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On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (A Memoir of the Craft (Reissue)) Paperback – June 2, 2020

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 19,173 ratings

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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF WRITING with fresh testimonials from fellow writers about why they love Stephen King and On Writing—and a few new words on the joy of writing from King himself.

*ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S TOP 100 NONFICTION BOOKS OF ALL TIME*

Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, this special edition of Stephen King’s critically lauded, million-copy bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work.

“Long live the King” hailed
Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it—fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The best book about writing ever written." The Guardian

"A one-of-a-kind classic."
The Wall Street Journal

"This is a special book, animated by a unique intelligence, and filled with useful truth."
—Michael Chabon

"
On Writing had more useful and observant things to say about the craft than any book since Strunk and White's The Elements of Style."—Roger Ebert

“The best book on writing. Ever.”
The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)

About the Author

Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes Never Flinch (May 2025), the short story collection You Like It Darker (a New York Times Book Review top ten horror book of 2024), Holly (a New York Times Notable Book of 2023), Fairy Tale, Billy Summers, If It Bleeds, The Institute, Elevation, The Outsider, Sleeping Beauties (cowritten with his son Owen King), and the Bill Hodges trilogy: End of Watch, Finders Keepers, and Mr. Mercedes (an Edgar Award winner for Best Novel and a television series streaming on Peacock). His novel 11/22/63 was named a top ten book of 2011 by The New York Times Book Review and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Mystery/Thriller. His epic works The Dark Tower, It, Pet Sematary, Doctor Sleep, and Firestarter are the basis for major motion pictures, with It now the highest-grossing horror film of all time. He is the recipient of the 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2018 PEN America Literary Service Award, the 2014 National Medal of Arts, and the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He lives in Bangor, Maine, with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scribner; Reissue edition (June 2, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1982159375
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1982159375
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 5 years and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.38 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 19,173 ratings

About the author

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Stephen King
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Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes the short story collection YOU LIKE IT DARKER, HOLLY (a New York Times Notable Book of 2023), FAIRY TALE, BILLY SUMMERS, IF IT BLEEDS, THE INSTITUTE, ELEVATION, THE OUTSIDER, SLEEPING BEAUTIES (cowritten with his son Owen King), and the Bill Hodges trilogy: END OF WATCH, FINDERS KEEPERS, and MR. MERCEDES (an Edgar Award winner for Best Novel and a television series streaming on Peacock). His novel 11/22/63 was named a top ten book of 2011 by The New York Times Book Review and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Mystery/Thriller. His epic works THE DARK TOWER, IT, PET SEMATARY, DOCTOR SLEEP, and FIRESTARTER are the basis for major motion pictures, with IT now the highest-grossing horror film of all time. He is the recipient of the 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2018 PEN America Literary Service Award, the 2014 National Medal of Arts, and the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He lives in Bangor, Maine, with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.

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4.7 out of 5 stars
19,173 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and insightful. They appreciate the practical writing advice and clear explanations of the author's writing process. The story is described as believable, touching, and well-written. Readers describe the memoir as a literary autobiography that blends together with the writing guide. The humor and anecdotes are also appreciated.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

1,337 customers mention "Readability"1,311 positive26 negative

Customers find the book engaging and interesting. They say it's a great resource for aspiring authors and a good read. Readers praise it as an inspirational and entertaining book that makes them feel welcome.

"...he does give hope to the decent writer and encourages a strict reading and writing regimen in order to learn what to do, what not to do and, of..." Read more

"...It's a book that warrants a slow, thoughtful read and it will be a reference book on my shelf for years to come...." Read more

"...It is nice and fun to be entertained, but it's even nicer to learn something as well, or to provoke a meaningful question or moral or message...." Read more

"This is one of my new most favorite books, ever. I adore it so, so much. *ADORE* it...." Read more

1,095 customers mention "Insight"1,079 positive16 negative

Customers appreciate the author's insight and useful advice. They find the book engaging with anecdotes and valuable information. The author provides practical advice on reading, writing, and getting published. Overall, readers find the book encouraging and frank.

"...The book, as a whole, is perfect for what it is: a teacher and entertainer, written by one of this country’s most prolific and recognizable authors..." Read more

"...LIKE - I liked King's frank advice. One of the biggest things he repeats is the need for writers to be active with both their reading and writing...." Read more

"...This was very revealing and enlightening. Although I do wish he had discussed his book, "Rage". I was really wondering about that one...." Read more

"...have as a writer and how he has overcome it all through a wonderful, optimistic, “never give up” attitude, with faith in his love of writing...." Read more

1,081 customers mention "Writing quality"1,049 positive32 negative

Customers find the book provides in-depth writing advice, covering everything from composing a story to dealing with agents. They appreciate the author's practical approach to the craft and his method of writing without input. The book is described as a wonderful resource for new writers and a page-turner.

