Thursday, 3 October 2013

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft' by Stephen King

2023 EDIT: Part of my 2023 clear-up, of books I no longer like, or am no longer interested in, or remember well as standing out, or find as special anymore, or I otherwise will not miss.

Final Score: 4/5





Original Review:



Every aspiring writer should check this out. I guess I should explain why.

But first, life story time!

'On Writing' was in my university library over a year ago. Even though I hadn't read any of Mr. King's books then, I read it anyway. If I could, I'd take it with me everywhere, and not have to keep checking it out at the library. Maybe I'll buy my own copy someday, as it is sure to still help and inspire me.

Stephen King writes like an average joe, like your friend. Part autobiographical, at the beginning of 'On Writing' he relates his past and experiences as simply but informative as can be. I hung on his every word; he has an interesting life. It is not until later in the book that he gives clear writing tips, but by then I loved his story as much as his advice so I didn't care one bit.

King can write non fiction as well as fiction. He has a lot to teach us about life experience as much as his writing tips that don't make him sound like a soulless lecturer. It is unlike any book about writing I've ever read.

Maybe I'll write more in this review once I've gotten my hands on 'On Writing' again, one way or another, but today I'll leave it at this - now I know that Stephen King is an author who's definitely not to be overlooked or missed.

Brilliant, absorbing stuff that fits into a writer's pocket, both figuratively and literally.

Final Score: 5/5

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