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Summary: a master takes the student in hand and shows them around...
Review: I am a huge fan of Stephen King. Have been since I was about thirteen or so. I have eagerly awaited each new novel. And for the most part have not been disappointed. When I heard that King was writing about writing I couldn't wait to read it. I finally got my hands on a copy and let me tell you, it certainly met my hopes and expectations. This book is written in very no nonsense tone. King lets you in to his world and explains how/why he does things with his writing. He does not come across as being a know-it-all author with a few sticks to grind. Nor does he come across as boorish old English teacher. Instead he comes across as a friendly helper. If you are a writer who is trying to find a voice, read the book. If you are a writer who has found a voice and wants to make that voice even stronger, read the book. If you are just a King fan and want to know more about the guy, read the book. Great book, fun book. Enjoyed it.
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Summary: Writing IS a Gift and Art, and Steven King has always had it
Review: Steven King has a gift, a true gift of keeping his audiences in awe and suspense. I haven't read too many of his books, although I have a stack of them a firend gave to me to read, I bought this because I myself am a writer and wanted to see another writer's perspective on things. I have always enjoyed reading about the craft of writing. This book not only tells a story about how Mr. King (I give his due respect) got into writing in the first place, and how he was rejected and rejected and rejected, but then one day, magic happens! He is accepted to have a book or novella or story (I cannot remember off the top of my head) published. He is an AWESOME writer and I have a lot of respect for him and his wife as writers and people. I hope that all readers and writers alike enjoyed this book as much as I. I give this book two thumbs up from my hand and 2 from my friends hand! I LOVED this book! Hope you do too!
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Summary: Put Down That Pen! Read This Before You Write Another Word!
Review: This is the one! The one book about writing that you should read. If you are a writer it is invaluable. If you are a reader it is a mind opening experience to see into the talented Mr. King's mind. The only book I've ever read about writing that I think is PERFECT. Do yourself a favor and buy this book!
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Summary: On Writing by Stephen King
Review: Pow!! Great read!! Full of emotion as well as real usable information. One paragraph I would be laughing out loud and the next my eyes would be full of tears. Stephen gives his readers another page turner along with a wealth of knowledge about writing. Rather a novice or a published author, it's time well spent.
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Summary: Confidence Builder for Aspiring Writers
Review: If you are interested in writing, but unsure if you can actually produce, this book is for you. King has synthesized a short biography of his life with a readable "rules of the road" for writing fiction. Although seemingly two different elements for a single book, both sections reinforce each other in this very readable piece. King's life story is important in depicting himself as one of us. He is undoubtedly very talented, and his God-given talents sustain him at a unique level among current authors. But the fact that this man -- with no special training, no pedigree in literature or the arts, and no bank account to let him begin his career as a gentleman author -- was able to succeed will be a comfort to those who are wondering if their non-literary background excludes them from trying to write the stories they possess within. King was the product of a struggling single parent and wrote his first work in the laundry room of a doublewide trailer. The fact that he wasn't a child of privilege or the son of Shakespearean actors or a literary major at an Ivy makes his career accessible to many. And, if it is accessible it can be replicated. (I'm speaking of the actual writing, not any guarantee of commercial success). The second part of this book reveals King's rules for good writing. Some of them are very practical. He reveals which stylebook to have handy, how one must kill most adverbs and his approach to writing dialogue. King's "toolbox" is a good starting point of reference. He also reveals his method of writing: do the first draft without input, write in a quite place, commit to producing 2,000 words a day every day (your novel will be finished in only three months!). These are also very useful instructions. This practical commentary is easy to follow and replicate for those who want to give their try at putting a good story to paper. I suspect as I write that hundreds of additional Americans who have read "On Writing" are getting up an hour early before work and hammering away at the story they always thought of trying to set to written words. His book has that motivational quality to it and succeeds at showing that "you too can write with enough discipline and commitment." I found it interesting that King does not plot out his stories. He has faith in a story developing from an interesting situation. The author creates situations in his mind before undertaking a new book. The story develops out of how his characters react to each other and events. This for me was the most surprising element of the book. I have always assumed that every successful storyteller knew how the story was going to end along and his major plot lines before committing pen to paper. King brings parts one and two of his book together in describing the accident that almost killed him and how a return to writing (this book, in fact), helped heal what had been a very broken man. All in all, a good book that will inspire the aspiring writer and presents a good road map and excellent toolbox for those who would seek to emulate the Stephen Kings of the world.
