Biography of Stephen King:
Stephen King, born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine, USA, is one of the most prolific and successful authors of contemporary horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and fantasy novels. He has also written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. King's books have sold more than 350 million copies, and many of them have been adapted into films, television series, and miniseries.
Biography Of Stephen King |
Here is a brief biography of Stephen King:
Early Life of Stephen King:
Stephen Edwin King was the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. His father, Donald King, abandoned the family when Stephen was only two years old, leaving Nellie to raise Stephen and his older brother, David, on her own. Despite financial struggles, Nellie worked hard to support her family. Stephen showed an early interest in storytelling, often writing short stories and selling them to his friends.
Education:
King attended the University of Maine, where he studied English and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. It was during his time at college that he met his future wife, Tabitha Spruce, who also became a successful novelist.
Early Writing Career:
After graduation, King worked at various jobs to support his family, including teaching English at Hampden Academy. In the evenings, he continued to write and submit stories to magazines. His first novel, "Carrie," was published in 1974. The success of "Carrie" marked the beginning of King's career as a bestselling author.
Major Works of Stephen King:
Stephen King's bibliography is extensive and includes numerous bestsellers. Some of his most famous works include:
- Carrie (1974): King's first published novel, a story about a teenage girl with telekinetic powers.
- The Shining (1977): A psychological horror novel set in an isolated hotel, later adapted into a successful film directed by Stanley Kubrick.
- It (1986): A horror novel about a group of children who confront a malevolent entity that takes the form of a clown.
- The Stand (1978): An epic post-apocalyptic novel exploring the battle between good and evil after a deadly pandemic.
- Misery (1987): A psychological thriller about an author held captive by his "number one fan."
- The Dark Tower series (1982-2012): A seven-book series that blends elements of fantasy, horror, and Western.
Pseudonym:
In the late 1970s, King wrote several novels under the pseudonym Richard Bachman to explore different genres and writing styles without the preconceived expectations associated with his name. Some of the Bachman books include "The Long Walk" and "The Running Man."
Stephen King's Accident and Recovery:
In 1999, King was seriously injured when he was hit by a van while walking on the shoulder of a road. His injuries required multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery. During this time, he continued to write and later released the memoir "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft," which combines autobiographical elements with advice for aspiring writers.
Later Career:
Stephen King has continued to write prolifically, publishing numerous novels, short story collections, and novellas. Some of his later works include "Duma Key," "11/22/63," "Doctor Sleep," and "The Outsider." His books have consistently topped bestseller lists, and he remains a highly influential figure in the literary world.
Legacy:
Stephen King's impact on popular culture is immense. His ability to blend horror with elements of psychological suspense and everyday life has earned him a dedicated fan base. Many of his works have been adapted into successful films and TV series, contributing to his status as one of the most recognized and influential authors in the world of contemporary fiction.