Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author. Widely known for his horror novels, he has been crowned the "King of Horror". He has also explored other genres, among them suspense, crime, science-fiction, fantasy and mystery. Though known primarily for his novels, he has written approximately 200 short stories, most of which have been published in collections.
His debut, Carrie (1974), established him in horror. Different Seasons (1982), a collection of four novellas, was his first major departure from the genre. Among the films adapted from King's fiction are Carrie (1976), The Shining (1980), The Dead Zone and Christine (both 1983), Stand by Me (1986), Misery (1990), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Dolores Claiborne (1995), The Green Mile (1999), The Mist (2007) and It (2017). He has published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman and has co-written works with other authors, notably his friend Peter Straub and sons Joe Hill and Owen King. He has also written nonfiction, notably Danse Macabre (1981) and On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (2000).
Among other awards, King has won the O. Henry Award for "The Man in the Black Suit" (1994) and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Mystery/Thriller for 11/22/63 (2011). He has also won honors for his overall contributions to literature, including the 2003 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, the 2007 Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America and the 2014 National Medal of Arts. Joyce Carol Oates called King "a brilliantly rooted, psychologically realistic writer for whom the American scene has been a continuous source of inspiration, and American popular culture a vast cornucopia of possibilities."
Early life and education
King grew up in Maine, where much of his fiction is set. His father abandoned the family when he was young, leaving his mother to raise him and his brother on her own. King's fascination with storytelling began early, influenced by his love of comic books, movies, and classic horror and science fiction authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Richard Matheson. He attended the University of Maine, earning a degree in English in 1970.
Writing career
King's breakthrough came in 1974 with his debut novel, Carrie, a tale of a bullied teenager with telekinetic powers. The book's success allowed him to focus on writing full-time, and it was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 1976.
He quickly became known for his prolific output, publishing numerous bestsellers, including:
- The Shining (1977)
- Salem’s Lot (1975)
- IT (1986)
- Misery (1987)
- The Dark Tower series (1982–2012)
King's works often blend deeply human stories with supernatural elements, making his horror both terrifying and relatable.
Style and themes
King’s writing is characterized by:
- Relatable Characters: Ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances are a hallmark of his work.
- Psychological Depth: He delves into the fears, motivations, and flaws of his characters.
- Setting: Many of his stories take place in small-town America, particularly in Maine.
- Themes: Recurring themes include the power of memory, the struggle between good and evil, childhood trauma, addiction, and the impact of fear.
Accolades
King has received numerous awards for his work, including:
- The Bram Stoker Award
- The World Fantasy Award
- The National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters (2003)
His works have also been adapted extensively into films, TV series, and miniseries, making him a cultural phenomenon.
Personal life
King married Tabitha Spruce in 1971, a fellow writer, and they have three children. Despite a near-fatal car accident in 1999, King continued writing prolifically. He is also known for his philanthropy, supporting libraries, local organizations, and literacy programs.
Legacy
Stephen King’s contributions to literature and pop culture are immeasurable. With over 60 novels, hundreds of short stories, and a legacy of adaptations, King remains a literary giant, beloved for his ability to terrify and move readers in equal measure.
