8 Things You May Not Know About Stephen King

Stephen Edward King was born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine. He is one of the most prolific and celebrated authors of our time, with his books selling well over 350 million copies worldwide. Many of his novels have been adapted into iconic movies, comic books, and television series, solidifying his status as a cultural phenomenon. Often referred to as ‘The Master of Horror,’ King has an uncanny ability to tap into our deepest fears and weave them into compelling narratives.

Throughout his career, King has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Bram Stoker Award, the World Fantasy Award, and the National Medal of Arts. His influence on the horror genre is immeasurable, inspiring generations of writers and filmmakers. Beyond his literary contributions, King is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He donates an estimated $4 million annually to libraries, schools, and various charitable causes, often focusing on literacy and education. Politically active, King uses his platform to advocate for causes he believes in, making him not only a literary icon but also a voice for social change.

Here are some fun facts that you may not know about him:

• King published seven novels under the pen name Richard Bachman, a pseudonym he used to see if his books could sell without the weight of his famous name. It was later revealed when a bookstore clerk noticed similarities in writing styles.
• His surname was originally Pollock, but it was changed to King by his father.
• As a child, King discovered H.P. Lovecraft’s The Lurker in the Shadows, which ignited his passion for horror storytelling.
• He is a voracious reader and owns over 17,000 books in his personal library.
• King struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse during the early years of his career but has been sober since the late 1980s.
• He aims to write at least 2,000 words every single day, a discipline that has contributed significantly to his massive body of work.
• Surprisingly, he prefers writing his first drafts with a fountain pen and paper rather than on a computer.
• King is an avid baseball fan, and his favorite team is the Boston Red Sox. His love for the team even inspired his non-fiction book Faithful.
• He survived a near-fatal accident in 1999 when he was hit by a van while walking near his home. Despite severe injuries, he continued to write during his recovery.
• He made a cameo appearance in several of the film adaptations of his books, including Pet Sematary and It Chapter Two.

Stephen King has always been one of my favorite authors. While researching and writing this, I actually learned a few new things about him that I didn’t know before. I hope you discovered something new too! Now, let me share with you some of my favorite quotes from this legendary writer:

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” — Stephen King

“I think that we’re all mentally ill. Those of us outside the asylums only hide it a little better – and maybe not all that much better after all.” — Stephen King

“If you liked being a teenager, there’s something really wrong with you.” — Stephen King

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering his work, there’s no denying the incredible impact Stephen King has had on literature and pop culture. His ability to tell haunting, thought-provoking stories ensures that his legacy will continue for generations to come.