Mr King, This book was a very useful tool. It was recommended to me by my Writer's Craft teacher, and having literally just finished it I feel like I learned a great deal from someone with experience. The most useful thing I read was the reassurance that I don't need to know the entire plot when beginning a story; I have been told otherwise many a time and have subsequently abandoned a few ideas, which I am now considering picking up again to see where they go. I also thought about what you said concerning honesty in dialogue, and it has helped me when writing dialogue that just doesn't sound right. I am very glad you decided to pick the book back up after your accident because it contained lots of good advice and practical tips on writing which will help me with future projects. It felt, in all honesty, like a vote of confidence. That was greatly appreciated! Thanks again for the uncomplicated, honest read - it was refreshing.
Posted By: Horror Whore - 09/20/2009 - 1:43 PM EST
There isn't much I can say about Stephen King that hasn't been said before concerning his stunning ability to creep out even the most skeptical amongst us, but I will try. I first met up with Stephen's craft through his story, Carrie, which had just been turned into a movie. After that, I went out and purchased anything I could find that he wrote. 'It' screwed with me for months after I read it. Who knew something as mundane as brushing my teeth or washing dishes could forever be changed into something that might turn sinister at a moment's notice--Stephen's notice. I ripped right through Pet Sematary, moving along to a whole host of other horrors by the King, every once in awhile, throwing in something by Clive Barker or one of 'the others' to lighten things up. As I grew through my early twenties, Stephen's influence grew right along with me. Cujo came along and changed my view of those whiskey toting, life-saving dogs forever. Salem's Lot made me buy my first set of mini-blinds and The Shining, well, I live in Oregon, not far from Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge. The flavor of my stays there definitely changed after seeing Jack's famous "Honey I'm home!" scene. Do I regret it--this loss of innocence and fear of the unknown Stephen's books have instilled in me? Not one iota! No way, no how! In the early nineties, I purchased my first copy of King's masterpiece, 'The Stand.' I say 'first copy' because I currently own four. Why so many? I just can't seem to get past a garage sale, book sale or (creepy) estate sale without purchasing one if I find it. This book is AMAZING! It is also the only book I have ever lent out that comes back to me after being read. I think it is because the reader cannot deny its existence after reading it. I was also able to pick the entire movie up and I have those tapes stashed away with the rest of my dark treasures. Three years ago, just as I was embarking on my own writing career, I had the opportunity to purchase 'Stephen King On Writing, A Memoir of the Craft.' This, I believe, has been the biggest influence in my writing style. I would never be able to thank Mr. King enough, for writing it, and releasing it to DVD, so it could be listened to on those days when sitting down to a book was just not an option. I spent many days, buzzing around my house, managing daily housework and chores with those dvds blasting through the hallways. My teens, who usually don't like anything that isn't part of their i-pod library, actually listened right along with me when they were home. Stephen's stories about growing up had them in giggle fits, but then the under-current about what his younger years were probably really like, would come in and knock us off our feet. Coming from a less than conventional childhood myself, with a abusive alcoholic dad and a mom that died at forty-one, I remembered my ability to make the best of even the worst, and know in my heart, this is the one gift I hold in common, with one of the greatest writers of our time, Stephen King. This small tie gave me the confidence I needed to write, and with the help of his instructional audiobook, I have graduated from 'writer' to 'author'. I have managed, this year alone, to sell nine short stories to five different anthologies, mainly horror. No--not a big publisher, but also not a vanity press or just an e-book release. I can't even describe the thrill of going into someplace like Barnes and Nobles and being able to order a book that I have work in. The bigger thrill will be when I don't have to order it because it is already occupying space on their book shelf! I think the best complement of my life came a few years back, when a writer's critique circle I had joined told me they could tell I had been heavily influenced by writers like Stephen King. They said that my story had actually scared several of them into checking their locks, looking under beds, etc. Hats off--all credit to Stephen. I was and am learning from the best. If you want to write, and write well enough to sell what you write, don't hesitate, go now and get anything and everything Stephen has written, but especially 'On Writing', that