Name: On Writing
ISBN: 9780743455961

Stephen King

The author shares his insights into the craft of writing and offers a humorous perspective on his own experience as a writer.

On Writing

Marcos Rodriguez

Patrick Book

Not a master class by any definition, but you have to love Stephen King. He's a plucky bastard for sure, and I am both surprised and delighted by his straightforward, no-nonsense writing process. Makes me want to dig out my unfinished NaNoWriMo files and finish those bastids off.

Arihant Verma

Before reading this book, I was unequivocally doubtful that I’d ever be able to write a story. The only one that I did try once, turned out to be a cliched dream most of us have had - saving an unwillingly forced sex worker. It was bland, boring, basically an unedited first draft rant, most of which was over worked narration and scene setters.

I read a long Stephen King interview in The Paris Review a few days back. Inspired by the fact that King had transformed seemingly mundane and trivial looking ideas into best fiction stories of all time (think The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, The Shining, Dreamcatcher, all movies based on his novels), I decided to pursue an idea into a story. I felt so at ease after knowing that backstories and situation settings of most his novels had started with a regular idea - a rabid dog at a car garage (Cujo), a couple of people who were homely outcasts during his high school, and who were subjected to cut throat teasing (Carrie), a psychotic nurse who kidnaps and restrains his favorite writer (Misery), they were so simple! Yet he made magic out of them combining them with fantastical imagination.

Mango Chutney, an anthology of short fiction edited by Harsh Snehanshu, was the first collection of short stories I ever read. I became obsessed with the finesse of some of the stories. Two stories, one written by Giribala Joshi and one by Harsha Pattnaik ( a then 14 year old ), particularly had me in a magic spell. Disconcerted by my inability to write meaningful fiction, I messaged both of them asking them for unsolicited suggestions and advice they’d like to give about writing. My narrow mind dismissed the suggestions that they replied with as not helpful. Giribala just replied - “Read a lot of good books!”, and Harsha had replied - “Do not write for an audience, write for a reader. Show them what you see. And don’t tell, show”. At that point of time, I was like “really? just that?!”.

Stephen King showed me why they were right and more. Stephen King has had tough childhood, in the first autobiographical part of the book titled “CV”, he talks about why and how he started writing as a kid (starting by copying comics word to word), and many other no bullshit forthright things laid that you’ll occasionally die laughing at. Who knew a book on writing, and a part memoir could be humour driven.

He gives advice on not using passive, like ever (unlike Steven Pinker, who thinks parts of The Elements of Style by Strunk and White is outdated), using as less adverbs as possible especially in dialogue attribution (Not using “Put it down”! she shouted menacingly, and instead suggests using plain and simple “Put it down!” she shouted, read the book to know why). He talks about using fragmented sentences and paragraphs to streamline narration, create clear images, create tension, stage direction, set characters and make transitions.

He preaches a closed door and no distraction environment to write. There are so many useful things that it’s hard to summarize. But the most revealing and helpful lesson from the book was to not premeditate characters and plot before starting to write. He says - “For a suspense novelist, this a great thing. I’m, after all, not just the novel’s creator but its first reader. And if I’m not able to guess with any accuracy how the damned thing is going to turn out, even with my inside knowledge of coming events, I can be pretty sure of keeping the reader in a state of page turning anxiety.”

Stephen talks about finding symbolism and theme after you’ve written a story and not before. He actually shows examples of before and after sentences, paragraphs, even some of his books’ parts to show what to leave, how to set place descriptions, narration, dialogue, and how much. How to pace a novel. He talks about not showing your story to anyone before you are at least done with your second draft (most of us don’t re write our stories / poems, do we?)

He relentlessly preaches that the best lessons in writing are the ones that come from your own reading and writing, and that’s why he keep repeating to read and write as much as you can. He gives advice on how to find good publishing agents. I won’t go into more lest I type each and every word of his book, because everything is so useful and practical! Everything in this book is a takeaway for an aspiring / existent writer. Stephen acknowledges that he’s taking your writing time when you are reading his book, and keeps everything just necessary and straightforward.

The input prompt says here What did you think? I think, if you intend to or write or are fascinated by long form fiction, or writing in general, you need to leave everything you are doing or plan to do the coming weekend, lock yourself up (literally, gather junk and order pizzas to save time) and read this.

What do I think after reading this book? I have to start writing.

Sarah Sammis

The very first book review I ever posted on my blog.

It isn’t one of those books that gets preachy about writing nor does it tell you how “I hit the jackpot” as a writer. It’s just a wonderful insight around his life as a writer sprinkled with tidbits around the craft. The promising thing about reading this instead of going to a retreat is that, this you gives you the confidence you need to power through as a writer.  

