Scan barcode
A review by julielbrownwrites
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
5.0
This book is a must read for every writer. I purchased On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft on the recommendation from several writers. Given that it is written by Stephen King, a prolific writer of long books, I expected this to be a large book. Surprisingly, the book is less than 300 pages, but it is packed with information useful to writers who want to become better at their craft.
The first part of the book is autobiographical. There is minimal information about his personal life, but the anecdotes that are included in the book are pertinent to his writing and life as a writer. I believe this is the point; a writer does not have to give a lot of detail for a reader to understand the gist of what the writer wants to convey. Further, the writing seems honest: from the rejections, the doubts, and the disappointments to the euphoria of selling his first novel. This book makes you feel as if you are reading the real deal from someone who has been where you have been and who now is where you want to go.
In the second part of the book, he gives the reader the tools that every writer needs in his or her toolbox and a clear explanation of how he approaches his craft.
I do not say this often anymore; this is a book I will read again and again. It should be on every writer’s bookshelf.
The first part of the book is autobiographical. There is minimal information about his personal life, but the anecdotes that are included in the book are pertinent to his writing and life as a writer. I believe this is the point; a writer does not have to give a lot of detail for a reader to understand the gist of what the writer wants to convey. Further, the writing seems honest: from the rejections, the doubts, and the disappointments to the euphoria of selling his first novel. This book makes you feel as if you are reading the real deal from someone who has been where you have been and who now is where you want to go.
In the second part of the book, he gives the reader the tools that every writer needs in his or her toolbox and a clear explanation of how he approaches his craft.
I do not say this often anymore; this is a book I will read again and again. It should be on every writer’s bookshelf.