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Summary: Stephen King's On Writing: A 30 Minute Summary
Stephen King's On Writing delves into the background and experiences that made the writer so successful. If you want to learn from the master on how to become a better writer or write your first novel but don't have the time to read King's book, then this summary was written for you. This quick read summary of the book pulls out the key elements that Stephen King believes makes a great writer. Whether you have read the book before and need a refresher, or are wondering whether to read the book, this summary strips away everything not related to writing, providing you with just the advice from the great man himself. The original book has 290 pages. This summary is just 14 pages, without compromising on the key teachings in the book. Once everything that isn't writing advice has been stripped out and condensed, what's left is probably the real reason you wanted to read the book in the first place. Also included is some background on how King came up with the ideas for his best selling novels. Writing a novel is one thing, coming up with a brilliant idea for a story is another. Knowing how King asks himself questions to come up with the story and how that was applied to his past novels is particularly interesting. Inside, you'll find a summary of King's advice - How to be a good writer - The key to your success - What to write - How to improve your vocabulary - and know when to stop - What to do if your grammar is bad - Why passive voice is bad - How much descriptive writing to use - Nailing your dialogue - Why plotting kills your story - How to create characters your readers love - Where to set your story - How much background research you should do - Is a theme necessary for a great story - Beating writer's block - Why writing for an audience of one is the way to write - How many drafts and re-writes is too many - Should you attend writing workshops - Do you need an agent ** Updated May 2020 **
19 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2018
95 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
John Hunter
509 books7 followersA native Virginian and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, JOHN HUNTER is an award-winning teacher and educational consultant. Hunter led his first sessions of the World Peace Game at Richmond Community High School in 1978. Since then, he has taught the game successfully in a variety of settings, from public schools in Virginia and Maryland to a session with Norwegian students sponsored by the European Youth Initiative. He has spoken at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Google’s Palo Alto campus, the Pentagon, the United Nations, and elsewhere. His March 2011 TED talk was greeted with a standing ovation, and Arianna Huffington and Chris Anderson named it the No. 1 talk of TED 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 31, 2020
Short but valuable review.
After reading this review I ordered the book. The review had just enough examples to give a better idea of Kings approach and it peaked my interest. I also appreciated the reviewers insights and comments.
After reading this review I ordered the book. The review had just enough examples to give a better idea of Kings approach and it peaked my interest. I also appreciated the reviewers insights and comments.
August 19, 2021
Quick read wonderful summary. Save time, and write more
An excellent summary. reaffirmed several things I do as a writer. Gave me some food for thought on some other topics. Worth the $0.99 and then some. It saved me a few hours from reading the whole book giving me more time.to write and edit. One point I would debate is there is no hard and fast rules. Do want works. King is against outlining but for me it helps and in some.other cases I had no idea where the story was going it just fell out of me. But in another case I did outline and it helped me move forward faster and my imagination filled in the blanks. Worth a read. Save time and get back to writing.
An excellent summary. reaffirmed several things I do as a writer. Gave me some food for thought on some other topics. Worth the $0.99 and then some. It saved me a few hours from reading the whole book giving me more time.to write and edit. One point I would debate is there is no hard and fast rules. Do want works. King is against outlining but for me it helps and in some.other cases I had no idea where the story was going it just fell out of me. But in another case I did outline and it helped me move forward faster and my imagination filled in the blanks. Worth a read. Save time and get back to writing.
February 2, 2023
I found this for a dollar on Amazon and snatched it up. Since I haven't actually read Stephen King's, On Writing, I can't say exactly how good of a summary this book is. But I do appreciate its existence.
As far as I can tell, the author did a good job of picking out things, making points and explaining, while throwing of bit of his own commentary into the mix. I especially liked how he pointed out (with plenty of examples) where King apparently contradicts himself in his own works.
The writer suggests readers still pick up Stephen King's version in his, "What Next" note at the end. I'll probably do just that at some point then maybe I'll come back and expand on my review here. But all in all, I enjoyed this little gem.
As far as I can tell, the author did a good job of picking out things, making points and explaining, while throwing of bit of his own commentary into the mix. I especially liked how he pointed out (with plenty of examples) where King apparently contradicts himself in his own works.
The writer suggests readers still pick up Stephen King's version in his, "What Next" note at the end. I'll probably do just that at some point then maybe I'll come back and expand on my review here. But all in all, I enjoyed this little gem.
January 8, 2022
Good Trailer for King’s Book on Writing
This book is a good verbal trailer for King’s book, On Writing. It is a preview of some of the ideas that King writes about. It whets your appetite for the book. If you think it’s a replacement for reading King’s book, you will be very disappointed, as the author freely admits. If you think On Writing will make you a great writer, read this summary first. It is well done for a very general summary of the book. The only weakness I really noticed was some some repetition of ideas presented by King.
This book is a good verbal trailer for King’s book, On Writing. It is a preview of some of the ideas that King writes about. It whets your appetite for the book. If you think it’s a replacement for reading King’s book, you will be very disappointed, as the author freely admits. If you think On Writing will make you a great writer, read this summary first. It is well done for a very general summary of the book. The only weakness I really noticed was some some repetition of ideas presented by King.