Nuvena Rajendran

Bern de Belen

good concrete writing advice but also just enjoyable nonfic overall. reminded me to write because i want to and because it’s something that helps me with living and not because i have to and im supposed to. revived some of my forgotten love for writing (bc of the thing he mentions about writing classes and workshops). now i know it’s still here, and like stories, it’s just like uncovering a buried fossil. time to invest more in reading and writing.

matej yangwao

** spoiler alert **
           Writing is endless journey of self-discovery :)

Book starts describing what writing really is. Writing as art and comparing to mastery through practice. That's includes writing schedule, write whenever chance appears, scenery and surrounding can influence your writing, i.e why you don't have writing table in the middle of room but corner? 
Mentioned creativity boredom helps drive writing.

Most importantly is not when to write but how and that's leads to remarkable craft results

Avoid long words to look smart, use simple ones.
First word to come to mind is obv best one.

Learn from bad books to avoid techniques and improve.

While writing don't take breaks untill you're done. Seems this works for me at zettelkasten.

To build on premise that art is made to be appreciated, you need think of your audience for whom you're writing. Thus tailor your writing to for right audience.

Prefer to write story before picking theme.

Focus on craft which is timeless work.

Avoid writing for financial gains bc it will milk your story for profits. Rather focus to enrich/inspire life of others which in turn can improve life of others.

≥Writing is a means to communicate complex emotions or concepts through words

≥Writing is a mode of human communication representing language and emotion through the inscription or recording of signs and symbols.

≥Writing is more than a means of correspondence; it can be used to relay emotions otherwise hidden by plain words.

≥Writing is a powerful tool; it connects the writer and the readers regardless of how many times they read the same story. The creative side of writing is known primarily as literary writing.

≥A writer must be skilled in the art of avid storytelling and must communicate with the reader as the story progresses.

≥A good writer writes; a great writer reads other writer’s works.

≥Writing is more than just the act of piecing words together

≥Writing is an art form and, as such, requires discipline and dedication to execute it properly.

≥Without practice, mastery is impossible

≥Choosing where to write is as important as writing itself; it helps frame the mindset.

≥This statement means we must turn to art to give solace to the harsh realities of life. It also means challenging your mind to make a deep, honest inquiry into your life and why it is the way it is. Do you want it? Can it be better, and can you find a solution to it? This line of thinking acts as a prompt to help focus your thoughts on one thing and build from there.

≥We must find a space that not only brings us calm but challenges our minds to think.

≥Your surroundings or situation can be a significant influence on your writing as well.

≥If you ask any professional, they’ll tell you that knowing how to do something is the first step to getting good at it. If you internalize the steps needed and make them a part of your routine, the results are often remarkable.

≥For any craft to get proper execution, guidelines must exist to instruct intended practitioners

≥the best words are the simple ones.

≥Always remember to pair your nouns with verbs; the noun-verb structure is an essential part of writing.
• Avoid passive verb tense usage; you are safer using active verbs.
• The adverb is a cruel friend, do not trust it and use it lightly.
• Read and write often; there is no other shortcut to writing.

≥Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.


≥Art exists to be appreciated, digested, and consumed. That means, without an audience, art loses its value. For writers, without the readers, they write in vain. It is essential that as you create art, you consider the audience receiving your work. The target audience is an integral part of the whole process and forms the basis for your fanbase. Without the readers, there is no reason to write; art is created to be appreciated.

≥Sticking to one theme or style can be restrictive; only opt for it if you aim to reach a specific group of readers.

≥Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.

≥It is essential to find the right reasons to make art create timeless works.

≥The allure of money can derail the creative process and ultimately affect the quality of the work. Writers like this end up producing works considered “cash grabs” made solely for monetary reasons and not artistic ones.

≥Enriching the lives of individuals who will read your work; you can change lives and inspire others to, in turn, improve others.
• Increasing your own life, not in financial terms but in the idea that art is an expression and the experience refines you and makes you better.
• Getting up, staying up, and getting over; writing is an endless journey of self-discovery and improvement.
• Getting happy, ultimately, writing, as with all forms of art, aims to create happiness in others and yourself.

What I expected to be a manual on the mechanics of writing ended up bringing me to tears on two occasions, and instilled a sense of permission to write- something I’ve been missing perhaps. A great recommendation from a great friend, thanks Nate.

Taylor Griffin

L’unico manuale (che poi manuale non è) di scrittura creativa che vi servirà.

