On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

On Writing
First edition cover
AuthorStephen King
Cover artistLisa Litwak
SubjectsAutobiography, writing
Published
  • 2000 (Scribner; original)
  • 2010 (10th anniversary edition)
2020 (20th anniversary edition)
Publication placeUnited States
Pages288 (2000)
ISBN978-0684853529
Preceded byNightmares in the Sky 
Followed bySecret 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]

  1. ^ "The New Classics: Books: The 100 Best Reads from 1983 to 2008" Entertainment Weekly, issue #999–1000, June 27, 2008.
  2. ^ Johnson, Sharon (October 1, 2000). "King terrifies with account of accident". The Patriot-News. p. E04 – via Access World News.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ 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.