Autobiography, memoir, style manual, rant—On Writing, as its author, evades classification.
First published on Goodreads On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I started talking with others about wanting to write—and wanting to write in English—the advice I got was invariable to read On Writing. Now, I have to admit an eyebrow was raised at this suggestion. I have been reading Stephen King on and off since Christine came out. I read a dozen or more books, but a book On Writing? Still, if you ask for advice, you should at least consider the responses.
Since then, I have read and re-read this book many, many times. It is a tale in two parts named by the author: C.V. and Toolbox. And a good helping of admonition.
“This is a short book because most books about writing are bullshit … I figured the shorter the book, the less bullshit.”
Stephen King, On Writing
Autobiography, memoir, style manual, rant—On Writing, as its author, evades classification. In this day and age, we all know that Mr King only allows the ‘he/she/they said’ dialogue tag while admitting he doesn’t always stick to his own rules. And he has a palpable dislike for all those tiresome little adverbs.
But beyond the hands-on advice, the love of writing and the magic and art of being a writer are woven into every page. Together with the dislike of bullshit this book is an inspirational masterpiece. If you want to write or become a better writer, this is your book!
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