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On Writing

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On Writing

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: Stephen King
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In June of 1999, Stephen King was hit by a van while walking along the shoulder of a country road in Maine. Six operations were required to save his life and mend his broken body. When he was finally able to sit up, he immediately started writing. This book is the extraordinary result.

©2000 Stephen King (P)2000 Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc. Art & Literature Authors Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing Inspiring Heartfelt Funny Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

"This is the written equivalent of Delia Smith's How To Cook. And, like British home cooking, the world of popular fiction will be better off for it." (The Times)

"Not since Dickens has a writer had so many readers by the throat.... King's imagination is vast. He knows how to engage the deepest sympathies of his readers.... It is part biography, part collection of tips for the aspiring writer. In the final chapters, King tells, in graphic details, the story of his recent accident...a bizarre and absorbing story, told brilliantly by one of the great storytellers of our time." (Guardian)
All stars
Most relevant
I listened to this a number of times over the years before I began writing myself but have just revisited it having become an author with a few books under my belt and therefore some experience to help put King's book in context.
I don't agree with every last word he says and some of the advice on publishing is naturally dated, but this is a brilliant book and I recommend it wholeheartedly to any aspiring author. Or, in fact, any author at all.

Brilliant

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Would you consider the audio edition of On Writing to be better than the print version?

I have both the print and the audio version and there are benefits to both. The print is useful as a quick reference guide but the audio is just a brilliant and engaging story and guide to writing

What did you like best about this story?

The insight into Stephen King's mind as well as the tips on writing. It made me want to start writing and also left me in awe at his ability to construct the perfect phrase.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I loved reading about the ideas for his books, how one simple idea would slowly transform into a long novel.

Any additional comments?

Utterly brilliant, exactly what an audio book should be, if you are on a long journey or doing a task long tedious task you can get yourself lost in the words of Stephen King, this audio book helped a 3 hour drive up the motorway fly by.

Genius

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Loved this start to finish - a true master of his art, science and craft highly recommended

Brilliant

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Would you consider the audio edition of On Writing to be better than the print version?

The advantage this audiobook has is King's narration. He makes it personal. However, I have had the printed version for years and find it useful. If you like to write the printed copy is a must.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Stephen King for obvious reasons.

What does Stephen King bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The personal touch. If you like watching King interviews on YouTube, like I do, if you like the forwards and afterwards in king's books, like I do, you will love this listen.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is Constant Reader heaven. King discussing his life and times. He talks about his books, their origins and their development.

Any additional comments?

I'm glad King narrated this himself it would have been weird having someone else reading it. It feels very personal, he covers a period from childhood to the car crash. Is a great listen and very insightful. An all around reward for constant readers.

The King's council.

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I’ve been trying to write a novel that I’ve had in mind for 2 years. I always found a way of thinking, I’m not good enough, nobody will like it, do I have the skill, can I do it ? This book has made me think why not continue with the story that’s gnawing away at my psyche. Why not continue with the outline I’ve written. Indeed why not?
Thank you Steve the jump start my ideas and work engine that “On Writing “ has given me, means good, bad or indifferent I’m going to continue. A master has found himself a first day apprentice. Wish me luck on this discovery of my journey through this story in my bones that needs to surface for air. Glad you made it from the encounter with Bryan Smith, Bullet and the Grim Reaper
Ian

The Birth of the Method to make me Write

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