This book is being promoted as a companion to King's remarkable craft memoir On Writing. However, that description is overly generous. This specific book-of-the-month club exclusive simply doesn't measure up to that standard.

It is a hodgepodge of random pieces, the majority of which can be located elsewhere. There's the foreword to Night Shift, the "Horror Fiction" chapter from Danse Macabre, various notes used to introduce books-of-the-month, introductions for The Girl Next Door and The Collectors, interviews, and other similar items.

There are a few original elements, a couple of short stories ("The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet" is significantly stronger than "In the Deathroom"), and a couple of essays. If you're a Stephen King enthusiast, the book is worth perusing for a bit of an inside look into King's life and his creative process. It's especially fascinating to read about Joe and Owen in light of their subsequent endeavors since the publication of this book. It's also enjoyable to read a couple of stories penned by a very young Stephen for his brother's neighborhood paper. That being said, if you're seeking something of the caliber of On Writing, I can tell you right away that it's not in this volume. The closest approximation might be the Introduction by Peter Straub, which endeavors to analyze King's ability to engage with readers.

Pick it up if you're interested, but be aware that it's more like the DVD extras on a movie or the liner notes of an album, only as satisfying as your own level of interest.

A good book can be a wonderful thing. It can transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new ideas, and provide us with entertainment and inspiration.

This particular book is a nice companion piece to On Writing. On Writing is an outstanding work that I would dare to say is a must-read for anyone who is contemplating a career with words. It offers valuable insights and practical advice on the craft of writing.

This other book, while perhaps not quite as essential as On Writing, is still a good complement. It may offer a different perspective or approach to writing, or it may expand on some of the ideas presented in On Writing.

Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, these two books together can provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you on your writing journey.

A significant portion (approximately 160 pages) is derived from "Danse Macabre", and the majority of this content has been replicated in other introductions. However, there are indeed remarkable nuggets of wisdom within it. The repetition might seem a bit tiresome at first glance, but upon closer inspection, one can discover the profound insights that have been emphasized. Each time the same ideas are presented, they offer a new perspective or a deeper understanding. It's as if the author is trying to drive home these important points, ensuring that the reader truly grasps their significance. Despite the familiarity, the wisdom contained within these repeated sections still holds value and can provide inspiration and enlightenment.

Probably closer to 3.5. I really enjoyed this collection of nonfiction essays that delved into the topics of writing and inspiration.

King has a truly remarkable conversational voice that has the power to draw the reader in and make them feel as if they are having a personal chat with him. He leads the reader along in a soothing and relaxing manner, which makes it a pleasure to read. The little quips and the nice use of interspersed storytelling add an extra layer of charm and help to move the narrative forward smoothly. It works extremely well. One particularly great piece in the collection focuses on (back in the early 1990s) the reasons why his son Joe would be the writer among his three kids.

While there is some retelling of stories from his other nonfiction books, it is not to an extent that it becomes off-putting. Instead, it provides a nice sense of continuity and builds on the themes and ideas that King has explored in his previous works. Overall, it is a great read for anyone interested in the art of writing and the creative process.