one is of the utmost importance in jump-starting your career. A personal note to Mr. King, on the off chance (hey, one never knows) that he would ever have the time or inclination to read things written for and about him; Mr. King, you have been, and continue to be (just purchased Nightmares & Dreamscapes) the largest POSITIVE influence in my writing life. I do idolize you, but not in a stalker type of way,lol. I have lived your advice and pass it on to other perspective writers on their way to the dream of someday being an author. Your influence might just someday drag me out of debt with my own first best-seller, who knows? And I gotta tell you, it couldn't come at a better time. I think my husband and I are at that point in our lives where we need that huge little financial miracle. If I could make that happen--you don't even know. . . but then again, I am sure you do. At any rate, you are helping me get there, one baby step at a time, but I am taking them. You are my mentor and I feel blessed and cursed all at once, when I think of what you have taught me. Blessed, because for a small price, I am learning from the best; cursed because ever since I have taken that first book of yours and curled up to read it, every other author's work seems robotic and lifeless. I can't even count how many books sit unread in my library today because I can't get past the first chapter. I can't live their books like I can live within the pages of yours, running along with those kids in Stand By Me when they are trying to get across those rail-road tracks or trying not to ride the Silver Bullet, while keeping a close eye on Christine, hoping I don't have to camp out in her to escape Cujo. You gave my imagination feet and I run pretty fast when I am scared shitless.
Posted By: Anonymous - 09/13/2009 - 6:16 PM EST
Hey you, ever et raw meat?
Posted By: Herb - 09/06/2009 - 1:54 AM EST
for many years,i always find myself in every trade books just to find stephen king books,and in 10 years i only found one,your heart of atlantis,which brought myself on the verge of tears,after that i hunt his articles,short stories,essays,etc, in our school lib.He haunt me when i heared his new book,on writing.My God Im in the 3rd world philippines,where do i get it.....
Posted By: Runaway Pastor - 09/01/2009 - 3:51 PM EST
On Writing is the most encouraging and realistic book on writing I have read. I am about to be published for the first time, and Mr. King's advice led me through the process all the way. I felt like I knew him after the reading, and will always be grateful for the lessons in life and craft. Peace.
Posted By: Taylor - 08/13/2009 - 2:02 PM EST
Hi, Mr. King. I'm a 16-year-old high-school student that has read almost every book you've ever written, and I love them. You have inspired me greatly to start writing novels, and when I succeed, I will gladly dedicate my first on too you!
Posted By: Ryan Stackhouse - 08/11/2009 - 3:17 PM EST
This is THE BEST book on wirting ever written. I say this because I have read a lot of them and this is the only one that doesn't say, "In order to write, one must do this and this and this." Mr. King simply states how he goes about writing and suggests it may or may not work for others. One thing he does stress, and i agree with: "If you don't have time to read, you don't have time or the tools to write." And it's just as intense as most of his fiction, too.
Posted By: Prakash - 07/29/2009 - 9:39 PM EST
On page 215, Alma points out Janet Leigh swallows when she is dead. Maybe Hitchcock corrected the mistake but still left one - Janet's pupils don't dilate. That happens a little earlier before the heart stops.
Posted By: Flickered - 07/27/2009 - 11:01 AM EST
Even though it was required reading for me it was great! Funny and serious, more enjoyable than I thought! First King book I've ever read. This is just a little note on the subject ***My LIttle Nell came to her mother's rescue and stabbed Dick in the leg causing him to fall backwards down the stairs. Let's just say Jane never has to worry again...***
Posted By: Gary Welty - 07/26/2009 - 8:17 PM EST
Hello Mr. King. My name is Gary Welty, and I have read many of your novels and have seen many of the movies based on your novels. I enjoyed all of them. I am currently reading "On Writing." I am nearly 59 years old. I am a retired chemist, and spent most of my life involved in my chosen career. My wife of 34 years passed away 3 years ago. I now find that I have a vast amount of time on my hands. I also have an outline of a book in my head that needs to be let out! I have only written technical papers (and required English submissions) up to this point in my life. My main concern is that the telling of this story will reveal untold secrects from my past, and will alter certain friendships forever! I am not planning to be a professional writer, but I need to get this tale on paper. It involves romance, hardship, devotion, longing, betrayal, regret, reconcilliation, and loss. I would appreciate any thoughts that you might provide. Best regards, Gary Welty P.S. I did write a unique piece an the "inverted Dick & Jane" assignment!
