Now Read This: Stephen King's "On Writing"
When three different writers tell you to read a certain book, I'd say that's a pretty good sign. Today I got an email from a friend, reader and fellow writer who highly recommends On Writing by Stephen King:
Hi Allena,
I wanted to let you know of an incredible resource for those people that may ask you for information pertaining to 'novel writing'.
The book is called 'On Writing' by Stephen King.
In my opinion, the best purchase option for this book is the unabridged audio book version (read by the author). Download it via itunes and keep it in your ipod. You can also burn this onto CDs if you decide to listen to it in your car. It takes a few CDs but it is worth the work.
Stephen King does a fantastic job going over all the basic elements that are essential to any writer. But he also takes some extra time and touches on the more specific concerns for those writers that are aspiring fiction novelists.
The best way to digest this information is to pretend you are in a classroom and Stephen King is the professor. There are several areas where it pays to give the book your full attention.
Again, I highly recommend this book - in the top 3 of all the books I have purchased and studied on this subject.
- Thanks for all your help,
Edward Shepherd
I don't know about you, but this convincing recommendation got me! In chatting with him, he noted that there's a lot of useful information for any writer, not just novelists. I also found that About.com's Fiction Writing page reviewed King's On Writing. I'll let you know how it goes.
Comments
I’m a visual reader rather than a listener, but Stephen King’s book was one of the best books on writing that I’ve read. I highly recommend it, as well.
This book and Bird by Bird have been very inspiring to me as a new writer.
On Writing is very useful. King is honest about what junk writing is, and admits what his own literary mistakes have been in the past. And, Matt, you’re like the 100th person I’ve come across online that has said how inspirational Bird by Bird is. I have to check it out!
On Writing is not just my favorite book, er, on writing, it’s just one of my favorite books overall. I found it so inspiring and helpful.
On Writing has been sitting on my bookshelf, well thumbed for many years now. I’m surprised that you’re only just hearing about it more than 8 years after it was first published.
Cheers,
Neil
I don’t read Stephen King. Don’t like his books. BUT, I saw a copy at a bookstore outlet and picked it up. Fantastic book for writers.
I also agree that Bird by Bird is a must-read.
Hmmm, I think I need to read both of those again.
One more recommendation: The Artist’s Way. Inspirational for any creative person.
I listened to the audio version of “On Writing” and really found it useful. Because I’m not a Stephen King fan I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised.
I agree - On Writing and Bird by Bird are the best books on the craft I have read. Both are entertaining, insightful, and definitely helpful! I bought Bird by Bird for my daughter for Christmas this year and will probably buy her On Writing as well.
I feel like a complete blank, but what can I say?,
It’s a very good site !! Very nice work, admin
Good luck !,
I feel like a complete blank, but what can I say?,