On Writing
✍️ Stephen KingCurrently unavailable
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Stephen King's memoir and guide to the craft of writing.
This volume combines autobiography with instructional advice for aspiring authors. King explains the willpower that drove his career, using his own life as the primary case study. The text covers specific subjects like Salem’s Lot and science fiction, while also referencing other works such as The Elements of Style. It is organized to show how personal history informs professional success. Readers interested in the background of a famous author will find value here. Those looking for pure entertainment or technical manuals on grammar alone might find the memoir sections less engaging. The book stands as a record of King’s journey, not a general history of literature.
Published in 2012 by Hodder & Stoughton, this nonfiction work sits within the tradition of author memoirs and writing guides. It reflects King's status as a successful writer who has addressed subjects like Salem’s Lot and science fiction throughout his career.
📝 Description: On Writing
💎 Our verdict on On Writing
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
This volume is essential for readers who have always wondered about the origins of Stephen King’s career and how he achieved his professional success. It offers a dual-purpose experience, functioning as both an autobiographical record of his journey and a practical guide to the writing craft. Those interested in the mechanics of storytelling will find value in his discussion of specific works like Salem’s Lot and broader genres such as science fiction. The book appeals to anyone curious about the willpower required for a writing career, using King’s life as the primary case study. It provides insight into how personal history informs professional achievement, making it valuable for those seeking background context rather than pure entertainment or technical grammar manuals.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
First order from this shop. Some chapters are hard to read in the best possible way. The monster is scarier for how little you see of it. Still worth having on the shelf.
First order from this shop. The monster is scarier for how little you see of it. Highly recommend.
First order from this shop. There's real craft in how much is left unsaid. Not a jump-scare book; it gets under the skin and stays there. One of my better finds this year.
Got it as a gift for a friend who loves the genre. There's real craft in how much is left unsaid. A keeper.
Took a chance on it after reading the description here. Good introduction if you have not read this author before. The setting is practically a character, and a hostile one. Definitely recommend.
Finally got around to ordering this. A few scenes I will not forget, whether I want to or not. It is the kind of horror that rewards reading with the lights on. A couple of the side characters are thinly drawn. Recommended with reservations.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
Seekers of craft secrets and biographical depth will love this. It is essential for aspiring authors wanting to understand the discipline behind the prose. However, if you desire a thrilling narrative or short story collection, this non-fiction guide on the mechanics of writing will likely disappoint you.
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