Posted By: Txmatt - 07/22/2009 - 3:21 PM EST
I'm not a writer. I love to read about writing...strange I know. What's even more weird is I have read this book 2 times and picked through a third time??? WTF? It's a really great book.
Posted By: Chopstix - 07/12/2009 - 10:42 PM EST
While writing a novel in 2006, I stumbled on a practice of writing similar to the one Stephen King describes in On Writing. As the rejection notes piled up, I entertained my friends advice. They all suggested formulaic ways of producing a book. My step son, who now teaches high school English, gave me a copy of On Writing for Christmas. I read On Writing with joy, the joy of a prisoner set free. You can create characters, put them in situations, let them breathe and, with a little effort, craft a story. I dont know if Im a bad writer with oversized ego or a competent writer aspiring to the good status, but the next time some-one insists on story boarding and plot points, I can pull On Writing off the shelf and throw it at them exclaiming There is another way to write and it can be successful. I wrote my version of the writing exercise hoping to post it on this site. It was to be my expression of gratitude. The FAQ informed me that opportunity has passed. Shame. I never thought Stephen King would actually read it, but it would have been nice to share it with other fans of On Writing and perhaps read theirs. Oh, well, I can always post it on writing.com or some other writing site.
Posted By: Nicki - 07/12/2009 - 9:45 PM EST
I took a Creative Writing class last year to meet a Gen. Ed requirement for my BA of Science in Business. Taking this class reminded at nearly 40 years old that when I was a young girl, I wanted to be a writer when I grow up. That dream was forgotten in the business of my life, motherhood, work...you know, the usual things that side- track people from their real dreams. Since the class and a taste of my forgotten passion, there is no doubt, writing was more in my heart than I realized. But my life is no different with this revelation than it was without, so I did nothing. Reading On Writing this year has made a profound difference in how I see this revelation. I can write for ME. I can improve my writing for ME. My husband (IR) loves my writing and we can enjoy it together. What surprised me is how many story ideas I have that I never gave much thought to until I was in the midst of this book. I couldnt wait to finish the book so I can begin writing! Thank you Mr. King, this book will always be close at hand (and at heart) for me.
Posted By: Jason - 06/30/2009 - 7:24 PM EST
Aw. Who am I kidding? This book is great. Still...On Story: a Memoir of the Art. Sounds like a bestseller.
Posted By: Anonymous - 06/30/2009 - 7:07 PM EST
I've heard people say this is the best book for fiction writing. It's not. This book doesn't teach fiction. It doesn't offer insights on storytelling. It's mostly about grammar and the writing life. There's really no insight here on what fiction rules King followed when he wrote his early books. He mentions he used to have new ideas on storytelling everyday. On Story. I'd love to read that book.
Posted By: Amy - 06/19/2009 - 12:54 PM EST
Thanks Steve for writing this book! Amazing!
Posted By: Duff - 06/19/2009 - 11:12 AM EST
Dear Mr. King, This book has really inspired--not to mention enlightened me. I have only one question. If you think you (as in the general populous) wrote a good chapter of any genre of story, and the critics think it need major work...well does it? I put-forth my own writing style on what i write, but i really don't know if it is well-written or not. What do u suggest me to do? Listen to the critics, leave it as it is, or re-write the story? (also, you rock...)
