On Writing

This article is about the Stephen King memoir. For the Hemingway short story, see On Writing (Hemingway).

On Writing
First edition cover
Author(s)	Stephen King
Cover artist	Lisa Litwak
Country	United States
Language	English
Subject(s)	Autobiography, Writing
Publisher	Scribner
Publication date	October 3, 2000
Media type	Print (Hardcover)
Pages	288
ISBN	978-0684853529
Preceded by	Nightmares in the Sky
Followed by	Secret Windows

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King, published in 2000, is a record of the prolific author's experiences as a writer, and a guide book for those who choose to enter the craft. The book accomplishes what few guide to writing have done. King takes his experiences with writing and presents them in such a way that it seems anyone can write. However, it never gives the impression that writing is an easy task. It warns that good writing requires a certain amount of ability, willingness, and even a little talent. In 2008, Entertainment Weekly listed On Writing 21st on their list of The New Classics: Books - The 100 best reads from 1983 to 2008, making it King's only entry. On July 13, 2010, Scribner published a 10th Anniversary edition of the book (ISBN 978-1-4391-9363-1), featuring an updated reading list from Stephen King.

Synopsis

The first section of On Writing is an Autobiography mainly about King’s early exposure to writing, and his childhood attempts at writing. King talks about his early attempts to get published, and his first novel Carrie. King also talks about how he became such a popular author, and what it took to get there. He also talks about his wife Tabby and the wonderful times they have had together over the years. King talks about the death of his mother and how hard it was to cope with that. This then began a long period of drug and alcohol abuse. King also talks about many memories he has from the years when he was doing drugs and drinking all the time.

The second section is practical advice on writing, from tips on grammar to ideas about developing plot and character. King describes it as a guide for how "a competent writer can become a good one." He stresses his beliefs that a writer should edit out unnecessary details and avoid the use of unnecessary adverbs. Not only does King give us tips on grammar and developing plot. He also gives descriptions on writing that can help in the future. He uses quotes from other books and authors that relate to the reader. King also separates writing into three levels so that you can follow a guideline when you are writing.

The third section is also autobiographical, in which he discusses the 1999 automobile accident in which the writer was struck by a vehicle while walking down an isolated country road. King describes serious injuries, his painful recovery and his struggle to start writing again.

King also includes part of a rough draft and an edited draft of his own story entitled "1408".

In the United Kingdom paperback version, a short story by Garret Adams entitled "Jumper" was included at the end of the book, which was the winner of the On Writing competition.

Reception

Awards

Horror Guild: Nonfiction Award - 2001 Horror Writers Association: Bram Stoker- Nonfiction Award - 2000 International Horror Guild: Nonfiction Award- 2000 Locus: Nonfiction Award- 2001

Critical and Popular Reception

http://fictionwriting.about.com/od/reviews/gr/stephenking.htm

Ginny Wiehardt, former About.com Guide says,” There are better-written books on writing, but his insights are always worth reading.”

http://hearwritenow.com/writing/reviews/on-writing/

Elsa Neal from BellaOnline says,” Stephen King admits that his memory is flawed and limited, probably due to his addiction to alcohol and drugs in the first half of his career ( he doesn’t remember writing much of Cujo). I wish he’d remember more of his early life, because the memoir section of this book is fascinating, and far too short”.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10569.On_Writing

"Long live the King" hailed "Entertainment Weekly" upon the publication of Stephen King's "On Writing." Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King's advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported near-fatal accident in 1999 -- and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, "On Writing" will empower and entertain everyone who reads it -- fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.

“A one-of-a-kind classic”- The Wall Street Journal

“The best book on writing. Ever.”- The Cleveland Plain Dealer

http://www.allreaders.com/Topics/info_6028.asp

Pulitzer Prize–winning film critic Roger Ebert commented on the book in his review for the movie Secret Window, which was based on a King novella: "A lot of people were outraged that he [King] was honored at the National Book Awards, as if a popular writer could not be taken seriously. But after finding that his book On Writing had more useful and observant things to say about the craft than any book since Strunk and White's The Elements of Style, I have gotten over my own snobbery."

Edward Bryant characterized On Writing as "graceful and lucid, diverting and useful," saying "When King addresses the processes of writing directly, he does so with clarity."

• On Writing also won some awards, the Bram Stoker Award for Best Non-fiction (2000), the Locus Award for Best Non-fiction (2001), and the Puddly Award for Writing (2001).