Rating: 
Summary: For the writer, yes...but for the reader?
Review: I really liked this book, since I've been writing science fiction and horror for the last ten years and Stephen King is my favorite horror writer. It didn't blow me away with any writing tips, however. The autobiography portion of the book, I felt, was much better, only because it featired some anecdotes on how he got some of his ideas as well as his early days as a writer. So, from a writer's standpoint, I can see why this book is popular, but from the casual reader's standpoint, I'm puzzled. Over 200 reviews here on Amazon and I'd be willing to bet 175 were from readers, not writers. That statistic, if it's true (and like I said, I'd be willing to bet it is), says a lot about King. He can write a book that is basically writing tips and sell it to READERS! Anyone else would have been laughed at by his publisher. King is like no other writer on planet Earth.
Rating: 
Summary: A rip-roaring intimate, learning adventure
Review: Ever since I was 12 years old, I've wanted to BE Stephen King--not him so much as a writer like him, exactly. I have always loved his writing style, and his every-day-people characterizations, but mostly I get lost in the story--which is just what he wants! "On Writing" was like peeping through his windows & seeing the REAL Stephen King, and being almost unable to believe anyone that rich & famous could be so humble, so normal & REAL, unpretentious and intimate. Somewhere after age 12 I gave up my writing dream, but it's always simmered at the back of my mind. I keep bringing it out, polishing it a bit, stuffing it away until a "better" time. Well, there's no better time than NOW, an hour every day writing towards my dream instead of dealing with email or surfing, I have all the tools & now On Writing gave me the motivation & inspiration I needed to follow my dream. Technically the book is an easy, intimate & VERY personal read, King spills the beans on just about every aspect of his life, and includes the horrific story of his near-fatal accident & how this book almost never came to be. I read the 1st part with relish & much belly jiggling laughter that had non-writers lined up to read it after me. I read part 2 with a highlighter & confess I went overboard, so much juicy knowledge for the reader to take & use! It seems he gave up all his secrets but I bet there are a few he kept secret, though I couldn't even guess what they are. The 3rd part I read with a tissue nearby, highlighter long gone, like having a deeply personal discussion with a close friend and mentor. I recommend this book to potential or existing writers definitely AND to non-writers alike! If you're like me, always curious about the man behind the book, you will NOT be disappointed & maybe like me, you'll find a new respect for what some just call another horror author. King is anything but just another...anything.
Rating:
Summary: Duality - Autobiographical and Informative
Review: If you love Stephen King, do not write, and therefore think that this book would not fit into your collection, you are mistaken. If you are a struggling writer, but Stephen King has never been high on your list of respectable authors, and therefore this book was banned from your acceptable purchase list, you are mistaken. This book serves the duality of providing autobiographical information for the Stephen King aficionado, and provides ample, relevant information regarding the art of writing. Thoroughly engrossing, both for the King fans and wannabe writers, I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Instructive without being pretentious
Review: A necessary book. Without losing Stephen King style, he writes a book on writing that is quite informative without being pretentious. Well done.
Rating:
Summary: Will attract any fan of horror writer Stephen King
Review: This presentation is mostly a memoir with a treatise on writing thrown in, and will attract any fan of horror writer Stephen King. King's life, his penchant for horror, and his influences and intentions come alive in descriptions which welcome the reader into King's life and art. The final chapter, chronicling his fight for life and ability to walk again, is a moving conclusion and testimony to his life of life - and writing.
Rating:
Summary: Making of a best seller
Review: I thought this was a realy cool book and a departure for King. The last book of his I fought through was Needful Things. I found it a rehash of salem's lot but anyways that's not the book being reviewed here. If you've ever been intrigued by behind the scenes stuff in movies, On Writing is the literary equivalent. He talks about how he was inspired by stories and how he develops characters. Some of it fairly candid about doubting himself but allowing the process to take over and finally succeeding. I read it in a few days. A very easy and enjoyable read for wanna be writers of just plain fans of his work.