Posted By: Smartin289 - 04/22/2009 - 4:03 PM EST
This is a truly great work on the skill of writing, communication- where you are really able to get into someone's head, who feels the same as you and hook neurons together; I loved "...in the same room, ... we are close,"; shakespeare is really in there working on my neurons...wow.
Posted By: -The Road Virus- - 03/30/2009 - 9:33 AM EST
I agree with Don in regards to On Writing, I felt as if someone was speaking the words to me, it's so well written, inspiring and intriguing. I hope Stephen continues writing the type of stories that made him this famous.
Posted By: Hattonator - 02/28/2009 - 8:04 PM EST
Stephen, I'm glad the question about the question came up one day between you and Amy Tan, because you captured what it takes to get the language right, PLUS so much more. I thought a published writer had to put in 8-10 hour days of writing and had to have a plot set in place before starting the novel. No reason, just thought it had to be. Now I have a workable plan and I'm writing and I'm having a blast. Even if I never get published, On Writing changed my life for the better. Thanks for taking the time to write it and please thank Amy Tan for me. Chris Hatton
Posted By: Don - 02/27/2009 - 10:52 PM EST
I was a lukewarm Stephen King fan - I loved The Stand, Cujo, Misery and Different Seasons, but thought some of his other books were boring - until a friend urged me to read On Writing. Now I am a HUGE fan. Thank you, Stephen, for writing such a fantastic book. It is one of the best books I have ever read. I refer to it often; it is encouraging and very inspiring. Crazy as it sounds, it seems like you are "talking" directly to me when I read it. Thanks again, Stephen. You are truly The Master.
Posted By: Bryan - 02/26/2009 - 1:57 PM EST
i haven't read a Stephen King book yet either. My Creative Writing teacher suggested this to me to help me with my writing. I love this book. It is very very well written, not a boring memoir in the slightest. He touches on many key points that I find myself having issues with and he tells me ways he resolves them which has been very helpful.
Posted By: Christine Genovese. - 02/23/2009 - 5:30 PM EST
I've just finished reading "On Writing" published by Pocket Books. The C.V. part had primed me for the promised telepathic communion. I loved the energy of ch. 1 & 2 of the Toolbox. But I'd only just turned over p.115 of ch.3 when the vibes snapped. Ch.3 of the Toolbox is so full of blatant errors that your credibility in the area of the mechanics of writing collapsed. "THE PASSIVE TENSE"... How could you? The sporadic use of the correct term, "the passive voice", only aggravates the impression of carelessness. It also makes ch.11 of "On Writing" sound false. Such careful labours of editing, revision, redrafting... Double-checked by friends, your wife, copyeditors. And no one noticed the "passive tense" howler? The adverbs too have proliferated worse than dandelions in that chapter. "Usually" being the worst offender. I'll quote just one example (p.118) "the writer usually expresses fear of not being taken seriously." Two -ly adverbs plus the passive voice. If it's a joke, it's a poor one. It's ten years since you wrote that book. It's time to weed out the inconsistencies (euphemism!). Christine Genovese.
Posted By: Don - 02/23/2009 - 3:28 PM EST
Mr. King. I wanted to thank you for writing this book. I am new to writing and have read several books on writing, but listening to yours I realized that it doesn't have to be scary. I may never sell a book, but I will definetly write a few. Thank You.
Posted By: Hattonator - 02/22/2009 - 1:07 PM EST
Stephen, My name is Chris Hatton. Thank You for this treasure, and please give my thanks to Amy Tan ( I've done some remodeling work for her, although she probably won't remember me). I was inspired to start writing because you made it simple. I've always thought that writing MUST be a full-time job. Not now. I commit to two hours per day, and I have NOTHING to lose! Writing is a blast! The memoir of your life also inspired me. My wife has encouraged me to write my stories for years. Take Care. I hope you are feeling well.
