicated several years of his busy novel-writing schedule to writing about his former pal Gabriel Garcia Marquez). But I suddenly forgot who the King was (no, I truly mean it: I haven't read him in ages! High school being the prime time for Stephen King, and all). The guy has useful insights, no doubt, because he is not only highly productive and extremely successful (he received $400,000 for his first novel “Carrie”!), but also because, let's all admit it, he's really good. Maybe prose isn't his forte per se, but story indeed is (think of how many times he has tapped into the vein of the zeitgeist to create visceral, emblematic, and modern monsters).

It's interesting to contrast this with the only other non-fiction I've read recently, “The Perpetual Orgy” and “Letters to a Young Novelist” by the aforementioned Peruvian auteur. Both Vargas Llosa and King tell us to seriously commit to writing, to write, write, write, write, WRITE, but, even more splendidly, they advocate heavy reading (obviously!). I love Stephen King quotes, like this little gem of truth: “If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write.” Take that, non-reading punks on the verge of becoming ignoramuses!

Let me recall some of the things I've learned (the rest has been absorbed as if by osmosis): 1) Rewrite at least two times once the novel is completed. 2) Write and read for at least 5 hours every single day. 3) IMPORTANT: Look for an editor (they are eager for new talent, King says). 4) VERY IMPORTANT: Begin a serious submitting process (L. Williford has always emphasized the importance of this!). 5) Write solely to your IR (Ideal Reader). It's all extremely helpful. Perhaps the “Toolbox” section is its weakest part (conversely, MVL's bag of tricks is on glorious display in “Letters” [though he never mentions the publishing process like King does]). Going over basic English is, I have to admit, rather lame. But King does seem enthusiastic throughout, as only the best teachers are in the classroom—his tone is one of (slight) optimism for the budding novelist. He cheers you on (THE Stephen King!)!!! Bottom line: Invaluable stuff, a few (awesome for the fans) confessional tidbits, and some really good pointers.

This is a remarkable book that delves into the craft of novel writing.

The first half presents a highly autobiographical account of Stephen's journey from rags to riches and from being an addict to getting clean. At first, I was completely puzzled as to why this was included in a book about writing. However, as I read on, I realized the significance. Firstly, it showcases Stephen's unwavering passion for writing, which is something that every aspiring writer must possess. Secondly, it emphasizes that overnight success is extremely rare. Stephen King was once just an ordinary Steve King, struggling with addiction. It often takes those unexpected events and circumstances to inspire a novel like "Carrie" that catapults one to stardom. Thirdly, it teaches us to view everything, even our own lives, as potential stories and to infuse each story with the power and vitality it rightfully deserves.

The second half of the book offers more specific guidelines. It advises against overusing adverbs, warns against trying to disclose every minute detail, cautions about over-plotting, and suggests writing with the door shut for three months to complete the first draft in one go. Then, open the door and ensure that others can understand and be captivated by it. There are dos and don'ts galore. I found myself taking numerous notes. Throughout the book, Stephen's irreverent humor shines through, making it an engaging and enjoyable read.

If you are a novelist or aspire to be one, this book is an absolute must-read. It provides invaluable insights and practical advice that can help you on your writing journey.

Stephen King, along with Jo Rowling and a few other novelists, stands as one of the most successful writers of our era, at least in terms of commercial success. His bestsellers, such as The Shining, It, and Misery, have captivated readers worldwide. One might be curious if there is a magic formula he employs to write his books. However, the truth is that there is no secret. This book offers an invitation behind the scenes of the author's work and career, serving as a masterclass for aspiring writers.

The first section delves into King's childhood and his early years as a short story writer. During this time, he would pin rejection letters on a spike in his bedroom and work at a laundry shop to make ends meet. These were the years before his first major success with Carrie. King also opens up about his early alcohol addiction and how he managed to overcome it.

He then proceeds to provide precise advice and insights on various topics related to fiction writing, including discipline, vocabulary, grammar, narration, description, dialogue, character, symbolism, theme, pace, revisions, and publishing. The book concludes with the account of the accident he endured while taking a stroll around his house, where he narrowly cheated death, and how writing played a crucial role in his recovery.

In conclusion, while reading this book, the secret to Stephen King's success becomes evident. His prose is crystal clear, devoid of any affectation or condescension. Even when discussing the technical aspects of sentence and paragraph construction, King is often humorous, intelligent, and always comes across as honest, sensible, and approachable. And, as expected, he has a talent for storytelling, whether it's his own or fictional, in a way that makes them straightforward, relatable, and emotionally engaging.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King is an outstanding volume that offers a revealing and practical perspective on the writer's craft. It includes the essential tools of the trade that every writer must possess. King's advice is firmly rooted in his vivid memories, spanning from childhood to his emergence as a writer, from his early struggling career to his widely publicized near-fatal accident in 1999, and how the inseparable connection between writing and living fueled his recovery.

