Rating: 
Summary: For The Love Of The Written Word
Review: Stephen King gives us two books in one here, both connected by the overall theme of the writing life. He begins with a memoir of some of the incidents and turning points in his life that shaped him as a writer. The book closes with an account of his near-fatal encounter with an out-of-control van, and a moving discussion of the role writing played in his recovery.In between, we get King's how-to primer for those who want to pursue the writer's trade. He offers the same kind of sound, practical advice that others have offered to aspiring writers: read a lot; write a lot; learn the basic tools of grammar; don't do it for money, or for fame, or for any reason but a need to express yourself. It's this mind-set that he wants to transmit, it seems, above all else. Like some of the other reviewers, I haven't read anything by King before this book. Just a few impressions that stick with me: King has a great sense of irony, and a wonderful sense of humor. And he cares passionately about his craft. I think it doesn't matter to him when the critics dismiss him as the modern king of pulp fiction...and it's not a case of him laughing all the way to the bank. As long as he knows, and those who love and value him most know, that he's given his work the very best he's got to offer, he'll be happy with himself.--William C. Hall
Rating: 
Summary: Story spinner
Review: Stephen King's memoir on writing is effective. He advises privacy for story-spinning, a public forum for the revision, re-write stage of work. His upbringing was by some measures meagre, sad, deprived. Events of his childhood served later as fuel to his writerly imagination. He resembled his mother in the possession of grit, fortitude. The family confrontation breaking the cycle of his addiction illness is described forthrightly and humorously. Stephen King fans, readers curious about his autobiography, and readers interested in becoming writers should all enjoy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Superb on many levels
Review: I have not read one single book by Stephen King - except for this one. But having read this superb book, I believe I'm going to pick up one of his other ones, take a deep breath, and dive into his spooky world. On Writing was given to me by a writing friend, or perhaps I never would have read it, as I don't like the sci-fi, horror, weird genre of his stuff. But this one, this On Writing treatise (and it's short, less than 300 pages), works on so many levels, and none of them are spooky. It's part memoir, part philosophy, part motivational, and a bit, too, on the actual craft.
Don't buy it is you're looking just for a how-to book; it's not meant to be any such thing.
DO buy it if you want to read an extremely well-written book about the process of writing, the journey toward becoming someone who can call oneself 'a writer,' the obstacles (including King's horrific accident) to the process...and if you're interested in Stephen King, the man, and Tabitha, his muse. Within the middle of the book, aspiring writers will find a pithy and terse section of writing advice; nothing new here, but coming from such a master, this advice should be taken seriously by all wannabe writers.
A rambling, intelligent, imminently readable book.
Rating:
Summary: enjoyable and insightful writing advice from a master
Review: Stephen King gives you three books for the price of one in this volume that combines literary memoir with an insightful guide to writing as well as an account of his brush with death. In the first section of the book, about a hundred pages, King describes his childhood and young married life in ways that explain those events' impact on his writing. There is a lot of affection for his mother and family, and this part is interesting primarily because King, as you would expect, weaves the story well and brings relevance to his anecdotes. The second section, about 150 pages, is composed of Toolbox and On Writing. These cover the very basics of writing (vocabulary, grammar and the overused adverb) and the craft of writing, respectively. On Writing is the section I enjoyed the most. Here, King gives practical advice on writing goals, the first vs. second draft, narration and description, dialogue, plot vs. story, theme, pacing, back story, symbolism and revision. He also discusses more esoteric points such as the redemptive power of writing. Using examples and naming authors, King imbues this portion with invaluable instruction and recommendations. About 20 pages are devoted to the author's being hit by a van as he walked along a Maine country road, and this will be of interest to those who want to know more about this episode in King's life. This incident and King's recuperation occurred while he was writing this book. The book concludes with a 5-page first draft of a story's opening scene followed by an edited version of the same passage, and a list of books King had read recently that he found exemplary in some regard. Both of these sections are useful for someone who is interested in writing or wants to pursue King's ideas further. I think this book was interesting, entertaining and instructive, and I would highly recommend it to aspiring authors (whether or not the horror genre is your cup of tea) or those who are interested in King the man. This is a great chance to get practical advice from a very successful author.
