Book Bearings
On Writing
- 288 pages · about 5 hours
- First published 2000
- 69 editions
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1 About this book
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft is a memoir by American author Stephen King that describes his experiences as a writer and his advice for aspiring writers. Originally published in 2000 by Charles Scribner's Sons, it was King's first book after he was involved in a car accident a year earlier. Scribner has published two expanded editions: the 10th Anniversary Edition (2010) has an updated reading list from King; and the 20th Anniversary Edition (2020) adds contributions from King's two sons, Joe Hill and Owen.
The book is organized into five sections: "C.V.", where King highlights events in his life that influenced his writing; "What Writing Is", where King urges the reader to take writing seriously; "Toolbox", discussing English mechanics; "On Writing", where King details his advice to aspiring writers; and "On Living: A Postscript", where he describes his roadside accident and how it affected his life.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Science fiction
- Horror
- Biography
- Memoir
- Authors, biography
- Personal Memoirs
- Writing
- American Novelists
2 What to expect
Half memoir, half writing manual: Stephen King tells how he became a writer, from his early attempts to be published through his marriage and his success, and then sets out his working advice. The advice is plain and practical, covering vocabulary, grammar, habits of work and revision, and the book closes with his account of the road accident that nearly ended his life. It is frank, funny and conversational, and it needs no knowledge of his novels.
Good for readers who want: practical writing advice, a writer's memoir, and a frank, funny voice.
3 About Stephen King
Bio adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
4 More by Stephen King
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