On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

Choose two to three traumatic incidents from King’s childhood and discuss how they contributed to his development as a writer and a person.

Consider the format and structure of this book—how does the combination of biographical information followed by instructional information affect your reading and interpretation of what is presented?

Consider the criticism and support King has received. What role do they play in King’s character development?

Pick two or three tools from the writer’s toolbox and discuss how they could be useful in your own writing. Alternately, discuss how they have been useful to you if you’ve already been utilizing them.

Examine the extended metaphor of the writer’s toolbox. How does the presentation of information affect how you receive it?

Given all the craft advice King presents in the memoir, synthesize his style as a writer. What portrait has he created of himself?

Do you think King utilizes all of the writer’s toolbox in crafting On Writing? Pick two to three elements of the toolbox and demonstrate how King employs them in the memoir.

What role do alcohol and drugs play in King’s life? How does his relationship to them change over time and influence how he approaches his creative work?