Rating: 
Summary: A disappointment
Review: I generally enjoy reading Stephen King although it's my opinion that his earlier offerings were more fear inspiring then some of his later novels. "Salem's Lot", the first of his stories I remember reading, scared the be-Jesus out of me. From the middle to the end of the book I wouldn't pick it up unless it was a bright sunshine filled afternoon. Because I really liked reading his stuff, and because I am an aspiring author, I looked forward to reading "On Writing".
Most those who like to read Mr. King's work will probably enjoy reading "On writing" as it offers insights into his life and gives glimpses of how his outlook on everyday events was shaped into the horror stories he is so well known for. I enjoyed reading it.
Unfortunately those who are expecting a primer on writing will be somewhat disappointed. While there is the occasional "gem" of advice for aspiring writers within the pages of this book they are well hidden and too infrequent to make this a really helpful read for writer wannabes. Someone interested in learning the writer's art might be better off reading "The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing" by Evan Marshall or taking one of the on-line "Writeriffic" courses offered by Dr. Eva Shaw.
"Readers Digest" could do a good job in condensing the available advice in the 300 pages of this paperback into a two and a half page article with plenty of space left over for a bio of Mr. King.
Who am I, I hear you ask, to criticize this book? A mere unpublished writer wannabe with the chutzpa to critique a famous, successful author, that's who. Is this a great country or what?
I liked this book, it just wasn't what I was anticipating or expected. For someone looking for help in pursuing a writing career I leave you with one overused phrase from "On Writing", "fuhgeddaboudit".
Al Fleming
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!
Rating:
Summary: Informative and Entertaining.....
Review: 'On Writing' kept my interest. For those few who didn't enjoy this book: One reader mentions King's B-grade novels. If one doesn't care for his previous work, calling them trash, why bother purchasing this book, or any future novels by King only to criticize? Also, if On Writing was bought via Amazon, there is an editorial review section that describes the book to a T. If one read the feedback they would have known On Writing wasn't dedicated to writing alone, but King's life, and how it coicides with his novels. I believe King's POV when revealing his life story blends with ideas that led to his books, which is a lesson in itself. For those of us who write, daily events, reading, radio, ect. generates fresh thoughts. On Writing is not an English Lit Book, but a fundamental guide to authors and readers. So whether you're an aspiring writer or a fan of King, I suggest reading, On Writing. I give it five stars and one big POW.......
Rating: 
Summary: On "On Writing"
Review: Although the cover art here belongs on a book slated for the gardening section of your local bookstore, I have never read a book like this, a book in which a horror writer talks about his travails in the industry. This one is written by the horror writer who exemplifies that phrase, the guy whose name comes to mind whenever you even say the word "horror" to any man on the street, so he has a singular viewpoint on the genre. The first half of this book covers King's reminiscences of childhood events, young adulthood, and his first attempts into the craft of storytelling. He doesn't go into detail about the events that led him to write horror, though I doubt that any horror writer would do that. I think that King fans will, however, be fascinated when reading this half of the book, as images and events he recalls from his real life have surfaced occasionally in his fiction writing. He also relates personal information regarding his past drug abuse, his relationships with women (Especially his wife Tabitha), and his accident with the car. The other half speaks directly to aspiring authors. It struck me as almost his being weary. I expected some sort of kissy-faced cheerleading, "If you think you can, you can do it!" Instead, there's no crap. We forget that for years, King was a professor of English, and that he reads, so he is as sick of bad writing polluting the world as the rest of us are. He gives the most straightforward advice I've heard from an author in a long time. I can't tell you what that advice is, because King got paid to do it and he did it well. He did it very well. He reproduces a first draft of a few story pages, along with his editorial scribbling and notations, then explains every one. It's as good a textbook. No frills, no cotton candy, and best of all, no happy cheerleading. I enjoyed it very much. So, King fans, you'll dig the first half, and probably be bored to tears by the second half. Writers, you'll do well to read the second half whether you like King, horror, or none of the above. And for King fans who write, it's quite a gift.
Rating:
Summary: Straight Shooter
Review: Anyone who loves Stephen King will enjoy reading this book whether they're a writer or not. And though I admit I'm addicted to reading books on writing, I loved the (Second Forward). It is a memoir sprinkled with writing tips; I love the fact that he included some " raw edited" writing in it to show you how writing develops. Many think it just "flows out from the muse..done".
Also a list of books recommended by Stephen King that he read "I believe" in the past year. Some good suggestions there too.
Bravo to a writer that has earned his laurels and can wear them proudly. When I used to drive an eighteen wheeler, I spent much time loading and unloading, so a had time to read. Never, never read King at night. Too DARN scary. King is underrated. Just because he is popular. He's a *#@!%$^^%$#$# good writer! If you don't believe it read "The Stand"; "The Green Mile", "Carrie", or "Dolores Clairborne"---Or "Shawshank Redemption". King did NOT have anything handed to him on even a tin platter; he and Tabitha earned everything they have through hard work and sacrifice and still give away smiles and "scares" to others. He's proof that behind every great man may be two women: his Mother and Tabitha.
A mucho big fan. I've met your buddy Dave Barry. Would love to get a book signed by the King. Oh, I thoroughly enjoyed another non-fiction King book: "Dance Macabre"
Steven, seriously do you write in your bathtub, while mowing the grass, at the breakfast table, in the _____________bedroom. In an ambulance on the way the the hospital. Does you typwriter even have an off button?
An admirer still haunted by the old lady in the bathtub in the hotel who appeared to the boy. Damn Scary.
Rating: 
Summary: More entertaining than helpful
Review: As a writing manual, this book doesn't offer much that's new, but the 100-page "On Writing" section is a useful summary. Stephen King's a fine story-teller and the memoir part of this book gives us some insight into the oft-twisted mind that came up with great page-turners like "The Dead Zone" and "The Stand." The description of his days of hard labor at writing before his breakthrough should inspire anyone who's plugging away at any kind of writing.
Rating:
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!
Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable insight into the King of horror
Review: Half autobiography, half writing advice, On Writing will give you amazing insight into why Stephen King writes the way he does. The first half of the book is spent almost exclusively in an autobiographical tale about King's younger life, up until his first published book, Carrie. The second half is all English teacher - he breaks down the what, why and how's of being an author. Don't think for a second that one part is more interesting or helpful than the other - they fit together very well and you really get to understand how a top selling author thinks. Highly recommended. I bought a copy, loaned it out and never got it back...so I bought a second copy!
Rating:
Summary: He's brilliant and sweet
Review: He's a recovering alcoholic with a sort of oddball childhood and a (single) mother who loved him and his brother fiercely, and was a writer because he was a reader, as far back as he can remember. He's brilliantly smart. He writes to make sense of his world (and a strange and scary world it is, sometimes) and because he likes stories. As a writer, this book punched me in the gut and made me teary-eyed a few times because -- reading it, I simply felt like Steve King "gets me." When he and his wife and baby are living hand-to-mouth and he gets paid six figures for "Carrie," if you don't get thrilled for him...you should get your heart checked out.
Rating:
Summary: Charmingand Insightful
Review: I have no desire to become a writer and I've never read a single novel by Stephen King (not really into horror). I read this book because I wanted to learn more about King and it's always good to hear a master talk about his craft. This book succeeds on both accounts. The autobiographical parts of the book are charming and insightful and the instructive sections contain bits of knowledge that anyone can use. Now I will definitely read some of his novels.
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