Rating:
Summary: Recommened to any inspired writer
Review: I was full of touching tear and joyful empowerment toward the end of the book. I must have received very strong "megentic forces" of Mr. King's "telepathy" eminated from this book. (Mr. King likens the mystical power of the writing as "telepathy", cute, isn't it?) This is a writing lesson taught by a real accomplished writer in a real life way. For any aspiring writer, I think this piece not only reveals you some real insight about the writing but also give you the courage to writing, which is really important since writing is a lonely road.
Rating: 
Summary: Egoism at Its Best
Review: It's Mr. King's turn to give everyone instructions on how to write. Seems that he has become the 'real' expert now, considering he's made about 30 or so cheap pulp novels that are degrading to basic intelligence and writer's craftsmanship and yet best sellers. This boringly conversational book about literary craftsmanship should produce sleep in all those who find something oxymoronic in its conception. He may not be the most noble of stylists, and neither does he know how to make a story fly. In the arena of storytelling he argues for interesting situations rather than grouped plotting. ''Plot is, I think, the good writer's last resort and the dullard's first choice.'' Is he for real? He doesn't even attempt to be understood. 'On Writing'' began as a compendium of tips and whines in a tone suitable for a lecture circuit or Internet discussion, nothing more. It also included a sharp, pungent account of Mr. King's growing up (being fat and getting beat up), finding a soul mate named Tabitha (whom he secretly thinks a witch), going through a rocky phase that involved taking drugs and drinking mouthwash (suicide attempts), and eventually discovering his professional destiny (to produce minor works). This makes for the most bizarre read ever, its so surreal that you won't believe you are reading a King biography. Then, through an outrageous twist of fate, it became something more, an attempt to be a best seller. Of course people will pick this up expecting a candid tale of his life, what they will get is a Monstrous accident described here in the most ironclad plotting.
Rating:
Summary: A Nice Read from Stephen King
Review: This book is impressive for several reasons, but especially because it is unconventional and honest. Stephen King developed his own format--one part autobiography, one part writing manual--and it is quite successful. But as is sometimes the case, the reason for the book's success is also, to some degree, its drawback. We get a somewhat detailed summary of King's life and his ideas about writing, but it seems that a complete book could have been written about either subject. However, his attempt and success at writing a pithy source of writing wisdom is to be highly regarded. After all, Strunk and White's, "The Elements of Style" is composed of 85 pages. King reveals a good deal of wisdom in his pages, and he is to be taken seriously. Very few writers have managed to create the shear volume of material that King has written. No matter how we regard King's writing, we must admit he has practice. Though the pages of the book devoted to writing are excellent, it is almost more interesting to learn about King's development as a writer. A person who argues that this book is mostly for aspiring writers should, perhaps, think again. Those who enjoy reading may gain some insight into written creativity and the creation of fiction. Furthermore, King's autobiography is compelling: we finally glimpse the king of horror-fiction's background. How many people have asked, "What kind of person comes up with stories like that?" Now we know. This is one of the better books that I have read this year. I ocassionaly turn down King novels because I am not interested in the content. However, "On Writing" is outstanding in both form and content. It is a wonderful read.
Rating:
Summary: No Nonsense Good Advice from a Seasoned Pro
Review: This book is one of the best I have ever read on the art and craft of writing. King shares his journey from neophyte to professional in a succinct but informative manner. As a struggling writer, I was grateful to read this book and realize that some of the great ones are not born but made, through discipline, perserverance and faith. The right amount of advice mixed in with anecdotes and (dare I say?) philosophy is contained within these pages. A great read for anyone looking to honor the validity of the writing process and to recognize that each person is unique. King lays down some practical guidelines while giving out the message that any writer must in some part trust their voice and go with instinct. It is a crossover piece of reading which should hold appeal for King fans, for writers, for biography readers and even for students of the human condition. As with his fiction, King writes from a genuine place, no doubletalk or hidden agendas here. If you want to read a book about writing, as honest and thoughtful as the many characters this prolific author has created, pick up a copy of "On Writing" today.
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