On Writing

Rating:
Summary: Good writing lessons mixed with a terrific memoir
Review: Many authors have tried to explain how their life stories are connected to their works, but Stephen King's take on this question is far more successful than any other effort I have seen. The connections he draws between his own experiences and his writing actually make sense, as they are not buried in layers of psychological or literary theory: certain characters are drawn from life, and he tells us which incidents in his life inspired his plots.

The self-conscious "writing tutorial" elements of the book are a little drier, if only because King's engaging personality is a little more distant. But they would be impressive, standing on their own: they pale only when placed next to the memoir.

Rating:
Summary: A Legendary Masterpiece
Review: In May, I joined a Stephen King fan club called the SKEMERs (Stephen King E-MailERs), and I soon discovered a new book by the legendary author would be released in October. Of course, I felt like I would do anything to get the book before October--in fact, I did just that. On eBay, I paid $255 for "On Writing", and I truly believe it was worth it.

"On Writing" is seperated into parts: three forewords, "C.V.", the memoir (you never learn what it stands for), "What Writing Is", "Toolbox", "On Writing", "On Living", and and two "Furthermore"s.

"C.V.", the memoir, is so engrossing, you literally cannot put the book down. This isn't just a regular autobiorgraphy; King talks about things which no one knew about, or that were only just rumors. Some things in this section may surprise you a bit, but it is extremely well-written.

"Toolbox" is a section where King explains everything you need to have in your mental toolbox of writing; everything from grammar to creativeness, he has it all.

"On Writing" is what it says it's about. King explains how he writes, things he thinks others should do, or at least attempt and see if they work. He gives suggestions for beginning and veteran writers. And his sense of humor is incredible! You will find yourself laughing through the night at some of the unforgettable lines he writes.

"On Living", the last real section of the book, tells of his encounter with the infamous and deceased Bryan Smith, the man who hit King with his car. You will find yourself wanting to stop, for it is sometimes disgusting, and sad, but you won't be able to stop. It's too captivating. He talks about his struggle to write again, and how he overcame his fight.

"On Writing" is one of the best books you will ever read, even if you're not interested in books on this craft. It is humorous, informative, and best of all, it gives you courage to do what you want to in life, even if you don't plan to be a writer. If you don't buy "On Writing", you'll never understand what you're missing.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it.
Review: I am always completely drawn into Stephen King's characters - they live and breathe for me - and that's why I am such a big fan of his work. Although the events and situations are not within the realm of my experience (or anyone else's, I hope!), it is the fact of the believability of the characters that make them so darn scary. This little (for King) book sheds some light on how he manages that remarkable feat of making the reader believe in his story people, and his stories. The first third of the book is a memoir of his time spent becoming a writer, which I found to be fascinating (I didn't know about his substance abuse), friendly, and frightening (a babysitter from hell!). The whole book reads like an intimate, relaxed visit on the back porch with an old buddy and I loved the time I spent visiting with a well-loved author. I have just one question - What's behind that cellar door on the cover?

Rating:
Summary: Teacher
Review: King is the unequivocal master in the of storytelling and writing. 'On Writing' is part biography, part handbook for aspiring writers. It explores the pains and heartaches often endured to perfect one's art, and the healing quality of the writing process. Take it from a man who knows, and has a boundless passion and love for writing. 'On Writing' is a poignant look into the mind and life of one of the best loved, and most widely read, authors around today coupled with solid advice for any writer, published or not.

Rating:
Summary: An Amazing Look Into The Mind Of An Amazing Author
Review: Being a huge Stephen King fan I knew that I would enjoy this book. What surprised me was just how good this book was. It provides valuable insight not only into the mind of King but on the writing process itself. You will find yourself inspired to actually sit down at the computer yourself and finally put down those ideas that have been floating around in your head. However, King does make it clear that writing is a serious job and that it is not for anyone. His insight into the business side of the craft will prove to be valuable to any aspiring writer. I always enjoy the "note to the reader" section that King often includes in his novels. On Writing reads like one long "note to the reader" and is often funny and at other times quite touching. King is amazingly honest about his own troubles and faults and the section of the book detailing his accident and road to recovery are inspiring. Most of all the best thing about this book is that King's love of writing, reading and all things about books comes shining through. What an amazing man.

Rating:
Summary: The Entertainer
Review: When faced with a King book, no matter its subject matter, expect to be fully entertained. Though On Writing may be a how-to book, there's plenty of stuff in here that many non-writers would be interested in. The first half the book is a loose autobiography, perhaps more accurately described as a scattered collection of anecdotes (I believe this is something close to what King calls it, too) than a complete dossier. Many of the stories are quite funny, especially the interaction between King and his brother. The most surprising part of this section is King's drinking/drug problems -- I had no idea, though I must say, I always wondered about his monumental production in the late 80's. I think in one year, 3 books came out basically all at the same time -- Misery, Eyes of the Dragon, and Dark Tower II: Drawing of the Three. Throw in the Tommyknockers, too, and what you have there is King's second renaissance, thanks to beer and blow. Of course drugs almost killed him, but hey, you have to admit, those were some pretty damn good books.