"...However, he does give hope to the decent writer and encourages a strict reading and writing regimen in order to learn what to do, what not to do and..." Read more

"...RECOMMEND - Yes. On Writing is a wonderful resource for new writers or writers wanting to take steps to get their stories published...." Read more

"...-important parts were narration, description, dialogue, backstory, vocabulary and grammar. And, of course, the most important thing of all is story...." Read more

"...Stephen King is my hero. He really is. He gets it. Writing is healing. And this book is a treasure. So write on." Read more

499 customers mention "Story quality"495 positive4 negative

Customers find the stories compelling and touching. They appreciate the author's life story and writing style. Readers mention that the narrative is full of applicable anecdotes that inspire them to try their hand at fiction.

"...If you're a King fan, this is a must read. His stories are so well know, that even the ones that I've not read or seen a film adaptation of, I knew..." Read more

"...these most-important parts were narration, description, dialogue, backstory, vocabulary and grammar...." Read more

"...On Writing is a compelling, forthright narrative on what obstacles aspiring authors might expect to encounter on their personal journeys toward self..." Read more

"...I find Stephen King fascinating as a writer and a storyteller even just from reading "On Writing"...." Read more

274 customers mention "Autobiography"250 positive24 negative

Customers find the autobiography engaging. They describe it as a memoir and writing guide, with a brief autobiography of King's life. Readers find it fascinating to learn about King's past and consider it a wonderful read.

"...entertainer, written by one of this country’s most prolific and recognizable authors. For me, the book is timeless...." Read more

"...I was actually surprised to discover that these most-important parts were narration, description, dialogue, backstory, vocabulary and grammar...." Read more

"...I find Stephen King fascinating as a writer and a storyteller even just from reading "On Writing"...." Read more

"...The book is part memoir, part instructional with anecdotes thrown in. Stephen King started out in the Maine and New England areas...." Read more

230 customers mention "Humor"230 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor and clear insights. They find the stories believable and likable, with occasional profanity, slang, and slapstick. The author provides practical advice on reading in an accessible, informal tone. Readers appreciate the brief anecdotes King provides about his accident and recovery.

"...The anecdotes are humorous and entertaining, and if you’re an aspiring writer, they’re quite encouraging...." Read more

"...His sense of humor is brilliant. His honesty raw and pure and intense. His advice is remarkable and his discipline is inspiring...." Read more

"...A great book. A real laugh. A fascinating biography by one of today's greatest writers...." Read more

"...persons back story; however, his choice of words, and ability to incorporate humor into what would typically be an insipid tale did pull me in, and..." Read more

220 customers mention "Instruction"204 positive16 negative

Customers appreciate the book's advice. They find it practical and inspirational, with detailed principles and practical suggestions. The book provides illustrations of techniques that can help readers improve their writing skills. Readers appreciate the author's straightforward approach and lack of romanticizing his craft. They also value the vivid and well-told accounts of King's life.

"...Just awful. In any case, he definitely is a very hard worker...." Read more

"...he provides necessary tools to add to a writers tool box and explains how to use them...." Read more

"...He is direct, vociferous, frightfully honest, and brazenly amusing. But one attribute he owns but rarely is being subtle...." Read more

"...I personally think that the craft can be made by habits and constant hard work...." Read more

182 customers mention "Honesty"182 positive0 negative

Customers find the author's honesty refreshing and believable. They appreciate his direct and vociferous writing style that models a sense of intimacy with the author. The accounts are vivid and well-told, portraying a man of honesty and integrity who will speak the truth about his personal life.

"...I absolutely adore his honesty and how genuine he is...." Read more

"...His sense of humor is brilliant. His honesty raw and pure and intense. His advice is remarkable and his discipline is inspiring...." Read more

"It's simple, relaxed, personal, and full of heart. Not a textbook. Not entirely a memoir. As usual, King is at the top of the game." Read more

"...Personally I find it comfortable, accessible, believable, and this one is no exception...." Read more

