My interview in The Science Of Stephen King on Mr. Mercedes and more:

The book is out now, and I am proud to have been a part of it.

Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence do a phenomenal job presenting what is both a fun read and a deeply introspective one in The Science Of Stephen King : The Truth Behind Pennywise, Jack Torrance, Carrie, Cujo, and More Iconic Characters from the Master of Horror.

Personally, I feel the research and science that Stephen King adds to nearly all of his fictional works is often lost in the thrilling and beguiling tales of the master storyteller.

For an author, there is a great deal of science throughout the vast body of work from Sai King, especially considering he is not a science-fiction author.

Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence interviewed field experts, cite scientific studies, and through an open discussion they explore the scientific perspectives of their interviewees, while dialing into the science of the King.

This makes for some compelling reading.

There are also quotes and extensive comparisons to other works that help give weight to where scientific philosophies can shape any tale, including that of the macabre, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is an example of this that is used in the chapter I was interviewed for: on technology.

In the book, my interview resides in the chapter aptly titled “Mr. Mercedes,” and that is on page 198 through page 203.

I will not spoil it for you, but one quote from the authors is:

“It’s haunting to think that subliminal messaging is still used.”

I had a lot of fun with this interview, and we discussed quite a few of King’s books, including End of Watch, The Waste Lands, Cell, The Gunslinger, and Different Seasons.

I may have rambled on about Ray Bradbury and a few other works, as well.

As King frequently warns his readers about the potential for the ill use of science and technology, this book is littered with fun science, some of which will be instantly recognizable to the Constant Reader of King’s and some of which may open a few eyes.

Thank you, Meg and Kelly, for crafting this great work and for having me play a small role.

P.S. In other news regarding my larger works, a children’s book has come together and though nothing more can be said at this time . . . it’s close!

The infamous Cyberwar sequel is also nearing fruition (I know I have been saying that for a few years now but a car accident and family matters have delayed it, but no more), and as it is nearly twice the length of its predecessor, the arduous editing continues. I believe it will be well worth the wait, folks. This one will make Cyberwar a prequel (call it Book .5 in the Cyberwar Series) and starts to open a much wider world in the Cyberverse. Possibilities become endless as does the terrain that is traversed by Waltz, Sheetrock, Fae, and Xera.

While that is ongoing, another unrelated novel of mine enters its final chrysalis as well, and I think it is really special. Really, really special.

That is all I will say on my writing, and I will leave you with this: though the darkness covers the lands in a pandemic – in the form of a virus, in the effects of climate change, and in the polarizing and divisive forces running amuck across the globe – nature is change. Constant change.

I work toward change for the better, alongside so many. And I feel change for the better is coming. Be well, my friends.

Sincerely,

R.J. Huneke