On Writing: A Memoir of the CraftOn Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Score Modern
What it's about
Stephen King's book about writing is two things at once. The first part is a memoir of how he became a writer: a poor childhood in Maine, early rejections, teaching high school, the success of Carrie, and his struggles with alcohol and drugs. The second is practical, blunt advice about the craft: vocabulary, grammar, adverbs, revision, and the habits that make a writer. It ends with the story of a nearly fatal accident in 1999 and how writing helped him recover.
Why it's worth reading
It's on the Guardian's list of the best books of the century and is one of the most popular books on writing ever published. It's useful and funny, and you don't need to be a King fan.
You'll love it if you liked
Just Kids
11/22/63
Educated: A MemoirGood to know
It's short. The advice is aimed at fiction writers, but the memoir parts work for everyone.
By the numbers
- Readers93 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics80 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller34 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #15 of the 290 memoirs and biographies we rank
- #43 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #79 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
True story
More by Stephen King
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Quick answers
Is On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft worth reading?
Yes. It's on the Guardian's list of the best books of the century and is one of the most popular books on writing ever published. It ranks #79 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 87.2 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft about?
Stephen King's book about writing is two things at once. The first part is a memoir of how he became a writer: a poor childhood in Maine, early rejections, teaching high school, the success of Carrie, and his struggles with alcohol and drugs. The second is practical, blunt advice about the craft: vocabulary, grammar, adverbs, revision, and the habits that make a writer. It ends with the story of a nearly fatal accident in 1999 and how writing helped him recover.
How long does it take to read On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft?
About 7 hours (288 pages), or about 2 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft?
If you liked it, try Just Kids by Patti Smith, 11/22/63 by Stephen King or Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover.