 First edition cover | |
| Author | Stephen King |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Lisa Litwak |
| Subjects | Autobiography, writing |
| Published |
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| Publication place | United States |
| Pages | 288 (2000) |
| ISBN | 978-0684853529 |
| Preceded by | Nightmares in the Sky |
| Followed by | Secret Windows: Essays and Fiction on the Craft of Writing |
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft is a memoir by American author Stephen King that describes his experiences as a writer and his advice for aspiring writers. Originally published in 2000 by Charles Scribner's Sons, it was King's first book after he was involved in a car accident a year earlier. Scribner has published two expanded editions: The 10th Anniversary Edition (2010) has an updated reading list from King; and the 20th Anniversary Edition (2020) adds contributions from King's two sons, Joe Hill and Owen.
The book is organized into five sections: "C.V.", where King highlights events in his life that influenced his writing; "What Writing Is", where King urges the reader to take writing seriously; "Toolbox", discussing English mechanics; "On Writing", where King details his advice to aspiring writers; and "On Living: A Postscript", where he describes his roadside accident and how it affected his life.
In 2008, Entertainment Weekly included On Writing on their "The New Classics: Books – The 100 best reads from 1983 to 2008" list.[1] In their reviews, Sharon Johnson of The Patriot-News and Julie Woo of Associated Press praised King's advice as "solid".[2][3] John Mark Eberhart of the Sunday Free Lance-Star called King's writing advice "pedestrian", but ultimately concluded that On Writing was "a slight but transitionally important work that should lead [King] to better things."[4]
- ^ "The New Classics: Books: The 100 Best Reads from 1983 to 2008" Entertainment Weekly, issue #999–1000, June 27, 2008.
- ^ Johnson, Sharon (October 1, 2000). "King terrifies with account of accident". The Patriot-News. p. E04 – via Access World News.
- ^ Woo, Julie (October 29, 2000). "It's great to be the king – THE MASTER SPEAKS: Stephen King 's writing is his life and his life is writing". Ventura County Star. Associated Press. pp. J05 – via Access World News.
- ^ Eberhart, John Mark (October 15, 2000). "Not exactly the King of instructors". Sunday Free Lance-Star. Vol. 114, no. 289. Fredericksburg, Virginia. p. F7. Retrieved September 13, 2015.