| On Writing | |
|---|---|
 First edition cover |
|
| Author | Stephen King |
| Illustrator | none |
| Cover artist | Lisa Litwak |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Subject(s) | Autobiography, Writing |
| Publisher | Scribner |
| Publication date | October 3, 2000 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 297 |
| ISBN | 0684853523 |
| Preceded by | Nightmares in the Sky |
| Followed by | Secret Windows |
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft is an autobiography and writing guide by Stephen King, published during 2000. It is a book about the prolific author's experiences as a writer. Although he discusses several of his books, one doesn't need to have read them or even be familiar with them to read On Writing.
In 2008, Entertainment Weekly listed On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft 21st on their list of The New Classics: Books - The 100 best reads from 1983 to 2008, making it King's only entry.[1]
Synopsis
The first section of the book is an autobiography mainly concerning King's early exposure to fiction and his childhood attempts at writing. He describes his early attempts to get published, his success with his first novel Carrie, and his subsequent development as an extremely popular author. King also discusses his problems with drugs and alcohol.
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.
The third section is once again autobiographical and 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 UK paperback version, a short story by Garret Adams entitled "Jumper" was included at the end of the book. It was the winner of the On Writing competition.
Appearances in other media
In Roger Ebert's review of the 2004 movie Secret Window (based on King's Secret Window, Secret Garden), he states "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."
References
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