On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

BUY IT NEW

  • $7.99 Online price
  • $7.19 Member price
  • Join Now
  • skip to cart
  • Add to Wish List

Usually ships within 2-3 days

FIND IT IN OUR STORES

Enter a zip code

(Mass Market Paperback - Reprint)

Average Customer Rating: Customer Rating for this product is 4.5 out of 5 (108 ratings)

Read customer reviews   Write a Review

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
  • Pub. Date: July 2002
  • ISBN-13: 9780743455961
  • Sales Rank: 1,740
  • 320pp
  • Edition Description: Reprint
 
  • Overview
  • Editorial Reviews
  • Customer Reviews
  • Meet the Writer
  • Features
  • Full Product Details

Synopsis

In this master class on the craft of writing, Stephen King reveals the origins of his vocation and shares essential habits and rules that every writer can apply. A truly unique volume, it begins with a series of telling memories from youth and the struggling years leading up to publication of King's first novel. Offering readers a fresh and often funny perspective on the formation of a writer's character, King lays out the tools of writer's craft and takes the reader through aspects of the writer's art and life, offering practical and inspiring advice on everything from plot and character to work habits and rejection. Brilliantly structured and chock-full of master's experience and advice, On Writing will enable the work of writers around the globe.

USA Today - Bob Minzesheimer

Stephen King's On Writing, has wonderful moments. It made me think of King as I think of The Beatles. Both hit it big early. Both used their popularity to grow, experiment, study, and learn from others. King is still at, still telling stories after all these years.

More Reviews and Recommendations

Biography

Few authors have tapped into our secret fears as adeptly as Stephen King, Master of the Macabre and one of the most widely read novelists writing today. With his trademark blend of fantasy, horror, and psychological suspense, this prolific and immensely popular contemporary writer continues to remind us that evil is still a potent force in the world.

More About the Author

Customer Reviews

Number of Reviews: 108
Average Rating: Customer Rating for this product is 4.5 out of 5
Write a Review


Customer Rating for this product is 3 out of 5 The 1st Half, Golden The 2nd ... Not So Much
M.K. Clarke, a homeschooling mom and YA author, 06/29/2008

Prior to reading King's 'On Writing: Memoirs of the Craft' I'd been a big fan of his works. Not all, but some. 'Everything's Eventual' is one, 'Hearts of Atlantis', 'Christine' and 'Different Seasons' 'where the fine movies 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'Stand By Me' came from) are thre others I enjoyed very much. I'll also admit, he's written quite a few stinkers (all writers do, at one point or another). Although I thoroughly enjoyed the autobio part of the book and getting a little insight of how his mind works when crafting his macabre tales of humanity's seldom talked about--but still fascinated by--forbidden side, the 'toolkit' section of the book didn't tell me anything new or anything I hadn't heard before. I'm grateful King took the time to tell how this business is run and the 'tough love' approach to it all, but I was left wanting more from him, considering he's one of the beloved authors of the 20th century. Do you outline, Mr. King? Views on outlining, Mr. King? How do you course your ideas, Mr. King? What's your spin on points of view and why tell it that way, Mr. King? Do you know your characters, sleep, eat, breathe them? In a nutshell, I felt the latter half of the book was as in depth as his short stories are. I can agree on certain things he'd written through a drug and alcoholic haze: 'Cujo' and 'Pet Cemetery' would be a couple of stinker examples, but, because he's got the name, I found in this instance of the writer's toolkit, he didn't have the knowhow to share but from his own experiences, not share HOW he got mentally tougher to nail those rejection slips to the wall. I was left with expecting more from him other than his name branding alone unfortunately, I didn't get it. And there're other very well writing reference manuals out there this, in my opinion, thos one can't hold a candle to, because they give more for the writer rather than the 'eyes wide shut' approach King uses here. If you elect to purchase the book, get it used.

Also recommended: Terry Brooks 'Sometimes the Magic Works' Betsy Lerner 'The Forest for the Trees' David Morrell 'Lessons From A lifetime of Writing' 'Snoopy's Guide To the Writing Life' varied authors, foreward by Monte Schulz Nancy Lamb 'Writer's Digest Books Writin

Customer Rating for this product is 5 out of 5 WOW-
Amber (aalbert09@yahoo.com) , a aspiring writer, 02/15/2008

im 17 and I thought this book was amazing i am a aspiring writer and and it really gave me some good ideas i highlighted and made notes all through out it i absoutly loved it

More Customer Reviews