Rating:
Summary: On Writing
Review: Stephen King's humorous account of his career as a writer since childhood is a great motivator for writers. He provides excellent tips and even if you've never written before, he will make you want to start. On Writing motivated me to write my novel, Time To Heal, which has since been published!
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Summary: The Joy of Writing
Review: The only Stephen King book I had read until On Writing was The Shining when it first came out, and how long ago was that? But I figured that anyone who is as consistently successful as King is might have something worthwhile to say about writing. He does. On Writing really flows. I sat down and read the whole thing. I was interested in how King started out (in pulp magazines mainly, not a viable option these days) and in how he goes about writing a book. This was the eye-opening part for me. King says he comes up with an idea and writes a first draft. Apparently he doesn't spend a lot of time plotting and outlining and developing characters. Well, he does, but not separately from writing the draft. In other words, he gets right down to the fun part. On Writing made me want to get right down to work writing. Here is a writer that really seems to enjoy writing. So many writers seem to like having written, but not the act of writing itself. So even if horror is not your favorite genre, you can learn a lot from King about writing, and about enjoying writing.
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Summary: A good read, but more autobiography than writer's guide
Review: "On Writing" is only the second Stephen King book I've read. The first, "Danse Macabre," was also non-fiction. I'm no literary snob, but there are a lot of books out there to read and only so many hours in the day, and I've chosen not to read fiction about people who blow things up with their eyeballs or possess other powers not likely to be encountered in real life. I'm sure King's phenomenally popular output has more going for it than that, but it has limited appeal for me. Still, I'm always curious to know what other ink-stained wretches have to say about the craft, so I had to read "On Writing." You'd have to be very curious indeed about King's methods to wade through his "memoir of the craft." Early on, he describes "On Writing" as a way to record all he knows about writing "briefly and simply." He does keep it simple, avoiding the pretentious language one often encounters from "writers" who want to impress readers with their vocabulary. Brief is another matter. He quotes William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White's "The Elements of Style," claiming he'll follow their advice to "Omit needless words," but he makes that promise in the "Second Foreword" where he also suggests this is a "short book." A short book? With a "Second Foreword"? Those looking for guidelines to more effective writing are better off with Strunk and White whose short volume has never been improved on. With King, one is dragged along as he recounts his beginnings, relationship with his mother, and, later, the accident that nearly took his life. It's certainly interesting, but try finding the advice for writers in there. He does offer valuable suggestions, but if all you're seeking is tips to improve your own writing, you can find better guides than this one. If you're interested in King's life story, however, dig in. On that level, it's a good read.
Rating:
Summary: So you wanna be a writer....
Review: King starts this book off jerkily with glimpses of his upbringing we probably could have done without. When he gets into his English professor mode and tells us about tools for writers he warms to his subject. One thing he makes a valid point on is NOT using adverbs when writing. He also gives small insights into why and how he came up with several of his books he wrote including Carrie and The Stand. He also includes a chapter about his 1999 accident where he almost lost his life.
Once I finished this I picked up From a Buick 8 to see his craft again with a new perspective and experience how sharp his writing can be.
On Writing was worth the $1 I paid when I picked it up at Dollar Tree and I would not have paid full price otherwise.
Rating:
Summary: Finally a sensible approach to writing
Review: Mr. Kings book is the best I have ever read in down to earth advice on writing. The myriad of books available are swallowed by this one down to earth advisory. He explains in vivid detail the basics needed for good writing and the importance of continual habitual reading to improve your abilities. I will always keep this book with all underlined of his great advise. If you desire to write in any genre be sure to study this book.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect
Review: I could reread this book so many times. It is full of humour, inspiration and great practical advice. The memories of his childhood are fascinating and really show how he became the author that he is. His advice on writing has been immensely helpful to me, but even if you are not a writer, the first half of this book is worth the price.
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