The second part of the book is all about writing, and I must say, I'm not so sure King imparts such illuminating wisdom. He says outrageous stuff like how all first drafts of books should be written in three months (Hey, Mr. King, not everybody can do what you do!), or that you should average something like 2000 words a day. Those are King-sized goals to say the least. Outside of the unusual quantitative requirements, everything else he says has been said before: leave out the adverbs, second draft should be smaller than the first draft, blah blah blah. Don't expect anything earth-shattering, but do expect to have fun.

The last part of the book is his account of his run-in with a truck that almost killed him. This was printed in The New Yorker in its entirety a couple of months ago. And then there are a couple of appendices, both pertaining to writing. Actually, I think the first appendix here might be the best part of the book -- King shows us a draft of a story, then an edited version of it, complete with proofreading marks. Studying and learning this section would no doubt greatly benefit a writer. The second part is a list of recommended books.

- SJW

Rating:
Summary: Get out your notebooks, sharpen your pencils...and learn.
Review: Though far from the definitive writer's guideline, this book shines a unique perspective on the craft. Stephen King lays down the law and then teaches it. He shares his techniques, his pet peeves, and his own personal horrific experiences - both as child and adult - and he does it all within the cerebral classroom of the printed page. He wraps a juicy filling of personal tragedy, growth and experience within a tight covering of his famous story telling style.

As a human, I was touched by his childhood anecdotes and often laughed with him about his insecurities. I am still in awe at what he has recently had to overcome physically. I mean, damn.

As a writer, I am grateful for a brief glimpse into his vocational world. I gained confidence from learning about things I have been doing right and have changed many bad habits (may the adverb rest in peace). I've read several tomes on the subject and believe his reigns as the most complete.

I've been a fan of King's since the seventh grade when I was given The Dead Zone and Cujo as an Easter present. A year later I had read every book he'd published (with the exception of the dreaded Limited Editions of which I could opine negatively for hours - suffice it to say that writing should be for everyone to read, not just the rich). I've read or listened to all his books since. I can honestly say, that this is my favorite.

Sometimes the coldest hands to wrap around your neck are the true ones.

The only bad thing I can say about this book is that it's too short, something one rarely has the opportunity to state regarding the beloved author.

A huge thank you to Mr. King for a brief indulgence into the life of a genius.

Rating:
Summary: For writers and readers -- get inside King's mind
Review: The cover shows an inviting scene, a country house with a warm light glowing in the living room window, a set of double doors leading down to the cellar, the house lined with pink and white flowers. "Come on in," the picture seems to say. "I have a story to tell."

It generally takes Stephen King about three months to finish the first draft of a book. He began "On Writing" at the end of 1997, but put it aside a few months later, unsure how to finish it. Over a year later, in mid-1999, King decided to spend the summer "finishing the damn writing book."

The events of late-June, 1999 interfered with those plans. King spent three weeks in the hospital after he was struck by a van. In late July he decided it was time to start writing again, and it was "On Writing" that he chose for his return to work. The finished product, "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" will be released by Scribner in early October, 2000.

It was a discussion with Amy Tan while on tour with the Rock Bottom Remainders that inspired King to write this book. "No one ever asks about the language," Tan said in response to King's query about the sorts of questions that she doesn't get at author appearances. "Serious" authors get asked that but they don't ask the popular novelists who, he says "care about language in our humble way, and care passionately about the art and craft of telling stories on paper."

King opens with a lengthy memoir that "attempted to show some of the incidents and life-situations which made me into the sort of writer I turned out to be." He calls this section "C.V," as in "curriculum vitae," his list of accomplishments and job skills. Some of the story is familiar, though many of the details are new. He works his way through his stages as a writer from childhood to novice to apprentice to worldwide success.

For the first time in any detail, King addresses his battle with alcohol and drug abuse, when it started, how it evolved and how he eventually was forced to confront his problem. He reveals that he has little memory of writing "Cujo" ("I wish I could remember enjoying the good parts as I put them down on the page"), that he hadn't realized that when he was writing "The Shining" he was writing about himself, and how Annie Wilkes in "Misery" could well be seen as a symbol for coke and alcohol. "I decided I was tired of being Annie's pet writer," King says.

King is more revealing of his life in this book than ever before. He is frank in discussing the merits and deficiencies of many of his books. Of "Rose Madder" and "Insomnia" he says: "These are (much as I hate to admit it) stiff, trying-too-hard novels." He talks about how he reached a point in "The Stand" where he had to set the novel aside for several weeks until he could figure out how to go on. If he had written a couple of hundred pages less at that point he probably would have abandoned the book completely. Also described in some depth are the issues he had to deal with in writing "Carrie," "The Dead Zone" and "The Green Mile." He spends some time relating an event that inspired him to write the upcoming novel "From a Buick Eight" and the research required for the second draft that had to be deferred after his accident - a couple of weeks riding with the Pennsylvania State Police.