Brilliantly structured, friendly, and inspiring, this book will empower and entertain all who read it - fans, writers, and anyone who loves a well-told great story. The back cover provides additional details about the book, including its publication information and different translations.

In the book, King begins by defining what writing is and then proceeds to discuss the toolkit of words, which he believes should be at the disposal of every writer. Another part of the book consists of four separate lectures on how to write a story.

King also writes in the book that the vocabulary circle should be placed in the first drawer of your toolkit and that you should not overly strive to improve it. One of the worst things you can do to your writing is to decorate its words and constantly search for long words, as perhaps some of your short words may feel ashamed. It's like dressing up your pet in evening clothes.

He also advises to make a vow to yourself that your intention is "grace" and not to use "obligations," and never say "John went to the bathroom to do his business" instead of "John went to the bathroom." If you think that "doing that thing" in the bathroom is disrespectful or offensive to the reader, feel free to say "John went to the bathroom." He wants you to speak simply and directly. Remember, the golden rule of the easy vocabulary circle is to use the first word that comes to your mind if it is appropriate and colorful. If you hesitate and think more, another word may come to your mind, but surely this one is not as good as the first option or has no resemblance to the meaning you intended.

The date of the first reading was October 11, 2017. The date of dissemination was April 23, 2020.

This is an extremely insightful memoir that also offers solid and practical advice.

It is not just for aspiring writers but also for those who mistakenly believe that writing a book simply involves stringing together some big words, peppering it with as many adverbs and adjectives as they can think of, and randomly scattering a couple of wise, philosophical quotes here and there.

In fact, writing a book is a much more complex and nuanced process. It requires careful planning, deep understanding of the subject matter, and the ability to tell a story in a engaging and meaningful way.

This memoir delves into the author's own experiences as a writer, sharing the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the strategies that worked. It provides valuable insights into the writing process, from generating ideas to editing and polishing the final draft.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, this memoir has something to offer. It will inspire you to think differently about writing, and give you the tools and confidence you need to write your own book.

I have an unwavering love for horror and all things spooky. However, I have a rather shameful admission to make. As astonishing as it might seem, I haven't delved into any of Stephen King's works

First off, I want to gush.

Stephen King is of great significance to me, just as he is to numerous others. I have never had the opportunity to see him in person, and probably never will. That really sucks for me. However, in a certain sense, it's okay too.

\\n  Because he remains a storytelling idol for me.\\n

And I can't imagine that changing.

I have other writers whom I adore, such as Anne Rice, PC Hodgell, and David Eddings. I also have a plethora of others that I really like. Moreover, I've truly come to like and respect some new writers as well.

But somehow, Stephen King feels distinct to me. Why? Hmmm... That's a tough one.

Maybe I simply don't know.

But here's what I do know:

1. I received this book as a gift from my extremely wonderful wife, right when it got published.

2. Inexplicably, and to my embarrassment, it sat on my shelf for a very long time. I'm only now getting around to reading it.

3. I learned a great deal.

4. I liked it a great deal.

5. The book's content was not what I truly expected.

6. But the book's content is precisely what I should have expected.

7. I will periodically refer to the stuff and ideas that I outlined, underlined, and am attempting to take to heart for the rest of my life.

And as I sat here, grappling with what to write in this review, it sort of dawned on me.

He really addresses my storytelling requirements.

And he addresses my need to be a storyteller.

I was heartened to see him express that it is the STORY that is the most crucial thing. That's the major takeaway point from this. I once took a novel writing course. I learned a lot, to be sure, but at the same time I was thinking, gosh, this is really rather formulaic and rigid. Why? \\n  It\\n and \\n  The Stand\\n aren't like that. Because they prioritize the story first. The rest of it is a means to an end. At least that's how I perceived it.

Yes, it contains a lot of biography. A lot about his life. More life story than the nitty-gritty mechanics of writing. But I regarded that earlier material as the framework for how and why he does what he does. How it would influence his process. That's going to vary for everyone in nuanced ways. Why he felt the need/desire to write, based on his history and what attracted him to storytelling, even after a harrowing, near-death injury, is important, I feel. Not just the mechanical process of it. I know it's esoteric, but it's true. Why we, as people, do things is as important as anything else. It seems to me that the same holds true for writing. The rest is just his philosophical approach (and yes, some writing mechanics).

I could go on and on and on, but I suspect you get the picture.

If you want to be an author, I can't recommend this one highly enough.

This book will forever transform the way I approach reading and writing.