Read a lot, write a lot, 2nd draft=1st draft - 10%
5 out of 5 stars
Read a lot, write a lot, 2nd draft=1st draft - 10%
Even if you aren't a write I suggest this book. It contains an insight of his life growing up until now. There are so many things about him that I had no idea. His writing style is truly 1 of a kind and anyone trying to mimic it will fall short. But, he provides necessary tools to add to a writers tool box and explains how to use them. I didn't feel like I was being lectured, more like I was sitting down with him and having a regular conversation. I've noticed in many of his books he references H.P Lovecraft so I bought a book that contains many of his stories. I can't wait to peek into the mind of someone that inspired the infamous Stephen King. In the back of this book -On Writing - he gives lists of books that he has read and loves. I recommend reading this book cover to cover because there's plenty of lessons from the dedication to the back cover.I included pictures of a small portion of important advice. (Yes I highlight and take notes)10 out of 10.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2015
    Last year I took some of the money I won in a writing contest and bought myself a copy of Stephen King's book, On Writing. I just finished it yesterday morning and have written some words to say about it.

    First off, I'm giving the book 5/5 stars. It takes quite a lot for me to give something a 5/5; not that I’m overly picky, but that last star I hang onto dearly and it really needs to be earned. The book, as a whole, is perfect for what it is: a teacher and entertainer, written by one of this country’s most prolific and recognizable authors. For me, the book is timeless.

    On Writing was published approximately 16 years before I read it, but until the occasional sentence would pop that referenced something that—at the time—had yet to released, I would forget it wasn’t a new book. It felt fresh. King references some books that aided him in learning the craft, and I’ve no doubt that On Writing will, itself, be a historic tome essential in any writer’s “toolbox” (a term King illustrates in the book) for decades to come.

    Before I read On Writing, I stumbled across a complaint that someone had with the book. They took issue with not every page having been dedicated solely to lessons on writing but also included a lengthy autobiographical section. I take it the guy wasn’t actually a fan of Mr. King but instead a fan of the money King makes. Apparently the life stories King told were just getting in the way. I, for one, enjoy hearing factoids about people I’m interested in, and Stephen King happens to be one of those people.

    The autobiographical section takes up approximately one third of the book. We get to see exactly what Mr. King went through to finally succeed at what he loves doing most and the lessons he learned along the way. In this section, he sympathizes with the beginning writer and shares his own failures as well as successes. The anecdotes are humorous and entertaining, and if you’re an aspiring writer, they’re quite encouraging.

    The next section of the book is the real meat and gravy; the reason the book was written: Stephen King sharing his wisdom; all the tips on what King feels are essential for any would-be writer desiring an audience. I saw the book as a thorough crash course in writing successfully entertaining pieces. It’s not an English class. King makes the assumption you have half a brain and clearly states that if you’re horrible at writing then maybe you should find something else to do, because nothing in his book—or any other—is going to help you. However, he does give hope to the decent writer and encourages a strict reading and writing regimen in order to learn what to do, what not to do and, of course, to help that writing muscle avoid atrophy.

    Section number three: Something I feel was probably written more for therapeutic reasons for King personally. This small section goes into explicit detail on the event that nearly cost King his life: getting hit by a van while walking down the road. This includes his recovery and the process of getting into writing again after a hiatus; all of which actually happened during the writing of On Writing.

    The fourth, and final, section shows us four or five pages of a rough draft of King’s short story tentatively titled "The Hotel Story" '(later named 1408), after which we are treated with the next draft, complete with felt pen markings, corrections, and changes. The last few pages are dedicated to walking you through why each change was made.

    It is my belief that reading this book will give any writer a better understanding of the craft and how to tighten up their written word. If you’re not a writer but are a fan of Stephen King, then the first and third sections of the book are a must read. If you’re both a writer and a fan, then whatever it is you’re reading now needs to be put on that literary back burner with the rest of your procrastination pile. Hesitate no longer.

    On Writing will encourage you. It will get you excited about writing, and if you’re anything like me, it’ll dry out a few highlighters.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2015
    In 2014, I took five writing classes and in all of those classes, Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft came up as a must-read. I've not picked up a King novel since High School and even then, I've only read maybe three of his stories. He's prolific. I've enjoyed some of his non-horror stories that have been adapted for the screen, like The Green Mile and Stand by Me. I've even seen him perform in the literary rock band, The Rock-Bottom Remainders. Check them out! Although, I'm not a huge fan of his books, I do recognize that he is a writer who has built a solid career and certainly someone who would have wisdom to impart on inspiring writers.

    PLOT - King divides On Writing into two parts. The first half of the book is dedicated to a series of true-life events that King believes foreshadowed his career in writing or events that shaped the themes that appear in his stories. Even if you're not an aspiring writer or don't give a fig about his writing advice, this first half of the book is highly interesting. If you're a King fan, this is a must read. His stories are so well know, that even the ones that I've not read or seen a film adaptation of, I knew and this made it fascinating to read the inspiration for these stories. I think what King is really trying to drive home here is that stories exist in the every day and to shape, not fight against those themes that keep presenting themselves.

