charlie_pearson's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
kierstinrae's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
reinhardt's review against another edition
4.0
Although I've never read a Stephen King novel, this book gives a sense of his storytelling ability without being subjected to his horror stories. He tells the story of how he developed as a writer from early childhood. He also offers some practical writing advice that is easy to implement and would improve almost any writer. Another tidbit is he taught writing for year. He knows and has taught the craft. Bonus for audible listener - he reads the audiobook, and does so superbly.
noureldeen's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
A brilliant book to all wanna-be writers, from a brilliant writer of all-so-many great books.
glendaleereads's review
4.0
I am not a big fan of King's work and haven't really read a lot of him. However, I did enjoy this memoir. It was short but so helpful and has given me much needed motivation for my writing. All your questions about writing might not be answered in this novel but its a good start.
bookscrystals93's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fantastic book! As someone who is an aspiring writer this book was definitely helpful. Highly recommended.
kbsterls's review against another edition
3.0
i liked the memoir portion of this book better than the instructions on writing. although, i did start to have fantasies about becoming a writer... but, then i remembered that i do not have a creative bone in my body. i have to admit that i think stephen king is an interesting fellow.
ethanleventhal's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book, and although I've never read a Stephen King book, it makes me want to start.
However, you might say On Writing is equal parts valuable and pretentious. Okay, maybe not equal – I'm sure many more have made writing careers out of the lessons in this book than have had their lives ruined by the constant annoyance of reading it, but it's closer than you might think.
The CV section is well done – and serves as a place to return to after reading the other sections. It puts his lessons into action and shows his writing style in action. For any writer reading – or at least for me – it can be interesting to compare your relationship with writing to his.
As well, the final section deserves a special shoutout. Nothing made me want to write more than reading about King's NDE, his survival process, and his returning to writing. If he can write through the pain of serious injury, then you can take 4-6 hours out of your *healthy* day to read and write if that's really what you want to do.
However, you might say On Writing is equal parts valuable and pretentious. Okay, maybe not equal – I'm sure many more have made writing careers out of the lessons in this book than have had their lives ruined by the constant annoyance of reading it, but it's closer than you might think.
The CV section is well done – and serves as a place to return to after reading the other sections. It puts his lessons into action and shows his writing style in action. For any writer reading – or at least for me – it can be interesting to compare your relationship with writing to his.
As well, the final section deserves a special shoutout. Nothing made me want to write more than reading about King's NDE, his survival process, and his returning to writing. If he can write through the pain of serious injury, then you can take 4-6 hours out of your *healthy* day to read and write if that's really what you want to do.