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 Agile Gene
How to Make Millions with Your Ideas
In the Heart of the Sea
The Hot Hand
The Anatomy of Buzz
A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis
The Infidel and the Professor
The Bullish Case for Bitcoin
How To Turn Down A Billion Dollars
Happy Money
Beating The Street
Sea Flight
More Than Enough
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
The Great CEO Within
Dying Every Day: Seneca at the Court of Nero
Taken for Granted
Bend The Curve
Superforecasting
100 Plus
Billy Martin
A History of the English-Speaking Peoples
The Art of Seduction
The Neverending Story
The Essential Scratch & Sniff Guide to Becoming a Whiskey Know-It-All
The Attention Merchants
12 Rules For Life
The Net & The Butterfly
Endure
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Louis XIV
The Psychology of Intelligence Analysis
Something Deeply Hidden
Opportunity Knocks
The Construction of Social Reality
Trillion Dollar Triage
The Botany of Desire
The Skeptical Environmentalist
Scale
The Little Book of Bull Moves
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
Einstein
Product Design for the Web
The Surrender Experiment
The Bet
Double your Profits
The Closing of the American Mind
Hidden Potential
Blue Ocean Strategy
Talent Is Overrated
Mohammed and Charlemagne
Makers
Posterity: Letters of Great Americans to Their Children
Home Work
The Fear Factor
Viral
Technofeudalism
Putin's Kleptocracy
The Alchemist
Art of the Living Dead
Natural Born Heroes
The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross
No Bull
Innovating Out of Crisis
Bargaining for Advantage
Paper Lion
Matthew Barney & Elizabeth Peyton
An Immense World
The True Believer
Modern Engineering for Design of Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines
Roger Ailes: Off Camera
Nobody Wants To Read Your Sh*t
The Healing Journey
The Science of Success
A Mathematician's Lament
Chasing the Light
Mapping the Mind
Gold In The Grass
A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things
Not Fade Away
The Tao of Charlie Munger
Margin of Safety
Stress Test
My Family and Other Animals
The Inner Lives of Markets
Confidence Game
Absolute Tao
Dream Big
Origin Story
Endurance
The Man Who Fed The World
You Can Be a Stock Market Genius
Freakonomics
The Story of Civilization: The Reformation
Every Life Is On Fire
Measure What Matters
Black Elk
Traction
The Hard Thing About Hard Things
The Weather Makers
Nietzsche: Beyond Good and Evil