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 with a new perspective for Dark Tower fans
Review: I like this short, personable non-fiction book from Stephen King. I enjoy his writing style (as always). Most of the anecdotes he includes in the autobiographical section you've probably read before if you're a huge fan, but they're still interesting and do include some new material. The surprise for me in this book was Stephen King's opinions of other writers... not what I would have expected. (Many he adores, and a few he deplores.)
King writes about his accident and injuries here realistically, in contrast to the fantastical way he uses the incident in the final Dark Tower book. (On Writing may help put things in perspective for anyone who wonders if King is channeling mid-world as the last few novels in that series have implied. It's a comforting switch, since the world of the gunslingers has become quite a disturbing place.)
Rating:
Summary: On Writing for Those Who Can't Not Write
Review: I started working on my novel again and later that day received a writing magazine in the mail, with an excerpt from this book as the cover story. I found Mr. King's comments encouraging, even though I've never read any of his books. (I did stand in a bookstore several years ago, barely able to put Misery down, but I don't enjoy the horror or suspense genres.)This week I received a package in the mail from someone who I like to think believes in the writer in me. "It's a book," I thought, then I pulled it out and my heart fell. "Oh, it's Stephen King." But when my eyes landed on the title, the thrill was back and I couldn't put this little book down. I was thrilled to receive permission to keep my writing private until it's finished, to drop out of the writers group with its silly reviews, to not take another writing class, to not write from an outline, to let the story take off without planning the plot ahead of time, to trust that what I need to do is to read a lot and write a lot, and to be honest above all. I keep thinking that I never wanted a mentor, yet Stephen King is so earnest and casual in this book, I feel as though he's talking directly to me. I've got a shelf full of books about writing, but none have the honesty and enthusiasm for writing because the writer loves to write. (Thank you, Kevin, for the most meaningful gift I've ever received.)
Rating:
Summary: A superbly entertaining novel by Steven King
Review: I usually don't read books often, and when I do I normally am not very into it. I bought a copy of "on writing", and as I flipped through the pages this novel seemed to captivate me. In a very unique manner steven King employs both a lesson to the aspirin writer and a autobiography which presets a little information about his life as well. The advice given in this book should not be missed by anybody. Reading this book gave me more confidence in my capabilities as a writer-reading a book like this could do the same for you. Steven Kings on writing is a great novel, and it finds ways to amaze even the most hateful readers(literally). Use me as an example.
Rating:
Summary: Not One of My Favorite Authors, but King Knows His Craft
Review: Like many of the other buyers of this book, I was hoping for insight into how King writes, how he's made his fortune, how he kicks out idea after idea. Luckily, he doesn't reveal any of that, at least not in the form expected.
The book is mostly a personal bio of the man behind the books, his struggle as a former "average Joe," how he toiled like the rest of us until his skill and determination got him where he is today. It's his unexpected honesty, straightforwardness, and realism that make reading this work invaluable. He admits what other authors of "writing books" don't. He tells us the writing life is frickin' hard and instead of looking for an easy way through, we should learn to love our chosen path and use the skills we have to derive the desired benefits from our own careers.
There are a few sections of style guidance included, nothing more than you'd find in an academic style guide. Here, King confirms that the key to success is your own wealth of ideas, ability to be based in the real world while creating alternate worlds just as real for your reader, and putting your whole self on the page.
Kudos to King on a valuable book...if only I could get through more than just one of his actual fiction stories....
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: You have to read it
Review: The first half is autobiographical, and I'm willing to bet you'll never see Stephen King in the same light after reading it. Many people view rich, successful authors as some kind of pampered royalty, but this book shows just how much hard work it takes to get to the very top.
The second half is stunning, but in a different way. Preconceptions about writing are nailed to the wall and shot full of holes, and you come away with a realistic grounding in the writing game. Scented writing paper and lavender coloured ink are nowhere to be seen.
Rating:
Summary: Great Perspective on the Craft of Writing
Review: Very enjoyable reading. King gives an interesting perspective on the crraft of writing. Part memoir and part how-to guide. This is highly recommended for King fans, for those interested in getting started in writing or for those who have done some writing already. King doesn't have the respect of many academics, but his perspective on writing is worth reading because he is a successful writer and solid pro.
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