‘On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft’ by Stephen King is part-autobiography, part advice manual for aspiring authors. The first part of ‘On Writing’ is a personal and often very witty memoir as King recalls his journey towards becoming a published author. The second part explores what King calls the ‘writer’s toolbox’, including tips on vocabulary, grammar, elements of style and editing. The final part is where King describes the car accident in 1999 which nearly killed him halfway through writing this very book and the long recovery process afterwards. There is also a very interesting reading list at the end (along with a second one if you read the 10th anniversary edition as I did). It sounds like a slightly haphazard structure but it works because the subject of writing is always at the heart of it.
By King’s standards, ‘On Writing’ is pretty short clocking in at less than 300 pages. In the Second Foreword, he writes: “This is a short book because most books about writing are filled with bullshit.” He is probably right and thankfully, ‘On Writing’ is pretty much the perfect length and strikes a very good balance between the autobiographical elements and the actual advice offered.
You certainly don’t need to have read all of Stephen King’s books in order to appreciate ‘On Writing’ and get something out of it (I myself have only read two). He does make a few references to his own works when giving advice on writing good description and dialogue and it probably helps to be at least a little familiar with his style but it isn’t essential. Overall, King’s main advice for writers is solid and straightforward: read a lot, write a lot and work hard at it. This will hardly be ground-breaking news for most people. Instead, it’s the details about how language works which is the most useful and practical advice here. Even relatively experienced writers will probably learn something new or look at something differently after reading what King has to say.
I read a lot and I (attempt to) write a half-decent blog but I am not aiming to become an author. Maybe if something momentous happened in my life then I might be inspired to write a novel but right now, I don’t really think I have it in me. Still, I found ‘On Writing’ to be an inspiring read even though I am not planning to write a novel, just like I found ‘What I Talk About When I Talk About Running’ by Haruki Murakami inspiring even though I am not planning to run a marathon. For wannabe authors or not, ‘On Writing’ is entertaining and essential reading.
A Little Blog of Books 
Reblogged this on Xlibris Book Reviews.
LikeLike
Loved this book. I still re-read it from time to time.
LikeLike
This is still on my to-read pile. I started it a while ago but somehow never finished. Which is weird because I really enjoyed reading it.
LikeLike
This one of my favourites too and good to be reminded why 🙂
LikeLike
Nice review. This is one of my favorite craft books. Though I haven’t read any of King’s novels, his book sales speak to his ability. There is lots of solid advice in this book. Thanks for the review.
LikeLike
I have to read this book. It is so inspirational when an author talks about his/her job, even when you don’t want to be a writer. I also liked the one by Murakami!
LikeLike
Loved his advice, and the voice he used to impart it 🙂 Enlightening read for writers and others. I reviewed it under a theme on “Willpower” because he devotes some time to just getting down to writing.
LikeLike
This is the first time I’m reading a review on this book. I saw this on Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s list of favorite “books about books”. It sounds interesting
LikeLike
Thanks for visiting my blog and liking ‘I agree with Stephen King…’ He does talk a lot of common sense. Sandra
LikeLike
Loved this book, and have read/dipped into it many times. More true even for What I Talk About, which is one of my favorite books ever–I have read it and listened to the audiobook while running/training (and was thinking about it as I just read Hard-Boiled Wonderland as I find so much of What I Talk About shows up in Murakami’s other books).
It’s interesting to hear that you’re writing from the perspective of not necessarily wanting to be an author and yet that subject is ostensibly at the core of both. I suspect they both appeal to many on a wider basis–hitting at core ideas of life, for example, balance, perseverance, a oneness with the things you enjoy, etc. You’ve given me something to think about.
LikeLike
Bought this book last week so glad to read that you liked it. I am, like so many bloggers, in the throes of writing a novel. As this was written a year ago have you reconsidered writing a novel? Sorry for leaving so many posts all over your blog.
LikeLike
That’s ok and thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 no, I’m not writing a novel but I enjoy reading lots of them! Hope yours is progressing well!
LikeLike
You’re welcome Clare. I rather lazily didn’t take the time to peruse your blog properly in the past but decided to rectify that tonight. My novel is in the early stages, research, note taking and planning.
LikeLike