Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
On Writing summary
Brief summary
On Writing by Stephen King is a memoir and guide to the craft of writing. King shares personal stories and practical advice for aspiring writers, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills.
Topics
Table of Contents
On Writing
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Craft of Writing
In On Writing, Stephen King shares his journey as a writer, starting from his childhood to his early struggles and eventual success. He emphasizes the importance of reading and writing regularly, and how these habits are crucial for honing one's writing skills. King also discusses the significance of vocabulary, grammar, and style, and how a writer should strive to be clear and concise in their work.
King also delves into the technical aspects of writing, such as plot and character development. He emphasizes the importance of creating believable characters and placing them in realistic situations. He also discusses the role of plot in a story, highlighting the need for a strong beginning, middle, and end, and the importance of avoiding unnecessary details that can bog down the narrative.
The Writing Process
King then moves on to discuss his own writing process, which he describes as a form of "creative sleep". He believes that the best stories are already present in the writer's mind, and the act of writing is simply a way to uncover and reveal them. He also emphasizes the importance of writing the first draft quickly, without worrying too much about perfection, and then revising and editing it later.
He also talks about the importance of writing for oneself, rather than trying to cater to a specific audience. King believes that when a writer is true to their own voice and interests, their work will resonate more deeply with readers. He also discusses the role of fear in writing, and how writers should not be afraid to tackle difficult or controversial subjects.
Life and Writing
King then takes a detour from the technical aspects of writing to discuss the role of life experiences in shaping a writer's work. He shares personal anecdotes and experiences that have influenced his writing, and emphasizes the importance of drawing from one's own life to create authentic and relatable stories.
He also discusses the impact of his near-fatal accident in 1999 on his writing, and how the experience of facing death and recovery influenced his later works. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, both in life and in writing.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
In the final section of On Writing, King offers practical advice for aspiring writers. He emphasizes the importance of discipline and dedication, and encourages writers to set specific writing goals and stick to them. He also discusses the role of rejection in a writer's life, and how persistence is key to overcoming it.
King also shares a list of recommended books for writers, covering various aspects of the craft, and encourages aspiring writers to read widely and learn from the works of others. He ends the book with a heartfelt message to his readers, encouraging them to pursue their passion for writing with courage and determination.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is On Writing about?
On Writing by Stephen King is a part memoir, part writing guide that offers invaluable advice and insights for aspiring writers. King shares his own journey as a writer, along with practical tips and techniques to improve your craft. With wit and wisdom, this book is a must-read for anyone passionate about storytelling.
On Writing Review
On Writing by Stephen King (2000) is a memoir and guide to the craft of writing that is definitely worth reading. Here is why:
- It offers valuable insights into King's own writing journey, providing aspiring writers with inspiration and motivation.
- With its practical tips on writing techniques and storytelling, the book is a valuable resource for both beginner and experienced writers.
- King's honest and engaging storytelling keeps the reader hooked throughout, turning what could have been a dry instructional book into an enjoyable read.
Who should read On Writing?
- Aspiring writers seeking practical advice and insight
- Stephen King fans curious about his writing process and personal experiences
- People looking to improve their storytelling and communication skills
Categories with On Writing
Book summaries like On Writing
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
On Writing FAQs
What is the main message of On Writing?
The main message of On Writing is that writing is a craft that can be learned and improved through practice and discipline.
How long does it take to read On Writing?
The reading time for On Writing varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is On Writing a good book? Is it worth reading?
On Writing is a valuable read for aspiring writers. It offers practical advice and insights from Stephen King's own writing journey.
Who is the author of On Writing?
The author of On Writing is Stephen King.
What to read after On Writing?
If you're wondering what to read next after On Writing, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz