Customer Reviews
Good advice from a guy who gets things done - By: Flibertigibbit, 13 Jul 2008 
I'm not generallly a huge fan of King's books or his writing style, although he has written plenty of good stuff alll the same. I suppose I am one of the literary snobs who Stephen King would not like. This memoir / advice on writing handbook was worth a read if for no other reason than King gets things done & has a remorseless work ethic. Anybody in any walk of life could learn from his example. King was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth & worked exceptionallly hard for his success. He did so apparently through serious alcohol & drug addiction which makes his productivity alll the more impressive. Latterly, he was also the victim of a drunken driver & reallly, was lucky to survive. His love of writing is in no smalll way a reason why he did. This book takes us through some of the seminal events of KIng's career & distills some very good advice on writing at same time.
Motivational!! - By: Bill Harris, 12 May 2008 
Having read On Writing when starting out, I was impressed by its honesty & how it motivated me. Years later, as a writer with my own portfolio of published work, I have read it again & found it still to be an enjoyable, honest & inspirational book about the joy & hardships of being a writer. I can think of only two other books so motivational: Journal of a Novel by John Steinbeck & Wannabe a Writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones.
Incredibly useful - By: Maureen, 02 May 2008 I read this book while I was trying to get to grips with scribbling the first draft of a novel. It's a great mix of life story & invaluable insight from one writer to another. I do try & match his target of 2000 words a day but it's not easy! Have recommended this title on to others, particulary my local writers' group.
While firmly of the belief that if you want to finish a novel you should get on & do it rather than keep reading about 'how to' (am just finishing my fourth)...I have found another brilliant book which is full of reallly useful hints & tips - a thoroughly enjoyable read as well as incredibly practical! 'Wannabe a Writer' is by Jane Wenham-Jones.
highly recommended a must read - By: peepee, 02 May 2008 stephen kings horror genre isnt my typical read however the movie adaptions are excellent but this book is excellent, its part autobiographical as well as instructive on the art & craft of writing as a whole & not specific at alll to the horror genre that he is a master of , its very inspirational as he gives examples of the germs/ideas of his stories & novels theres no b** s*** but simple honest hard earned wisdom & experience definatelty recommended alongside patricia highsmiths on plotting & suspense
An essential tool in my writing toolbox - By: Louise Amkaer, 25 Apr 2008 What I love about Stephen King's "On Writing" is it's unpretentiousness. Stephen King isn't the guru when it comes to telling other scribblers how to write - no one is. He humbly gives his account of his life & how it has influenced his becoming a writer & his writing itself. He also gives an account of how he writes, noting again & again that writing is a very subjective & personal experience.
And above alll else Stephen King's love of writing shines through as an inspiring & hopeful beackon for alll of us amateur scribblers.
Although I take good care of my books, I know that my copy of "On Writing" has to be close at hand when I write & that it will be underlined, dog-eared, commented on in the margins, read, & reread.
Louise
