On Writing by Stephen King — Book Review and Key Takeaways
On Writing by Stephen King is part memoir, part writing guide and one of the better books I’ve read on the craft.
I’m not a Stephen King fan. I’ve read a couple of his books (IT among them), but horror isn’t really my thing. Still, I kept seeing it praised online. So when I spotted it in a bookshop while visiting my sister in Germany, I picked it up.
King’s writing style is direct and engaging, and I couldn’t put this book down. It’s non-fiction, but it reads like a novel. I finished it in a couple of days.
Quick verdict:
If you write anything regularly (fiction, your journal, or even blog posts), there’s something here. I especially like the part explaining his daily writing habit and his direct and honest approach to writing. Skip it if you want a step-by-step writing course; the book focuses more on mindset and habits than instruction.
My rating: 4.5/5 — worth reading even if, like me, Stephen King isn’t your usual author.
What makes a great writer
It was an eye-opening experience to read about the beginnings of Stephen King. The way he grew up, started writing, and kept going through rejection and setbacks. There is so much more in his story than the usual writing tips found in similar books.
Good writing comes from your experience and your willingness to be honest about it. That’s the thread running through the whole book.
There are funny stories too — like the trouble he got into at school for writing about his teachers and giving them unflattering nicknames.
King’s practical writing advice
The second half of the book is more practical — King calls it the “toolbox.” Build your vocabulary but don’t show it off. Avoid passive voice. Cut adverbs.
He’s blunt about adverbs. He hates them. And once you read his argument, you start noticing them everywhere in your own writing.
The road to hell is paved with adverbs.
His daily habit is also worth noting: 2,000 words a day, every day, no exceptions. He writes on holidays, birthdays, Christmas. To him, writing isn’t inspiration — it’s work. You show up and you do it.
That alone was a useful slap in the face.
Stop watching TV, read as much as possible
If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.
According to King, your TV should be the first thing to go, and today that includes your phone along with social media clips and posts.
Take your book everywhere. To your doctor’s appointment, when you are eating, walking, or waiting. You learn most by reading both good and bad books.
A few more tips that stuck with me
Second draft = first draft minus 10%. King picked up this formula from an old rejection note, and he swears by it. If you can’t cut at least that much, you’re not editing hard enough. Most of what goes, you never miss.
Write the first draft with the door closed, the second with the door open. Write the first version just for yourself, without worrying what anyone will think. Save that worry for the rewrite, when you’re shaping it for a reader.
Write for one ideal reader. King pictures his wife Tabitha as he writes and imagines how she’ll react. It’s far easier to write for one person you know than for a faceless crowd.
Kill your darlings. Even the sentence you’re proudest of has to go if it doesn’t earn its place. Painful, but he’s right.
What surprised me
I expected a book full of horror-writing tips that would feel irrelevant to me. Instead, I got a book about the fundamentals of good writing — the kind that applies to any form of writing.
King doesn’t write down to you. He doesn’t pretend writing is mystical or that talent is the main ingredient. He says it plainly: put in the hours, and don’t lie on the page.
I also didn’t expect to enjoy his personal stories as much as I did. The part about his wife Tabitha finding the first pages of Carrie in the bin and fishing them out — that’s a story about the right person showing up at the right time. It’s stuck with me.
Who should read this
Anyone who writes regularly — not just novelists. If you write blog posts, newsletters, scripts, or even just long emails, there’s something in here for you. And if you want to hold onto what you read, keeping a reading journal helps a lot.
It’s especially good if you’ve ever felt stuck or like your writing isn’t good enough. King’s story is a reminder that getting good at anything takes time and stubbornness, not talent alone.
What I’m taking away
The thing I keep coming back to is his daily writing habit. Not the number — 2,000 words is a lot — but the principle. Writing as a practice, not an event. You don’t wait to feel like it. You sit down and start.
I’m also trying to cut adverbs. It’s harder than it sounds.
If you haven’t read On Writing, I’d recommend it — even if, like me, Stephen King isn’t your usual type. You can find it on Goodreads if you want to read more reviews first. If it sparks something creatively, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is worth reading next.
FAQ
What is On Writing by Stephen King about?
On Writing is part memoir, part writing guide. King shares stories from his early life and his rejection-filled start as a writer, then moves into practical advice on vocabulary, grammar, and his own writing process.
Is On Writing useful if I don’t write fiction?
Yes. The core advice — read constantly, write daily, cut what doesn’t earn its place — applies to blog posts, emails, and any kind of writing.
How long does it take to read On Writing?
It’s a quick read. I finished it in about 2-4 days, and it moves faster than most non-fiction because of King’s storytelling style.
What is King’s daily writing habit?
He writes 2,000 words a day, every day, including holidays. The point isn’t the number — it’s treating writing as consistent work rather than something you wait to feel inspired to do.
Do I need to like Stephen King’s fiction to enjoy this book?
No. I’m not a horror fan and haven’t read most of his novels, but I still got a lot out of this one. It’s really a book about the craft of writing, not about his fiction specifically.
