I was just a teenager when the novel Carrie was published. I read it and it scared the crap out of me, but it was hard to put down. My older sister had bought it, and of course, I had to read it. I was a bit dizzy when I finished it. It was memorable, to say the least. As you know, this book was made into a movie. It launched the acting careers of many stars including John Travolta and Sissy Spacek, just to name a few. What a movie. Carrie did not make me a Stephen King fan, though. His book Night Shift did, however. Immediately. I connected to this collection of short stories and it is still one of my favorite books today. The mangler, the lawnmower man, oh, they got me. In the gut. The scary part. I loved it. I grew up watching the Twilight Zone, Project Terror, loved Alfred Hitchcock and on television, this scary horror madness inspired me. Stephen King books transported me into a new world where I could write about anything scary and not be afraid. He changed things. That, my friends, is something. Deep and important.
A brief bio about Stephen Edwin King here. Born on September 21, 1947, yes, he is a Virgo, as am I, if you like astrology. He was raised by his mother, at the age of two, his father left the family. He has an older adopted brother. He graduated from the university of Maine. He is married and has three children. Two sons, who are also writers and a daughter who is a minister. I have read his son’s work, both of them, and it is incredible. They are very talented. Stephen King is married to Tabitha King, who has written many novels, herself. My favorite by her is Survivor. What a book. Tabitha King actually pulled the manuscript for Carrie out of the trash. Stephen King had tossed in there, being frustrated. We owe Tabitha a lot. She encouraged her husband to finish the book and it has sold quite well. She knew. She was so right.
Many of Stephen King’s books have been adapted for the big screen, movies, that is and also for television. One of my favorite television series is Haven, on the channel Sy Fy. This fantastic television series is based on Stephen King’s The Colorado Kid. It is a winner. Many of Stephen King’s books are based in Maine. He has two homes in Maine and one in Sarasota Florida. Here is where I list some greats. Carrie, Creepshow, The Stand, Misery, The Shining, Salem’s Lot, Pet Sematary, The Dark Tower books, Everything’s Eventual, Firestarter, Christine, Rose Red, From A Buick 8, Dreamcatcher, Maximum Overdrive, Night Shift, Cell, Duma Key, On Writing and his latest, Full Dark, No Stars. Oh, I have left so many out, please forgive me. This is a hard working man and he is my very favorite novelist. I was there in the beginning and I hope to be there for the end. God willing.
Stephen King changed horror fiction, in my opinion. His work is brilliant and also easy to read and enjoy. He can capture madness, harness it and ride it to the end. He takes us along with him. His personality comes through in his writing and that is a trait I admire. He builds suspense and horror like no other author. He has also mastered science fiction and fantasy fiction. As a writer, I take all of the books I have read over the years, quite a few, and I gather wisdom and creation from them. Stephen King creates worlds, characters and stories in a way that is truly unique. He stands out and I like that about him. He is indeed an inspiration for some of my work. I feel the shape shifts and ghostly beings in imagination and try to bring them to life on the page. Where they come from, I really don’t know. I am just glad that they come. My favorite novel by Stephen King is Cell. I cried at the end. This novel is graphic, violent and all about cell phones and technology. It may gross many out. I understand. I had a personal experience that connected me with this book. I was almost left brain dead and numb like the main character. My situation was not similar to the story in meaning, but the end was a new beginning for me. I woke up sane. Many are not as fortunate. A near death experience can bring great knowledge, if you survive. Terrible as the happening may be, you will learn, live and go on, if you survive. And the experience is different for everyone.
Stephen King is my favorite novelist because he is talented. He raises my eyebrows, intrigues and chills. The thrills his work brings are magnificent. I never know what to expect from him. That is worthy of my money and my time. I love to read and nothing pleases me more than to open a Stephen King novel and dive in. I prepare for the fact that I will not be able to put it down for hours. What magic. Heaven. This amazing author has sold well over 350 million copies and that number grows everyday. I am with it all the way. And, loving every fantastic and thrilling day. My best thriller or science fiction story can’t compare, but I strive to. Because of him. Because of my love for writing. He makes it look easy and I believe. I know it isn’t, but if it comes naturally, I type away and dream. I write for me. Stephen King knows what I mean.
I typed this with AC/DC blaring out and love it. Dire Straits plays next. Oh, AC/DC is one of Stephen King’s favorite bands. Their great music is featured on the Maximum Overdrive movie soundtrack. Write on, Stephen. We are with you. His latest works include an e book titled Mile 81. His latest novel is due to be released in November, 2011. It is called 11/23/63. I can’t wait.