Stephen King

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”

— Stephen King

Life & Background:

Born in 1947 in Portland, Maine, Stephen King grew up poor, raised mainly by a single mother. After struggling early on, he broke through with Carrie in 1974 and never stopped. He’s written over 60 novels and 200 short stories, many of which have been adapted into iconic films and TV series. 

Inspirations:

Classic horror (Poe, Lovecraft), science fiction, small-town America, pop culture, trauma, addiction, and his own dreams and fears. He’s also profoundly influenced by American Gothic and pulp fiction.

Themes in His Work:

• Fear, both supernatural and psychological

• The battle between good and evil

• Childhood trauma and lost innocence

• Addiction, grief, and redemption

• The hidden darkness in ordinary people and places

• Writing and storytelling as metaphysical forces

Notable Works:

• The Shining (1977)

• It (1986)

• Carrie (1974)

• Misery (1987)

• The Dark Tower series (1982–2012)

• 11/22/63 (2011)

• Pet Sematary (1983)