Posted By: Caitlyn - 01/29/2009 - 5:44 PM EST
Hi, So I'm reading this book for a Writing class at an art school so I don't have any intentions of becoming a writer. The one thing that really bothered me in this book is when you talked about taking away the music lessons from your son. From what I understood, the kid was seven. Most likely he was learning the basics in lessons, and his body isn't even developed enough to play that kind of instrument. You mentioned how he only practiced in his designated time, and didn't experiment with it. I began music lessons at a young age, and was learning violin and viola. There were so many times when I wasn't interested and barely practiced the amount I was supposed to, but I knew I wanted to play the instrument before I began like your son, so I know I was interested. Maybe since he was doing basics and did not have the attention span to experiment, is why he did not practice more than he had to. I just would have really regretted if I quit when I was young, because I fell in love with it as I grew older. I really feel like you took the opportunity away from your son just because he wasn't some instant prodigy. I feel bad for your kid, and you will never know what potential he might have had. Playing a musical instrument is extremely rewarding and enjoyable when you grow old enough to appreciate it. He'll never know. Caitlyn
Posted By: Insomnia - 01/18/2009 - 4:11 AM EST
This is not "just" a memoir or musings on the craft. To me, it has all the markings of a solid piece of Literature with a capital "L" - I can't put it down, I cry at all the right parts, there are chunks of it that are both inspired and inspiring - and somehow the weight of it feels good, heavy, solid. I stop every twenty-five pages or so, close the book, look at the cover, hold it in my hands, and I think: This is a good book. Thank you, Stephen King.
Posted By: MJ - 01/12/2009 - 5:32 PM EST
Thanks to Mr. King for writing a wonderful and insightful book. I saved for a long time to make the trip to the city and the B&N book store was like visiting heaven. I was able to pick up this book finally and have read it three times. Thank you so much!
Posted By: Joshua - 01/10/2009 - 2:49 AM EST
I'll be honest, I've never read a Stephen King novel in my life--until a theatre friend of mine put his book, On Writing, in my hands. Let's just say I've never been more inspired in my life. This book is so honest and blunt, what's not to love? At first, I thought to myself, "What's the point of all these childhood snippets?" But then when Stephen talks about being FORMED as a writer, not BORN into it, well, it made a lot of sense to me. It encouraged me to write, not for money or fame, but simply for the hell of it. It doesn't matter if anyone reads my childhood snippets, just as long as getting them down on paper helps ME to learn and grow as a writer, that's what truly matters. Well, Mr. King, I hope you get to read my plays, novels, short stories, and "creative nonfiction" on the bookshelves of your local USED bookstore one day (used stores are the best stores). Until then, I can't wait to start reading the rest of your novels. Thank you for being yourself.
Posted By: Mithrandir - 12/19/2008 - 1:48 PM EST
This is an inspiring read. It inspired me to write even more than I do now.
Posted By: AmareS - 11/28/2008 - 9:42 PM EST
great book, i got to know a lot about stephen king. it inspires me to become a writer :D
Posted By: Ed - 11/24/2008 - 1:15 AM EST
Simply outstanding scribble. Well worth the read. I was disappointed to find out King doesn't dig up heads from the local cemetery, reanimate them and write down verbatim what croaks from their lips, but that's about the only complaint I have...
Posted By: Patronuz - 11/12/2008 - 2:10 PM EST
I have decided to take the chance and become a writer, something I have wanted to do for years (33yrs old as we speak) and I found this book to hold the keys I needed to get started. I did the exercise listed in the book about Dick and Jane and upon finishing it, I felt liberated in a way I have never felt before. I have been a avid reader since I was a child and I have been a fan almost as long (I read different seasons at 12). Thank you for all the awesome stories along the way, and thank you for this book which has given light onto the road I will now travel...Sarah
Posted By: Mobiusman - 11/11/2008 - 8:15 PM EST
What a great time did I find this book. I was going through stuff and was thinking of my failed attempt at film school then being 1 year into marriage, "what the hell am I going to do?" kept creeping into my head. I loved writing when I was younger. I picked up the book, because of a news report I heard of the accident. I was hit by a car when I was 12. I developed my fractured sense of humor then, but I'm feeling much better now... This book gives me the nuts bolts and a screw to figure out my story. My life story as painful as it is. Thanks little Stevie!
