He’s the undisputed king of horror and Hollywood, having written over 61 novels and 200 short stories, many of which have been adapted into movies, TV shows, and even comic books. But who is Stephen King, really? In this article, we’ll delve into his biography, his personal life, his best quotes, his best books, and everything in between.
Introduction to Stephen King
Stephen Edwin King was born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine, to Donald King and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. He was the second of three children, with an older brother, David, and a younger sister, Karen. His father abandoned the family when King was only two years old, leaving his mother to raise them on her own. King has described his childhood as lonely and isolated, spending most of his time reading books and watching horror movies.
Stephen King’s Biography
King attended the University of Maine, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1970. While in college, he met his future wife, Tabitha Spruce, who was also a student. They got married in 1971 and have been together ever since. After college, King worked odd jobs to support his family while pursuing his writing career. His first short story, “The Glass Floor,” was published in Startling Mystery Stories in 1967.
King’s breakthrough came in 1973 with the publication of his first novel, Carrie, which was later adapted into a movie. Since then, he has published numerous bestsellers, including The Shining, It, The Stand, and The Dark Tower series. King’s success as a writer has earned him numerous awards, including the National Medal of Arts in 2015.
Stephen King’s Life Outside Writing
Despite his success as a writer, King has remained down-to-earth and approachable. He’s known for his love of baseball and has even written a book about the sport, called Faithful. He’s also an avid fan of rock music and has written several articles and essays about his favorite bands. King is a family man and has three children, Joe, Owen, and Naomi, all of whom are writers themselves.
King is also a philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations over the years. He’s a strong advocate for education and has established the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, which provides grants to schools and libraries in Maine.
Stephen King’s Riches and Status
With over 350 million books sold worldwide, it’s safe to say that Stephen King is a wealthy man. In fact, his net worth is estimated to be over $500 million. But despite his riches, King has never forgotten his roots and remains humble and grateful for his success. He’s known for his generosity and has often given back to his community in various ways.
King’s status as a cultural icon is undeniable. He’s influenced countless writers and artists over the years and has helped shape the horror genre into what it is today. He’s also a regular fixture in pop culture, making cameo appearances in movies and TV shows and even appearing as a character in his own books.
Stephen King’s Best Quotes
One of the things that makes Stephen King’s writing so compelling is his ability to craft memorable and impactful quotes. Here are some of his best:
- “Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.” (The Shining)
- “We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones.” (The Stand)
- “The most important things are the hardest things to say. They are the things you get ashamed of because words diminish them — words shrink things that seemed limitless when they were in your head to no more than living size when they’re brought out.” (The Body)
- “Books are uniquely portable magic.” (On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft)
Stephen King’s Best Books
Stephen King has written so many great books that it’s hard to narrow down his best. But here are some that are widely considered to be his greatest works:
- The Shining
- It
- The Stand
- Carrie
- Pet Sematary
- ‘Salem’s Lot
- Misery
- The Dark Tower series
If you’re a horror fan and haven’t read any of these books, you’re missing out.
Stephen King’s First Book
Stephen King’s first book was Carrie, published in 1973. The book tells the story of a teenage girl who discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to exact revenge on her bullies. The book was a massive success and has since been adapted into several movies, a musical, and even a comic book.
Stephen King’s Last Book
As of this writing, Stephen King’s most recent book is Billy Summers, published in August 2021. The book is a thriller about a hitman who takes one last job before retiring. It’s already receiving rave reviews from critics and fans alike.
Stephen King’s Books in Order
If you’re a Stephen King fan and want to read his books in order, here’s a comprehensive list:
- Carrie (1974)
- ‘Salem’s Lot (1975)
- The Shining (1977)
- The Stand (1978)
- The Dead Zone (1979)
- Firestarter (1980)
- Cujo (1981)
- The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger (1982)
- Christine (1983)
- Pet Sematary (1983)
And so on…
Stephen King’s Books that Became Movies or Other Media
Many of Stephen King’s books have been adapted into movies, TV shows, and other forms of media. Here are some of the most notable:
- Carrie (1976)
- The Shining (1980)
- Stand By Me (1986)
- Misery (1990)
- The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
- The Green Mile (1999)
- It (2017)
- Doctor Sleep (2019)
Other Artists Who Inspired Stephen King
While Stephen King is undoubtedly a master of horror, he’s also been influenced by other artists over the years. Some of his biggest inspirations include:
- H.P. Lovecraft
- Richard Matheson
- Shirley Jackson
- Ray Bradbury
- Edgar Allan Poe
Other Writers to be Read Absolutely
If you’re a fan of Stephen King’s writing and want to read other horror writers, here are some recommendations:
- Clive Barker
- H.P. Lovecraft
- Shirley Jackson
- Peter Straub
- Dean Koontz
Backbiting and Gossip Surrounding Stephen King
Despite his success, Stephen King has been the subject of some backbiting and gossip over the years. One of the most persistent rumors is that he’s a heavy drinker and drug user, but King has denied these claims. He’s also been accused of plagiarism, but these accusations have been largely debunked.
Criticism of Stephen King’s Work
Like any artist, Stephen King has his share of critics. Some have accused him of being too formulaic and predictable, while others have criticized his writing style as being too pulpy. But for every critic, there are countless fans who love his work and appreciate the impact he’s had on the horror genre.
Stephen King’s Love Life and Friendships
Stephen King has been married to his wife, Tabitha, for over 50 years, and they have a strong and loving relationship. He’s also known for his close friendships with other writers, including George R.R. Martin and Joe Hill.
Conclusion
Stephen King is a literary giant, a cultural icon, and a master of horror. His impact on the genre is immeasurable, and his books have become a staple of popular culture. But beyond his success and fame, King is a humble and generous man who has never forgotten his roots. His legacy will continue to inspire writers and artists for generations to come.
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