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Summary: A smart, straightforward book
Review: If you are looking for a typical King terrorfest, don't look here! This is a wonderful book; using his trademark plain, sometimes crude language, King has written a fine novel about what it takes to become a competent, perhaps even good writer. The book starts out with a brief narrative of his life, including a gem of a story about an overweight babysitter who would sit on his head and fart (Pow!). You can definitely see, even through this very short, abridged version, where he got his horror jones. The middle of the book contains lessons on what you REALLY need to know about writing a book that will keep a reader's attention. It concludes with King's near-fatal accident in which he was struck by a van, shattering his leg, among other injuries. During his long convalescence, King is quick to point out that "writing did not save my life...but it has continued to do what it has always done: it makes my life a brighter and more pleasant place." And that is the main point of this book: if you're not writing because it is something you love to do, then you probably shouldn't be doing it.
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Summary: King is a writer, a reader and a teacher ...
Review: From the time I heard about this book I was anxious to read it. I am but a moderate King fan and I wanted to hear and to learn from a writer marked by success. This is an excellent autobiography written in a story format as well as an excellent teaching aid for aspiring writers. Seldom have writers of King's stature been so forthright and open. His line, "you must do two things read a lot and write a lot" is simple and yet profound. His reading list and examples of good and bad writing offers clear insight and information that is easy to digest. A book to learn from as well as an excellent autobiography. You will also read about the personal trials and tribulations of King and get a fair sense of his values and where his motivation lies. You may also come to the old adage, "behind every great man is a great women" as it is clear that with the love and support of King's wife he has been able to overcome many obstacles. From his drug and alcohol days to his more recent set back associated with a car accident. This book is all that I thought it would be with some nice extra's on the personal revelations of the writer. EXCELLENT!
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Summary: A Crowning Achievement for King
Review: Before I read King's new book, I wrote like this: This book am so swell, it did teach me to rite more better now? And if it wernt so I wouldn't say so now would I? But some othe words were to big for a durn fool like me.... But Ifelt bad about that time when he got hit by a truck and it did make him watch scary movies twoo.... And after I read the book, I improved remarkably: I feel that Stephen King`s new memoir/how-to book is a great way to get a reality check. King doesn't pussy-foot around here. He lets the wanna-be writer know that writing is a serious craft that takes diligent time and effort. Stephen King also recounts the ups and downs of his own crazed existence. This book is a must-read, not only for potential scribes, but for anybody who loves a good rags-to-riches story. We also get to know about Tabitha King, whose seems to have rescued her husband on a number of occasions. Without her, perhaps we never would have gotten to know this great man's work. The best thing about this book is it's friendly style. You feel that King is speaking directly to you. After a lifetime of honing his craft; he has the remarkable ability to leap off the page and have a personal conversation with millions of readers all over the world (a skill which he likens to Telekenisis). A great read!
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Summary: Very little information on writing here!
Review: This is one of the few times when, after reading a book, I have felt compelled to come here and rate it. I give On Writing 1 star, simply because that is the lowest rating I am allowed to give. I'm not a hardcore Stephen King fan, but I have read a lot of his books. It is therefore not his 'popular fiction' that I am criticizing, but rather his writing memoir. There is actually very little information about WRITING in this book. The first third of the book is taken up by Mr. King's childhood, and the last third of the book is taken up by his accident. If all Mr. King wanted to do was to describe the minute details of this accident and his great courage in moving on with life, perhaps he should have waited for someone else to write his biography? As it is, PATHETIC is the only word that comes to mind. The few tips on writing included in the book may provide some interesting conversational material (eg. did you know that Mr. King once wrote a book in one week?) but are otherwise useless. Is this book directed at aspiring writers, or at 1st grade children learning how to form words? Mr. King seems to think they are both the same; I have to disagree. Mr. King wonders why people don't ask pouplar fiction writers about the 'language' in their books. Funny that someone who writes about his 'cataclysmically smashed hip' should ask that question. It is not the tips on writing that stick in my mind after reading this book, but rather the lack of respect Mr. King has for his readers. I'd say Mr. King failed in his attempt to 'not waste my time'. But of course, I don't believe that was his real intent: selling us the book and making more money is probably closer to the truth. If you're interested in Mr. King's life story (but not in his writing because alas, there's not much on that!) read this book. If, however, you're interested in books on writing, give Room to Write and Writing Down the Bones a try!
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Summary: Wonder of wonders!
Review: A fabulous book! Not only are the personal anecdotes inspiring, but the instructional portion of the book is scintillating. Not that there is all that much that is new, mind you. But let's face it, there is a difference between reading an article in Writer's Digest from someone who has written two novels in the genre you are exploring, and reading the same advice from the bestselling author in the history of mankind. I've read all the advice from the others. It carries more weight coming from Stephen King. And for that, in itself, I thank Mr. King. That he took the time and gave a hoot about what bestselling wannabes care about shows that he belongs in the pantheon of great writers. His unselfishness and candor gives all us hopefuls a glimpse into what it's all about. This book is a winner, for all other winners to enjoy!
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