Posted By: Gamma Graecisso - 11/07/2008 - 11:53 AM EST
I think this book is fantastic especially for those interesting in writing. It covers everything so completely and the addition of Stephen King's own life into the novel gives you hope that, maybe, some day, you can be like him.
Posted By: Vlad - 10/03/2008 - 9:00 PM EST
I think it is a good book because of the experiences and life style you have and you share your life and job experience. So that the readers would get a good picture of what you are trying to say in this book.
Posted By: BDB - 09/23/2008 - 7:00 PM EST
If you're thinking about writing a book, you must read this book, it gives you tips about writing, things you might have thought about, but things your english teacher would frown on. I'm currently working on my own book, and with this book, i feel that my piece will be stronger and better when i send it off for publishing consideration.
Posted By: Vane En Cuba - 09/17/2008 - 10:00 PM EST
I think that it is a fantastic book, it is not a horror o mistery book, but is a mistery to be a good writer, to be a good or a bad writer it up to you, I am a fourt semester student of Social Comunications, I am 18 years old, but I dreams all day to be a good person y tobe an excelent worker , I do not speak and write a good english but I am tring to do it, my native languajes is spanish. Thanks Stephen King for open my eyes to be a good write, and for to share in this book your thinkings, when I write my first book, be sure I will send to you.
Posted By: Sylvanna Rayne - 09/09/2008 - 10:24 PM EST
What a perfect tool the laws of synchronicity have dropped into my hands! This book is wonderful. Whether or not you've gotten the urge to have faith in yourself and start coming "boldy to the blank page," this book will provide you with a great read. It is entertaining, down to earth, and refreshing. Thanks again, Stephen King. My single regret in reading this book is to find that I am pathetically late for the "drop me a line"/share your story exercise. After the assignment was given, I naively closed the book and wrote 5 pages of story on the spot to test my skill at uncovering a fossil! After squealing with excitement at this opportunity, I popped on here to discover that entries are (reasonably) no longer being accepted. BUMMER- "FUHGEDDABOUDIT!" Still, it was a wonderful and inspiring exercise, and I urge fellow readers to try it out.
Posted By: Anomalia - 09/08/2008 - 5:13 PM EST
I've only just discovered this book at the local supermarket, but I wish I had earlier. I really enjoy Mr. King's novels, though I cannot say that I am one of the biggest living fans. Still, this book in particular gives me the tools to hope I may actually take up writing myself. By far the best writing course anyone could wish for. And also scaringly complete and easy (I'm still trying to figure out what's wrong in that, because in school they tell you that writing is difficult, it is for the elite, for the chosen ones, it's something to read about and dream about, and all this crap makes you feel like you were born 100 years too late to write anything worth reading). Amazingly enough, although the "course" is clearly intended for the American public, it also applies for the Romanian one. With the right translator, of course. Thank you Stephen King for the vote of confidence and for letting us have a full tour of your toolbox.
Posted By: TIpTOp - 09/02/2008 - 7:25 AM EST
I think, it's a very complicated book: isn't horror, or scary...but i feel so that's a Stephen King Book. Anyway i try to write a book and this is very helpful me! Thank You STEPHEN KING
Posted By: Sind - 09/01/2008 - 3:52 PM EST
Great book recommended to me by Margaret Weis. Very down to earth and to the point. Too bad I found it 8 years after the assignment submissions closed.
Posted By: Danilo Ruffo - 08/27/2008 - 2:46 PM EST
My Bible.
Posted By: Connie Wonnie - 08/12/2008 - 1:55 PM EST
this is a really good book ,it inspires me to become a writer! i love stephen king!