May 10, 2020
I am writing a novel and hit a wall, so when I saw S.King's "On Writing" I read it. It was his advice regarding asking yourself "What If" that helped push my story over the hump. Sometimes it's just a tid bit of advice that helps. I also enjoyed his sharing where his ideas came from for some of his great books.
December 4, 2022
You get it!
Thanks, John...really picked up some 'go tos'. So hard to trust my inner voice. Hatethe conscription of outlines. Feel vindicated! Now, for the discipline of writing 4 to 6 hours a day! Okay, will try but, crap, I'm such a social animal, always encouraging folks to share their stories!
Thanks, John...really picked up some 'go tos'. So hard to trust my inner voice. Hatethe conscription of outlines. Feel vindicated! Now, for the discipline of writing 4 to 6 hours a day! Okay, will try but, crap, I'm such a social animal, always encouraging folks to share their stories!
February 21, 2019
Spelling and continuity errors....ugh.
As expected. Short and sweet. Helpful but a few mistakes. No real deal breakers though. Glad I read it. Got what I wanted which was some insight into what Stephen King considers to be important writing tips.
As expected. Short and sweet. Helpful but a few mistakes. No real deal breakers though. Glad I read it. Got what I wanted which was some insight into what Stephen King considers to be important writing tips.
April 22, 2019
Great summary, well written.I just wish there were a bit more.
A very useful summary that pulled the meat from King's "On Writing" and made it quickly accessible. It was well written but I wish it had been just a bit longer.
A very useful summary that pulled the meat from King's "On Writing" and made it quickly accessible. It was well written but I wish it had been just a bit longer.
March 4, 2023
Fantastic Summary
I will be purchasing the entire book. The summary was excellent, and yes, It got my creative juices to flow. I hope they continue to flow, then flood my mind with ideas I can put on paper
I will be purchasing the entire book. The summary was excellent, and yes, It got my creative juices to flow. I hope they continue to flow, then flood my mind with ideas I can put on paper
May 11, 2023
Cliff Notes on top of Cliff Notes.
This is a worthy summary of King’s effort to explain him-the writer-self. Sort of a blurb, like you read on Netflix before deciding to look at the trailer, after which you might watch the film.
This is a worthy summary of King’s effort to explain him-the writer-self. Sort of a blurb, like you read on Netflix before deciding to look at the trailer, after which you might watch the film.
August 24, 2023
Quick synopsis to Get Started
This offered a quick overview of what processes Stephen King follows to gain inspiration for his writing. The complete book is well worth the read, but this will get you all the key points in way less time.
This offered a quick overview of what processes Stephen King follows to gain inspiration for his writing. The complete book is well worth the read, but this will get you all the key points in way less time.
June 22, 2019
Nuggets only
This book just goes over the nuggets of the whole book. If that is what you are looking for them you have come to the right place.
This book just goes over the nuggets of the whole book. If that is what you are looking for them you have come to the right place.
April 30, 2020
Short, good review...
Good summary for quick read and as refresher as intended. Got to dig out my copy of "On Writing" to read Mr King's stories again.
Good summary for quick read and as refresher as intended. Got to dig out my copy of "On Writing" to read Mr King's stories again.
May 4, 2020
On Writing!
Alot of good advice on writing a book. Enjoyed this excerpt and plan on buying the book in the near future.
Alot of good advice on writing a book. Enjoyed this excerpt and plan on buying the book in the near future.
May 21, 2021
Good Succinct Advice
This book contains useful writing tips Stephen King provides in his book "On Writing" in an easy-to-read and succinct matter. It was worth the read.
This book contains useful writing tips Stephen King provides in his book "On Writing" in an easy-to-read and succinct matter. It was worth the read.
October 10, 2021
Useful reference tool
After reading King’s book, I read this summary. It’s a helpful tool for me to remember what King said about certain topics.
After reading King’s book, I read this summary. It’s a helpful tool for me to remember what King said about certain topics.
November 12, 2022
Worth the Time
I’ve read King’s On Writing, which was excellent. I read Hunter’s summary to be reminded of King’s basic creative principles. Bingo!
I’ve read King’s On Writing, which was excellent. I read Hunter’s summary to be reminded of King’s basic creative principles. Bingo!
September 25, 2023
A great summary
This was a great refresher without having to reread King's entire book with all the backstories. It was exactly what I needed.
This was a great refresher without having to reread King's entire book with all the backstories. It was exactly what I needed.
January 17, 2024
Quick overview of Stephen King On Writing
I read this overview After I had purchase the audible book And I thought it did a nice job Summarizing key points.
I read this overview After I had purchase the audible book And I thought it did a nice job Summarizing key points.
March 13, 2025
Quick overview of Stephen King On Writing
I read this overview After I had purchase the audible book And I thought it did a nice job Summarizing key points.
I read this overview After I had purchase the audible book And I thought it did a nice job Summarizing key points.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews