On Writing: A Memoir of The Craft: Summary and book reviews of On Writing: A Memoir of The Craft by Stephen King, plus links to an excerpt from On Writing: A Memoir of The Craft and a biography of Stephen King.

"If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." In 1999, Stephen King began to write about his craft -- and his life. By midyear, a widely reported accident jeopardized the survival of both. And in his months of recovery, the link between writing and living became more crucial than ever. Rarely has a book on writing been so clear, so useful, and so revealing. On Writing begins with a mesmerizing account of King's childhood and his uncannily early focus on writing to tell a story. A series of vivid memories from adolescence, college, and the struggling years that led up to his first novel, Carrie, will afford readers a fresh and often very funny perspective on the formation of a writer. King next turns to the basic tools of his trade -- how to sharpen and multiply them through use, and how the writer must always have them close at hand. He takes the reader through crucial aspects of the writer's art and life, offering practical and inspiring advice on everything from plot and character development to work habits and rejection. Serialized in the New Yorker to vivid acclaim, On Writing culminates with a profoundly moving account of how King's overwhelming need to write spurred him toward recovery, and brought him back to his life. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower -- and entertain -- everyone who reads it.

Media Reviews

Salon.com - Gary Krist "I was built with a love of the night and the unquiet coffin", King explains at one point in the book. This is a revealing statement, and one that goes to the heart of what makes him a unique presence in contemporary American fiction. But in this memoir of the craft, he doesn't really explore those deeper connections between self and story. On Writing would have been a far more memorable book if it had focused on King's love of the night rather than his love of the deleted adverb.   Salon.com - Gary Krist "I was built with a love of the night and the unquiet coffin", King explains at one point in the book. This is a revealing statement, and one that goes to the heart of what makes him a unique presence in contemporary American fiction. But in this memoir of the craft, he doesn't really explore those deeper connections between self and story. On Writing would have been a far more memorable book if it had focused on King's love of the night rather than his love of the deleted adverb.   Publishers Weekly The real importance of this congenial, ramshackle book, however, lies neither in its autobiography nor in its pedagogy, but in its triumphant vindication of the popular writer, including the genre author, as a writer. King refuses to draw, and makes a strong case for the abolition of, the usual critical lines between Carver and Chandler, Greene and Grisham, DeLillo and Dickens.   Library Journal In 1981 King penned Danse Macabre, a thoughtful analysis of the horror genre. Now he is treating his vast readership to another glimpse into the intellect that spawns his astoundingly imaginative works.... we who climb aboard for this ride with the master spend a few pleasant hours under the impression that we know what it is like to think like Stephen King.   Kirkus Reviews Generous, lucid, and passionate, King (Hearts in Atlantis, 1999, etc.) offers lessons and encouragement to the beginning writer..   Kirkus Reviews Generous, lucid, and passionate, King (Hearts in Atlantis, 1999, etc.) offers lessons and encouragement to the beginning writer..   Library Journal In 1981 King penned Danse Macabre, a thoughtful analysis of the horror genre. Now he is treating his vast readership to another glimpse into the intellect that spawns his astoundingly imaginative works.... we who climb aboard for this ride with the master spend a few pleasant hours under the impression that we know what it is like to think like Stephen King.

Recent Reader Reviews

Review (not rated) by Robin Fink
Book Review on Stephen King's
Stephen King's book "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft", is an encouraging book for beginning writer's to read. I found this book to be motivating. King reminds us through hs book that discouragment will come but persistance leads to sucessful...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Ashley
I've just started reading this book, and it seems to be quite a breath of fresh air. I saw it in a store, and because I want to be a writer myself, I decided to buy it. And I am so thankful that I did. For anyone who wished to pursue this career,...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Christopher Mullins
StephenKking inspires people in a way that most can not. He explains writing fiction in a straight to the point kind of way which makes the book easily understood.

Rated of 5 by Jennifer Laws
I was completely enthralled with this book from cover to cover. I gave it to several of my friends who now treasure it as one of their most prize gifts.

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