On Writing

A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King

Book Reviews

Elon Musk: "Good book"

One of 10 biographies Jason Calacanis recommends reading.

Book Synopsis

"On Writing" by Stephen King is a memoir and guide that takes readers through the author's journey as a writer and provides valuable insights into the craft of writing. The book is divided into two parts: the first half delves into King's life and experiences, while the second half focuses on the art and techniques of writing.

In the memoir section, King shares personal anecdotes and challenges he faced during his upbringing, struggles with addiction, and significant moments that shaped his writing career. His candid and relatable storytelling style gives readers a glimpse into his world, showcasing how his own life experiences have influenced his writing.

The second part of the book serves as a guide for aspiring writers. King offers practical advice and techniques, emphasizing the importance of discipline, dedication, and the willingness to revise. Topics such as grammar, vocabulary, and structure are explored, along with the concept of finding one's unique voice and developing believable characters.

Throughout the book, King stresses the significance of reading and how it fuels the writing process. He encourages writers to be voracious readers, as it helps hone their skills and expand their creativity. Additionally, he provides tips on dealing with writer's block, receiving feedback, and the importance of perseverance in a writer's journey.

"On Writing" is a compelling blend of memoir and writing instruction, combining Stephen King's personal story with practical advice for aspiring writers. It is a must-read for both fans of King's work and anyone seeking guidance and inspiration in their own writing pursuits.

Explore More Books

See All
The Snowball
Bitcoin Billionaires
The Lizard King
However Long the Night
Showing Up for Life
Hackers & Painters
Binti
The Innovators Dilemma
The Robert Collier Letter Book
Humans Need Not Apply
Reamde
The Path To Power
One of a Kind
Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life
The Gift of Good Land
Limitless
Age Of Ambition
Genius
Same As Ever
The Stopwatch Gang
The Wisdom Paradox
Seeing Like a State
Bad For You
Consciousness Medicine
The Old Way
Ender's Shadow
Hell Yeah or No
The Copernican Revolution
The Evolving Self
Generations
The Printing Revolution in Early Modern Europe
Fauna & Family
Bel Canto
Understanding Michael Porter
American Prison
The Muqaddimah
My American Journey
Farsighted
Ghost Fleet
Shoe Dog
Getting Real
Golden Gates
Capital Returns
Conscious Business
Silently Seduced
The Opposing Shore
The Activist's Media Handbook
The Count of Monte Cristo
The Complete Guide to Sales Force Incentive Compensation
SuperFreakonomics
The Woman I Wanted to Be
A Guide To Econometrics
Bad Blood
The Case for Nationalism
How To Lie With Statistics
Charlie Munger
The Diversity Bonus
The Undercover Economist
Mycelium Running
Liftoff
The Most Powerful Idea In The World
The Startup Community Way
Born a Crime
Getting Better
Concorde
How To Live
Ending the War on Drugs
Self-Made Success
Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids
Data-Driven Marketing
Trust Me, I'm Lying
On Trails
Soon I Will Be Invincible
Origins of Political Order
The Hand
The Paleo Solution
Titan
Learn or Die
Moby Dick
Democracy In America
The Three Marriages
A Soldier of the Great War
The Great Rupture
The Prophet
On Power
The Wages of Guilt
The Smartest Guys In The Room
Lords of Finance
The Talent Code
Class Warfare
The Kill Chain
The Sum of Us
Working in Public
Fallen Leaves
The Vital Question
The Wealth and Poverty of Nations
Jim Grant UNICEF Visionary
The Alchemy of Finance
Zorba the Greek
Modern Aramaic (Assyrinan/Syriac) Dictionary