    The second part of the book focuses on writing advice, everything from proper grammar to getting a literary agent. King draws on his own experiences, as well as the experiences of his colleagues. He is constantly pointing out that this is just his (one writers) advice on how to do it and that there are plenty of other solutions that have worked for other writers.

    LIKE - I liked King's frank advice. One of the biggest things he repeats is the need for writers to be active with both their reading and writing. This sounds obvious, but just having spent a lot of time with other aspiring writers, this does not always seem to be the case. There are readers who want to write and writers who avoid books. I tend to read more than write and King's advice has inspired me to up my game.

    He also inspired me to think more about how I can create "my own" space in which to write, a distraction free space. I've not quite found that right spot or the times that I'm most productive. King made me really think about my writing strategy in terms of getting my short stories published and the longer term goal of finding a literary agent. He makes a compelling case for the necessity of a literary agent. King gave me a good kick in the ass towards figuring out my future goals.

    I appreciated King's section of editing and how he showed a first draft of his own story and then showed the subsequent edit. King never says that writing is easy or that everyone can do it, but it does give encouragement, especially in showing that he too has and still does have blocks or writing problems. The fix is always hard work.

    DISLIKE - Nothing to dislike. I found much to be gained from reading On Writing. It's a book that warrants a slow, thoughtful read and it will be a reference book on my shelf for years to come. It sold me on wanting to read some Stephen King novels! It's not like this book is at all a pitch for his novels, but with all of the references, it put me in the mood.

    If there is drawback, it might be that the book is dated, written before this boom in self-publishing and e-readers. I'd love to hear how King's advice might have changed with this new landscape.

    RECOMMEND - Yes. On Writing is a wonderful resource for new writers or writers wanting to take steps to get their stories published. The first half of the book is a must for all King fans, regardless of your desire to be a writer.

    Like my review? Check out my blog!
    21 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • ALEJANDRA LORENA RODRIGUEZ DELGADO
    5.0 out of 5 stars LIBRO
    Reviewed in Mexico on August 25, 2023
    EXCELENTE
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Really to the Point Guide on What It Takes to Write
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2024
    On Writing was a nonfiction guide that I actually enjoyed when I typically find how-to guides on writing to be a bit of a slog, even if I'm finding them informative. Stephen King's style of writing in this book was more no-nonsense with some humour mixed in, reminding the reader that no book, or class, is going to provide you with a magic bullet that'll have you writing bestsellers. You basically have the toolkit already, and you just have to apply it. I really liked, as well, that an example of his own editing is included, as editing my own writing is something I really struggle with. All in all, a straight-to-the-point guide and an entertaining memoir in one that's actually spurred me to want to read more by him.
  • Jorge Sousa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente livro. Honesto.
    Reviewed in Spain on April 15, 2024
    Livro honesto, de um excelente escritor. Vale a pena a compra.
  • Mitul Patel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Provides practical help and spiritual reassurance needed to nurture a writing life
    Reviewed in India on March 28, 2024
    In his seminal memoir/writing guide On Writing, Stephen King allows readers an unprecedented glimpse into the experiences and disciplines underlying his prolific career through over five decades. Published in 2000, the book interweaves King’s personal story of becoming one of history’s most successful authors with generous wisdom for aspiring writers. It chronicles his journey from unknown writer subsisting on meager earnings to literary superstardom in intimate detail.

    With heartfelt humor and humility, King outlines the crucial life events, raw talents, and relentless work ethic that enabled him to craft over 60 revered horror and suspense novels, sell over 350 million books, and achieve pop culture icon status. While acknowledging individual creative brilliance cannot be replicated, On Writing insightfully demystifies Stephen King’s methods and reveals his approach to the craft as an act of joy and discovery. Beyond concrete tips, it captures King’s sincerely held belief in writing fiction as a spiritual calling that confers lifelong meaning, not mere acclaim.

    The memoir portion of On Writing tracks Stephen King’s development from childhood origins through decades of refining his signature horror, fantasy, and supernatural fiction style. In descriptive anecdotes, King pinpoints childhood experiences that sparked his prolific imagination, from adolescent discovery of iconic science fiction and horror creators like H.P. Lovecraft to real-life brushes with death that left an imprint.

