On Writing - Stephen King

Stephen King all the way

I was not sure of what to expect from Stephen King's book 'On writing', since I had not read much of his 'horror novels' but I was pleasantly surprised. The book is spot on. I enjoyed reading Stephen King's journey into writing as well as the finer details on ways to improve the craft. I liked his method, which is all about having a minimum of three go's at any piece of writing. The first is absolutely private, the second is with a self-critical eye and the third is based around considering other people's views of the writing. The book inspired me to write. I absolutely recommend this book.

Non-fiction authors get this, and get this good...

Speaking as a non-fiction author (including books on how to write non-fiction) I heartily recommend you read this all-time classic by Stephen King. Why? Because as I suggested when recently I reviewed Jurgen Wolff's similarly entrancing book, the days of boring, stiff and uninviting "text books" are well and truly over. Non-fiction writers of the 21st century need to learn almost as much about drama, story-telling and entertainment in their writing as the novelist does, because now if you're going to hold your non-fiction readers' attention you need to entertain as well as inform and educate. They're getting picky, and I don't blame them. Why should they be bored by dry, tedious text? So let's learn from Stephen and other wizards like him, and deliver non-fiction that really gets to people's hearts.

Best book on the craft and habits of writing bar none.

I used to harrumph about Stephen King because I was a bit of a literary snob. Not now. This is a great book that every writer should have on their shelf. It contains searing honesty, wit and hard won wisdom about the writing life and more importantly about life itself and what it is to be human. Stephen King is a great writer and proof that great success is no bar to great writing.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Fascinating stuff. I loved the personal stories but the writing advise is what this book is all about. I couldn't put it down, even though I'm not a Stephen King fan.

Really interesting

A great book for wannabe writers and Stephen King fans. Lots of helpful writing tips and another insight into Stephen King's past. Reading this is like listening to an old friend. Great idea for a book.