There have been numerous occasions when I've picked up a book, only to find myself bored to tears, yet unable to precisely identify the cause. In some instances, this very book has provided the much-needed explanation.

For the most part, King's advice appears to be relatively sound, although it might be a touch outdated, especially when it comes to the matter of getting started in the writing industry.

King's distinct voice is truly captivating, and this book is incredibly addictive.

The primary point of disagreement I have with King pertains to grammar. While I am far from being a proponent of experimental language and, in fact, strongly disapprove of authors who believe it's charming not to use quotation marks for dialogue (yes, I'm looking at you, Cormac McCarthy), King places an excessive emphasis on grammar. He writes from the vantage point of an experienced author who is comfortable spending hours writing.

However, I can't be the only one who looks at a blank sheet of paper and freezes, immobilized by fear. Once my thoughts begin to flow onto the page, they gush out like an unstoppable tide. The story takes precedence, and my pen is merely the means through which it is expressed. Grammar can always be corrected during the revision process, and I'm well aware that I personally need to become more at ease with making mistakes. Who really cares if I use a dash when I should have used a semicolon? Isn't the overall story the most important thing? Hehe, do you see the double meaning there?

"On Writing" is an outstanding book for anyone who is serious about either writing or reading.

The Green Light at the End of the Dock (How much I spent):

Hardcover Text – $16.25 on eBay

Audiobook – Free through Libby

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**January 6, 2018 review**

I'm commencing my fifth year on Goodreads by rereading the finest book about writing I've come across thus far. I've contemplated that "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" - Stephen King's offering in the crowded realm of How To Write a Novel, published in 2000 - might hold this position due to King being one of my favorite contemporary authors. Just as ball players can disregard a coach who never made it in the pros more quickly than one who did and was a superstar, I'm more inclined to heed the advice of a guru who didn't achieve his status through mysterious means. The author of "The Shining" definitely had my attention.

King starts his instruction by doing something I wish my teachers had done on the first day of class; he tells us about himself. Raised by a single mother in Maine in the 1950s and '60s, King recounts his childhood, his earliest discoveries in fiction, his initial forays into writing and publishing, his breakthrough debut novel "Carrie" some ten years later in 1974, and his near-collapse from alcohol and drugs. The writing advice then kicks in, covering vocabulary, grammar, the elements of style, and much more. This was the book King was working on in June 1999 when he was hit by a negligent driver while on an afternoon walk, and this life-changing experience is also recounted.

Even when King isn't dispensing writing advice - and when he does, it's beneficial to anyone from students writing a paper to writers aspiring to be the next King of Horror - simply reading his prose is both motivating and a delight. Holder of a Bachelor's of Arts in English from the University of Maine at Orono, King's manner or style has always reminded me of a character in a King novel, perhaps an English instructor, but more likely a guy who works at the hardware or auto parts store in town and loves: 1) talking to people, and 2) helping people by sharing his expertise. King's forte is storytelling, with a minor in popular culture.

He shares numerous anecdotes and insights, such as his early days of writing and how he learned about language. He also emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of what one writes and not dressing up vocabulary needlessly. He provides examples of good and bad writing, like the passive voice and how to avoid it. Overall, "On Writing" is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in writing or Stephen King.

**January 8, 2014 review**

It's not an everyday occurrence that you can purchase two excellent books for the price of one, but with "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft", readers are treated to both an engaging autobiography of one of the 20th century's most productive novelists and his enlightening thoughts on the craft of writing.

Stephen King had been publishing for over 25 years when this memoir was released in 2000. While he's likely been asked questions like "Where do you get your ideas?" or "How do I become a novelist?" countless times, to the point where he might want to either strangle someone or just refer them to a book, I appreciate how balanced and unassuming his approach was in addressing the latter.

Rather than documenting the origin of every novel he ever wrote as if they were masterpieces (many are far from it, including "Cujo", which King admits he can't remember writing due to cocaine and beer), or providing novelists with a definitive instruction manual on how to become a bestselling author like him, King delves into each of those areas with welcome doses of humility and insight.
King writes about his youth - watching his grandfather carry a huge toolbox outside for the seemingly ordinary task of repairing a screen door, or writing "Carrie" in the laundry room of the trailer he shared with his wife - as well as his near-death experience in 1999 when he was struck by a distracted driver.
The sections of the book that deal with craft offer great takeaways. King reveals that for him, writing feels less like inventing stories and more like paleontology, unearthing a fossil from the ground. A story is buried somewhere, and King touches on the tools a writer can use to dig it up.
Whether you're a writer, a fan of King's, or both, this memoir is like opening a safety deposit box that you've been given the key to and finding valuable treasures (to borrow an expression from "The Goonies") inside. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the world of writing and the mind of one of its most iconic figures.