    He traces his earliest beginnings—scribbling short stories on a stolen typewriter—to first getting published in a horror fanzine. King outlines his initial years enduring constant rejection and relying on part-time jobs to scrape by as he slowly forged his unique literary voice. With self-deprecating humor, he confesses it took submitting a story over thirty times before making his first professional magazine sale.

    Candidly, King also delves into periods of severe substance abuse and personal issues that nearly destroyed his burgeoning career. He is transparent about significant gaps in his memory and output during the 80s due to drug and alcohol issues. King poignantly describes the interventions by family and friends that finally prompted him to get sober, as well as his regret over lost time and productivity. By frankly recounting his struggles, he humanizes the pressures of dealing with spectacular literary success at a young age.

    King also reflects thoughtfully on the wealth of life experience, both joyful and traumatic, that he channels creatively into his prolific output. Scenes from his Maine upbringing, relationships, parenting, and interests pepper the narrative, affirming how he transforms the mundane into the thrillingly bizarre.

    Throughout the memoir, King repeatedly underscores that the impetus for writing comes from within, not a quest for fame or riches. He traces his irresistible urge to write fiction back to childhood delight in imagining stories, even before aspirations of being a published author entered the picture. King asserts that he writes compulsively simply because the act brings him happiness and a sense of purpose. In beautifully philosophical passages, he describes writing as a spiritual journey of exploration, both of the human condition and his own subconscious preoccupations. According to King, good fiction originates from curiosity, wonder, and emotional honesty rather than commercial motives. He emphasizes embracing creativity for self-fulfillment first, then refining work to resonate for readers.

    The second half of On Writing distills the pragmatic lessons Stephen King learned over decades of trial and error into an accessible writing guide. While acknowledging innate talent and inspiration can't be systematized, he offers plenty of concrete suggestions for improving any writer's craft. King stresses that above all, consistent dedication and work ethic separate serious writers from dabblers waiting on inspiration.

    He advises diligently building writing routines: daily sessions of two to three hours, minimum word count targets, and treating writing like any other job. According to King, volume and repetition are key regardless of mood or muse. He urges writers to power through a first draft without excessive self-editing to get the raw story down on paper. Sensory details, lively dialogue, varied sentence structures, and ruthless editing are other skill areas he covers.

    King goes beyond nuts-and-bolts techniques to passionately celebrate writing fiction as a noble pursuit driven by intuition, imagination, and childlike curiosity. He urges writers to explore the primal human need for storytelling, beyond surface commercial motives. King sees fiction as a unique path to emotional truth and wresting meaning from chaos. He becomes almost evangelical in advocating fiction writing as a path to purpose and lifelong creative development, regardless of public validation.

    Throughout the guide portion, King pushes writers to mine their own experiences, quirks, and passions for material, rather than chasing trends. He sums up his advice as: “Write what you like, then imbue it with life and make it unique by blending in your own personal knowledge of life, friendship, relationships, sex and work.”

    Accessible and generously insightful, On Writing continues to resonate with both aspiring authors and general readers over two decades after publication. Beyond a simple writing manual, it offers unprecedented access into the brilliant, yet utterly human, mind behind some of modern fiction’s most iconic works. For writers, the memoir provides inspiration through King’s stories of early struggles, while his concrete tips provide a flexible toolkit.

    For fans, it provides a fascinating glimpse at the peculiar obsessions, quirky rituals, and redemptive habits underlying his creative output. Most rewardingly, On Writing explores the purposeful role of fiction writing in processing life’s chaos and horrors into meaningful narratives. Both memoir and guidebook, it reveals the alchemy of raw talent, dogged work ethic, personal experience, and joyful wonder that King channeled into a legendary career. Any reader comes away thoroughly convinced of his assertion that “writing is magic, as much the water of life as any other creative art.”

    In summary, On Writing by Stephen King remains an unparalleled classic of the writer’s memoir/guide genre by elucidating the many facets behind constructing compelling fiction. King’s intimate wisdom and transparent voice inspire through combining earnest memoir, pragmatic advice, passion for the craft, and philosophical insight. Beyond the secrets of his success, it captures the all-consuming personal fulfilment King derives from writing as his creative outlet.

    For authors in any stage of development, On Writing provides both practical help and spiritual reassurance needed to nurture a writing life. Two decades later, newer generations of writers continue looking to the book as an essential roadmap and motivational touchstone. More than any formula, they take away King’s guiding principle: dedication to the daily writing journey itself ultimately matters more than any singular work or external measure of achievement.
  • SaBah
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in Sweden on November 21, 2023
    Great and interesting read