Ivan Giorgi

Sarah Schumacher

Part memoir, part writing advice, part storytelling about recovery from being hit by a van (!) A great read, and I loved how down to earth he is. I was pleasantly surprised by his view that stories sort of tell themselves - you’re discovering them as you go and sharing them with the world. Reminded me a little of the ideas in Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic. His writing advice was more general/applicable to fiction for obvious reasons. If you want specific pointers pick up the Elements of Style.

For the record, I’ve never read, nor do I intend to read any of his books. Not my thing. But the man is a household name for a reason and I enjoyed reading about how he got to where he is. It’s in the same vein as Scott Adam’s How to Fail book - an average guy who works really hard to get really awesome at what he does and finds success. If you hear enough stories like this you’ll begin to understand what is meant when people say “you make your own luck.”

A great insight from one of the worlds most prolific storytellers, full of life lessons and practical advice on the craft of writing.

Japes Fawcett

Michael Springer

Unlike many books about writing, this book made me get up off of my ass and write. For this, I must give it at least four stars.

It's part autobiography, part advice. Since I've read about ninety-thousand books by Stephen King, I enjoyed both parts. 

In case you don't read it, here is Stephen King's advice, summed up in thirteen words. "Don't drink as much as I did. Write two-thousand words a day."

I once heard: "You love your work when you do it even if, at times, it makes you suffer". Stephen King loves his work, and this book is the proof of that.

Lorenzo Barretta

Cristian Garcia

I loved this book. I read it in a week. King's advice is simple yet powerful and straightforward. His words are wise and funny at the same time. The first half of the book (the memoir) is also delightful.
Overall, a must if you like King.

Rohan Uddin

Pure fascination. King writes as if he's speaking to us and that is what makes the novel a great one.

Erwin Lemuel Oliva

If you're looking to find any formula to writing well, this is NOT the book for you. But, King offers insights on his thought process, plus some anecdotes that would either make you laugh, scratch your head, or just nod in agreement.

Nick Gracilla

This book is as much a memoir of Stephen King’s life as it is a story of the challenges, perils, and moments of salvation that writing presents. Drilled in: “Tell. The. Story!” As well as the importance of drafts, private/internal, then for feedback, then for editing. Stories on the discipline of the craft earned through King’s many dozens of books ring true. It’s a no nonsense, BS free discussion. Recommended.

Carah Gedeon

Ben Jenkins

 I can see my friends thinking, "What are you doing reading a memoir by an author you haven't read before?" Long story short: my brother gifted me a creative writing course and I thought this might offer a leg to stand on before approaching that 

Annabella

Becky A

(Should really be 3.5, darn Goodreads' lack of half-stars.)

This is really interesting! I found some of it really insightful; other bits I don't think work for me. It's interesting reading writing advice as a writer who already has a pretty strong sense of my own process, because so often I find myself thinking "THAT DOES NOT WORK FOR ME EVER" and getting a little grumpy about it. But it's like any other advice; take what works for you, maybe let it inspire you to try something new, and leave the rest where it is.

(That said, I find advice that isn't helpful to me way less irritating when it comes from a genre writer like King, as opposed to literary writing advice where I find myself wanting to stomp my foot and yell about SOMETIMES PLOT IS OKAY ACTUALLY. So, you know, it's possible I shouldn't read advice books in general...)

Wenny

An entertaining yet informational memoir.

High Fidelity

Procitala kao audio knjigu. Narator Kralj licno. Prelepo, jednostavno zaista poucno. Velika preporuka!

Nelson Zagalo

A book on the art of writing, written by one of the most impressive thriller novelists. The book is written as personal memoir, full of own stories, and own ideas about what is good or bad on the art of writing. This is not supposed to be followed as an "how to" but instead to help us grasp some more about the creative process behind the work of a writer. If you like to write, you'll love to read this one.

Análise completa, em português, em Virtual Illusion: https://virtual-illusion.blogspot.pt/...

Jayme Bosio

I bought a copy of this book when it first came out on paperback (I didn’t have hard cover money back then) and it sat unopened on my bookshelf for years, even traveling with me during my wanderlust years of trying “to find myself.” I finally donated it because…well, who was I kidding? I was never going to write. And I didn’t think about it again. 

Until Christmas of last year when some random librarian posted a picture of her niece who received “On Writing” as a gift. She was so engrossed sitting on the floor as family members tried to navigate around her. I remembered that feeling - getting a book I always wanted to read as a gift and wanting everyone to immediately leave so I could start reading. I don’t know the girl (I don’t even know the librarian who posted it) but I hope she is inspired to put on paper whatever story is trapped inside her. As for me, I’m glad I finally read this book.

On Writing

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