"But I'm not a writer," the prospective reader of "On Writing" might cry. "Why should I want to read this book?" While a substantial section of the book is about writing, King's approach to it and his advice to writers at all levels of the art, there is much here for the non-writer as well. King's success has made him a high-profile personality, more so than many other authors, and the level of public interest in his life is easily demonstrated by the overwhelming number of requests for updates on his condition received by his office and official web site in the weeks following his accident. Here is the opportunity to read King on King, and on his books. He describes the symbolism in many of his novels, rarely planted intentionally on the first draft but uncovered, as an archaeologist uncovers a ruin, during the writing of the second draft.

For writers, though, the book is chock full of advice, some of it common sense, some of it uniquely King's. His taboos of writing: adverbs (especially those in dialog attributes) and the passive voice. His description of the writer's toolbox: Common tools on the top shelf (vocabulary and grammar), elements of grammar and style on the second level, along with an understanding of the paragraph as the basic element in fiction, and a synthesis of all of these along with innate and developed skills at the bottom.

"If you want to be a writer," King says, "you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." King calls reading the creative center of a writer's life. He advocates reading in small sips as well as long drinks - in waiting rooms, in line at the theater, in the checkout line at the grocery store, on the treadmill at the gym and in the john.

When it comes to writing, though, King is more selective. "We do best in a place of our own," he advises. The most important feature of this place: a door that you can and are willing to shut. No TV, no phone and no video games. Curtains closed. Write first with the door closed. Write for yourself without worry about theme, symbolism or accuracy of details. Those are for the second draft, which is usually written with the door open, after he has sent the book to a select group of critical readers.

King includes examples of both good and bad writing, sometimes taken from his own work, sometimes taken from such writers as Elmore Leonard and John Katzenbach. The final chapter of the book is an annotated rewrite of his first draft of the opening section of "1408," one of the three stories in the recent "Blood and Smoke" audio release. This section should silence critics who suggest that King doesn't rewrite his work. It is an interesting look at the creative process and what an author should look for when editing his or her own material.

He also describes his approach to research. It's all about back story, he says. "What I'm looking for is nothing but a touch of verisimilitude, like the handful of spices you chuck into a really good spaghetti sauce to really finish her off."

Toward the end of the book, King tackles the subject of his accident. This section, called "On Living," is partly a bully platform for him to get his version of the story down, as well as his opinion about how the legal system handled the case of driver Bryan Smith. It also describes how an otherwise ideal day went wrong, the minute details of his injuries and some of the challenges of his recovery process. "Life isn't a support system for art - it's the other way around," he concludes.

Throughout the book, but especially in this chapter, King pays tribute to wife, Tabitha. She is King's "Ideal Reader," the person for whom he writes all of his books, the one who he wants to make laugh or cry through his writing. His love and admiration for her shines through, from a touching scene in their early courtship where he sits at her feet as she reads her poetry in a workshop, his hand on her calf, to her organization of a group intervention to make him confront his addiction problems, and all the way through to her support and encouragement of him during his convalescence.

At the end, King includes a list of nearly a hundred novels that he considers the best that he's read in the last three or four years. "A good many of these might show you some new ways of doing your work. Even if they don't, they're apt to entertain you," he concludes.

The same might be said of "On Writing."

Rating:
Summary: Like a school book, but way more fun!
Review: Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, is probably the best advice book you're goin to get.
It has three parts:
(1)An account on his younger life, and why he thinks he came to be the type of writer she is today.
(2)The second part is an absolutely fantastic account on writing. He runs you through Plot Development, Character development, different types of plot eg: Story/Situation, advice on Literary Agents, submitting short-stories to magazines etc etc etc...
(3)And the last 60 pages or so is an account on the horrifying accident he had in 1999 in Maine. He walks through it in detail.

As an aspiring writer myself, I found this book classic. When I think back to before, when I didnt read it - and was writing myself - If found that I really needed it.

So, for anyone who wants to know the low-down on becoming a successful writer, buy the book; for anyone who is a fan this is a must, you will read exciteing stories about his childhood and later life, and read the explicit chapter on his horrible accident.
King, at his best. :-)(-:

Rating:
Summary: Ideas behind the words
Review: "The story is the most important part of the story" could accurately sum up Stephen Kings book on writing.

The first half of the book is autobiographical. Stephen takes us through his childhood, discussing key events in his development as a person and a writer. This sets the context for the experiences he later writes about.

The second half is the "On Writing" part, where he gives advice to aspiring fiction writers. He covers technical aspects (be concise) as well as tips on the creative process (don't sweat the plot, create situations and be true to what the characters would do in them). He describes the process of writing as "finding a fossil" - the fossil of the story is out there, use the most subtle tools out there to share the fossil.

At the end, Steve covers his current status and recovery from a near death experience at the hands of an errant van driver. Perhaps this is the most touching part of the story.

This book does capture some very useful nuggets of information, and will be especially useful to avid king readers. In that sense, it isn't just a trade book for writers. Enjoy!