If you’re an author—aspiring or established—then the chances are that, at some point, you’ve looked for help in developing your craft. Maybe that’s how you landed on this article in the first place. You’re in the right place, because this is my review of Stephen King’s part-biographic, part-writing advice, book, On Writing.
Let me start by saying that I’m a big fan of Stephen King’s books, I’ve previously written about what I think his best five novels are, and I’ve even ranked all seven books in The Dark Tower series. But I also recognise that his writing is not for everyone (and for every incredible book he’s produced, I also think he’s produced a few stinkers, too) – but one book that I always recommend to anyone thinking of giving writing a go, is On Writing.
The review
A lot of writing guidance books feel like textbooks. They will talk you through the intricacies and structure of actually doing the writing. This, to me, is largely useless. I actually subscribe to Stephen King’s view that, in order to be “good” at writing, you only really need to do two things: you need to read lots, and you need to write lots.
This is the kind of advice that you’ll find within On Writing, sandwiched between a snapshot-style look at King’s journey from childhood through to internationally-acclaimed bestseller. And while it might sound a little…obvious, at first, there are so many bits of guidance in this book that come from genuine experience. This is the reason I love On Writing more than most other books on the craft. It resonates more with me because it comes from a place of experience. A place of—not to diminish King’s accomplishments—just making it up as you go along. That, and being open-minded enough to know when you’re learning something that will make you a better writer, and being determined enough to keep wanting to get better.
King himself acknowledges that there are better, and more in-depth, books out there on the art of the craft itself. But what you’ll get from On Writing is a grittier well of knowledge to draw upon. Not only that, but the book is—as you’d expect—well written and enjoyable, too. You will likely get through it in an afternoon or two, and you’ll come away feeling both motivated and equipped with a few tips and tricks from a veteran.
He’s also self-aware enough to acknowledge that his rules are not the rules. There is no sanctimonious attitude of “well I’m a bestseller so this is how it should be done”. King recognises that all writing is different. Taste among readers is highly subjective and there is no one-size fits all way of writing. What he does do, though, is he distills his own opinions through a long and—forgive the pun—storied career. This leaves you with plenty of “take it or leave it” advice that you can only really ignore through a subjective lens of your own.
So, if you’re an aspiring author who feels daunted by the thought of getting serious about it. Or if you’re an author who feels a little listless or down about your writing, On Writing is a fantastic resource that you should definitely spend some time with.
📚✌🏻SP
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Book One of the TURNED
The Sins of Steel and Shadow
Hated and reviled by humans and vampyrs alike, every day for a Turned is a deadly struggle. But when Bail is offered the chance of a lifetime, there’s much more at stake than just his survival.
The Turned series is a fast-paced, character-led, gritty fantasy saga for fans of Joe Abercrombie or Scott Lynch.
Steve Pannett is an author and designer based in Yorkshire, UK.
He writes primarily in the fantasy genre, combining character-led storytelling with epic, gritty world-building to create dark tales with plenty of action and lots of twists along the way.
He has self-published multiple books and is active online.
Nice review! I appreciate how you pointed out that the book doesn’t try to impose strict rules but instead shares lessons from experience. That kind of honest perspective is often more helpful than rigid writing guides.