“You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing unless it has been done to you” – Stephen King
Stephen King, renowned as “The King of Horror,” is a writer who needs no introduction. In his memoir, “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft,” King offers a unique glimpse into his life, sharing his experiences as a writer and even recommending some of his favorite books. This memoir stands out for its direct and honest writing style, offering invaluable insights and advice that make it a must-read for any avid reader or writer.
King’s writing style is refreshingly accessible and conversational, creating an intimate connection with the reader. He speaks casually, but he is also descriptive. “On Writing” contains a plethora of exquisite quotes that are sure to resonate with any aspiring writer.
The majority of the book is about writing tips, where King gives his advice about mechanics, storytelling, writing routines and more. The tips provided are truly remarkable and can greatly expand your perspective as a writer, even if you choose not to implement all of them. The advice can also be intimidating at times; for example, King mentions that a writer should write a certain amount of words every day and only write in one specific location, but he also motivates writers to keep pushing forward and be proud of their story. King uses his own novels and short stories, such as “Misery” and “1408,” to teach some methods. So, if you like these two stories, I highly recommend reading this book as it delves into King’s insightful writing process.
In “On Writing,” King opens up about his childhood memories, the journey of publishing his debut novel “Carrie,” and the personal challenges he faced as his career progressed. This personal narrative not only provides a window into the highs and lows of his career but also offers a profound understanding of his strengths and weaknesses. King’s initial goal of portraying the evolution of a writer is beautifully realized in this memoir, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the craft.
Stephen King is, without a doubt, an incredible storyteller, but “On Writing” proves that he also knows why his stories are engaging for readers, something that many authors don’t understand about their own craft. He has a keen sense of what methods work for him, and he generously imparts this knowledge in his novel, providing readers with a deeper comprehension. While not every approach may resonate with every individual, this book is an essential read for any aspiring writer. Overall, I rate this book a 4/5, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me as King occasionally veered off-topic and failed to hold my attention.
