Stephen King Fans discussion

Fresh Air with Terry Gross's interview with Stephen King about 'Joyland,' kicking his addiction to OxyContin, the similarities between carnies and revivalist preachers, and the boogeymen that lurk in the dark...

A very nice interview. Read a snippet or listen to the whole 40 minute interview @ http://www.npr.org/2013/05/28/1848276...

Fascinating interview, Martin. A lot of stuff I didn't know about King. Thanks so much for sharing this.

This was awesome! THanks so much for sharing!! I especially loved where he talks about how his fear has changed from the monster in the closet to losing his mind....A fear most can relate to. Thanks again for sharing!

I loved his comments. It's cool he is believing in God to me. I especially liked his comments on Alzheimers. That is scary stuff.

This whole conversation reminds me of the argument that's been going on in my head for the last several decades. I'm sure that it's been going on in King's head as well. Not sure you're allowed to quote much from books here but he certainly talks about all this at the end of IT ("the man who believes there is no god has to have his rationality seriously questioned" and then a few sentences later he adds, "the circle closes the wheel rolls and that's all there is.") I think he's open to all interpretations and ideas, I think he's in awe of the workings of the universe, it's just that right now, he CHOOSES to believe... me too.

Do you know about this book:
On Writing?

Danny wrote: "Do you know about this book:
On Writing?"

Danny: This is a great autobiographical novel disguised as a textbook on writing. In terms of content, two thirds are about King's life, filled with great memories of his relationship with his older brother that are as funny as anything he ever wrote. His All American kinship with Mark Twain really shows through here. There are monsters of course: poverty, alcoholism, working in the laundry industry, almost being killed when he was struck by a mini van half way through the writing of this book. There's quite a love story too, his ongoing love for his wife Tabby, his respect for her, and the help she's been in shaping story telling skills. Sure there's the one third that's a really strong lesson on writing too, but if you don't care that "pronouns are slippery little bastards" and that you should never use adverbs, you can skip the grammar lessons... or you can read them, because buried within that section are some brilliant insights into his own creative process and his opinions about his individual works. King's section on the girls he knew in high school who served as the inspiration for Kerry is especially memorable. Bottom line, On Writing is one of Old Stevie's (his occasional name for himself) very best works. Many critics list it as his BEST work. If not, it's way, way up there... maybe worthy of the highest honors in literature... I'm thinking Nobel Prize, even. How's that for an a recommendation. READ IT!

Nick

Thanks Nick! Great recommendation. It will be my Christmas time reading. :)

Really enjoyed reading the interview.

Danny wrote: "Thanks Nick! Great recommendation. It will be my Christmas time reading. :)"

By the say, Danny, the audio book is read by king, so it's like having the guy tell you his own personal life story... really great.

Nick wrote: "Danny wrote: "Thanks Nick! Great recommendation. It will be my Christmas time reading. :)"

By the say, Danny, the audio book is read by king, so it's like having the guy tell you his own personal ..."

I already have the paperback book. Won't buy an audio book even to hear King's voice. ;)

Danny wrote: "Nick wrote: "Danny wrote: "Thanks Nick! Great recommendation. It will be my Christmas time reading. :)"

By the say, Danny, the audio book is read by king, so it's like having the guy tell you his ..."

I agree with the audiobook part! Could never bring myself to listen to one

Malina wrote: "Danny wrote: "Nick wrote: "Danny wrote: "Thanks Nick! Great recommendation. It will be my Christmas time reading. :)"

By the say, Danny, the audio book is read by king, so it's like having the guy..."

One of the thinks King says in On Writing is that he enjoys audiobooks... any way to keep the stories coming. When you have to drive a lot it really works, though it does rob you of the ability to make up the reader's voice in your own mind, and reading is a lot faster than listening. Maybe I just have too many books going at the same time.