On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King (2000, Hardcover)

Stephen King, like Charles Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe, began his career with the reputation of a factory writer: churn 'wm in, get 'em out. His sales went through the roof and despite the fact that most of his characters' conflict was internal, many of his books and short stories were turned into highly acclaimed films (The Body, Rita Haworth and The Shawshank Redemption, The Shining, Misery). In 2003, the National Book Foundation awarded King the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

This did it. And so, despite his humility, his book "On Writing: A Memoir of The Craft" became well justified. This book has a natural appeal to two types of readers: those who are fascinated with Stephen King and his mind and those who are writers and are interested in how a man can be as prolific as he. King says the only book necessary is William Strunk and E.B. White's "Elements Of Style" (of which I own seven copies-I distribute it like tissues) but I believe that reading Kings memoir-and it IS a memoir of craft, barely an autobiography- is another helpful and critical book for those who wish to "become writers."

(Both King and I would point out that by reviewing his book on eBay this morning I have become a writer.)

The reason is simple: in his short book, published in 2000, King grants us the permission to write.

"On Writing" has done far more than Strunk and White did; their book simply gives us the very basics of grammar, sentence construction and brevity. But how can one read and essay or book by E.B. White and think, "I can do that?" And as far as what we're thinking as we read Stephen King, it's really nothing more than a total immersion into character, plot and relevance. That's how well Stephen King writes. It's like watching Meryl Streep in "Sophie's Choice" and analyzing her acting choices.

"On Writing" gets into his personal life in so far as how it affects his writing. The book was constructed in two parts though not officially. This is because halway through the creation of his manuscript he was struck by a drunk driver and nearly killed. His return to his modest writing desk was labored, painful and a frightening thing for him. As a result, "On Writing" is more than a how to book, it's far more than a "This is my story" book and it's far more beefy, for the lack of a better word, than any book he's written, before or since (and I include his finest book to Date: "Under The Dome"). "On Writing" is a small book that inspires us to become what we dream; it needn't be a writer, it could be a musician, actor, film maker, anything at all. Not only does this book grant us the permission, but it justifys the permission. And all the time he stresses the importance of what life is really about: our family or friends and our self respect.

I own four copies of this book, simply because one is signed by King, one needs to be at hand and I got it here on eBay for a few dollars and because the other two are crated away in a house that held more than five thousand books when I moved in last fall.

Even if you don't wish to be a writer or if you're not a fan of Stephen King-and it's a rare person who wasn't moved by SOMETHING he wrote- this book is worth owning, teaching and lending. And it takes a LOT for me to lend a book.

Thanks, Steve.

Before I read the book, I was not a big Stephen King fan. I read books in a hap hazard kind of way, by title and reading the front and back cover. I did not have a favorite author. I have read maybe two of Kings books, and have seen a few of the movies that were made from his books. Misery (which I loved) Carrie, a couple others. I was not aware that the Shawshank Redemption (loved the movie) was a King story. From experience I did realize that reading does make you a better writer, King emphasizes this in his book. In this book he answered all the questions about writing that has pleagued me. It was as if the book was alive, a personal Stephen King in my hands, talking to me, telling me in a language I could understand the, steps to becoming a writer. He tells it like it is, and he throws in funny tales about his life too. He writes about his accident at end of the book, which by that time I was interested in learning about it. I also wanted to know what books he has read, well like he heard my question,at the very end of the book he lists them. Now I plan to read some of those books. This book was great, I bought several books on writing and started a couple including the Stephen King book. I put the others down and finished Kings book as fast as I could. I can now say I am a Stephen King fan. This book not only gave me valuable information about writing, it was very entertaining. Stephen King has a funny wit and interjects it into the pages so that his teaching is brilliant. He seems like an ordinary Joe, a genuine nice guy. I am so glad he finished this book after his accident, which he explains that it was not an easy task, due to his pain. But I am sure many have benefited by the Stephan King On Writing book as I have. I may never become a writer, but because of this book I am going to give it a try Stephen King style. At first I thought I would read the book and then sell it, but no, I am keeping this, a great book to have on hand and to read again. Barbara

I love writing, but as most writers feel a sense of insecurity when it comes to embracing the grittiness of it. Stephen King's memoir demonstrates we are not alone in this. Taken from the man himself--who is arguably the most successful writer in modern-day America--is his own descriptive story about how he evolved from kid in a single-mother, working-class American household into the genius narrator and movie mogul he is today. King weaves in excellent tips throughout the biography--and leaves us with the story of his own near death experience back in '98 when he was hit by a car. Interesting enough, he wrote the book before and after this traumatic episode, which may account for the more personal side of Stephen King we don't see in his usual works. Overall, it was fascinating to learn about the man behind the horror stories and shadow his own experience from a poor, struggling family man to multi-millionaire novelist.

This is not so much an autobiography as it is a history of how Steven King became a writer. It's a memoir of his writing life! It offers wonderful insight on how he became a writer and what concerns him most today on being a popular writer as opposed to a literary novelist. That is, people rarely talk about the language in his writing and that is the context of this book, the language within the writing. As an engineer transitioning into a career in writing, I feel remorse that I didn't follow my passion for writing at a young age like Steven King, but this book reminds aspiring writers wherever you may be in your life that it's never too late to write that first novel.

This is a good read for writers, because it's low on the BS and high on good ideas!

In this fascinating memoir, Stephen King writes about how his experiences with writing. He explains how life events and other factors have contributed to his vast catalogue of novels and short stories. In addition, he talks about those who have influenced his writing as well as where his ideas have come from. Especially interesting are his anecdotes about his drug use and how it affected his writing and writing ability. It's a book you can read in chapters, as its not necessary to sit and read from start to finish (although it's so good youll want to). The book is a great read for entertainment value, and it's also a great thing to share with writing students of many different ages. I've used some of it (the appropriate parts!) with middle school students as they struggle with their own writing. A great book on many levels.