On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Recommended for all 2010-07-05

Reviewer: Amanda

Brilliant book, and not at all what I expected. It is a hugely entertaining read, helpful for the budding authors (of course) but I would recommend this even if you are not a writer yourself. There is no 'fluff and bluster', just an honest account of how Stephen became who he is today. In places it is laugh out loud, and I found myself constantly making my husband read bits of it. I really can't rate this book highly enough.

Great book 2010-06-28

Reviewer: Petra de Ruiter

This book is both an autobiography and a book about how to become a writer. It's a great book. Stephen King is an excellent storyteller and he describes his own life in a wonderful way without becoming sentimental. His writing tips are really useful, even if you don't want to become a novelist. I would recommend this book to anybody, even when you are not a Stephen King fan.

Writing 2010-06-26

Reviewer: Michelle Scutt

Excellent on two levels, a highly entertaining autobiography of a writer whom I confess I have never read, as his usual genre doesnt interest me much. So helpful and informative on writing, should be by every budding writers bedside.

Enlightening but nothing more than can be found on author website's 2010-06-16

Reviewer: A. L. Rutter

This book is a curious mix of King's memoirs and some of his thoughts on what helps to make a successful writer. It was an odd book for me to pick up, since I have not read a single Stephen King book (a fact of which I'm obscurely proud!) However, I am rather in awe of the fact that he consistently churns out best-selling doorstop novels, and I figured he would have interesting things to say about how to write.

I was not wrong at all - he wrote very easily about the dos and, more crucially, the don'ts of writing, and I was fascinated by some of his methods. The idea that he often proceeds into massive novels with no more than a 'what if?' scenario is, frankly, amazing.

The problem was that I ended up far more interested in the memoir aspect of this little book. The snippets of his life - covering humorous escapades with his brother; his fight against alcoholism; and the course his published career took. I would have liked to read far more of this.

In fact, I concur with a number of the other reviewers - this book didn't know whether it was an autobiography or a 'how-to' manual on writing, and suffered as a result. I do think that either could have stood up to being a lengthier book in its own right.

Overall, a neat little look at the craft of a writer, but King does not say anything new and certainly doesn't say anything more enlightening than you can find for free on any decent author's website these days.

A Formula for Successful Writing 2010-06-08

Reviewer: Ila France Porcher, author of My Sunset Rendezvous

This is Stephen King's formula for successful writing, including how to find an agent and publisher. Interwoven with this important information are parts of his own story of becoming a successful writer. Often poignant, often funny, and always interesting and surprising, this book brings the reader subjective as well as constructive help.

Even if you have no intention of writing a word, its autobiographical material makes the book well worth reading if you admire the works and imagination of Stephen King. "On Writing" provides an enlightening window upon the life and thoughts of one of our times' greatest fictional writers.

This book was all I had to guide me when I wanted to write a book, and I found that all I needed was right there between its covers. So it is from personal experience that I can tell you that for solid help with a developing career in writing, look no farther, and you will find a fascinating read at the same time.