Reading rank 129
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
, subject: Stephen King's memoir and practical guide to writing craft., 2000
Stephen King’s memoir treats writing as hard, sustained work done through persistent self-doubt and aimed at one specific reader.
106
Coverage Score
11
Scored evidence
About the book
First published in 2000, the book moves from King's childhood and early career through his working toolbox, daily practice, ideal reader, and revision process, then recounts the 1999 accident that interrupted his work and writing's place in his recovery.
Why read it
Best if you are building something difficult and risky, want a clear picture of whom it is for, and need to keep working while you still doubt it.
Key themes
- Doubt that does not go away
- Make it for one ideal reader
- Work until your fingers bleed
Evidence and original sources
Sources: official Founders episodes — #210, #211, #212, #222, #239
David says he can't recommend the book highly enough and loved it.
- Stephen King On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft — David introduces On Writing as the book the episode is built around.
- Aristotle Onassis: An Extravagant Life — The immediately preceding Episode 210 identifies the Stephen King book David pairs with the Spielberg book.
- Michael Jordan: The Life — David returns to saved highlights from the Stephen King book.
- Ed Thorp (My personal blueprint) — David identifies Stephen King's autobiography through the prior Episode 210 context.
- The Wright Brothers — The Episode 239 audio calls the source Stephen King's autobiographical book covered in Founders #210. The official Episode 239 notes identify and link that source as On Writing; the exact title comes from the notes, not the spoken audio.