Stephen King may well be America’s most popular writer. Over the last four decades, his books have sold an astounding 350 million copies. Recently given the National Medal of Arts, his list of awards is long and distinguished; being honored in Canada and the U.K. as well as in the U.S.
Stephen King was born and raised in Maine. His father abandoned family when Stephen was only two years old. His mother was left alone to raise him and his adopted brother, David. With great financial strain on the young family they moved several times, returning finally to Maine so that Stephen’s mother could care for her parents.
Stephen had an interest in “dark” literature even as a boy. He loved comic books that centered on horror themes and began creating his own stories. By age 18 he was published in comic “fanzines.” He attended the University of Maine where he met his future wife, Tabitha. After graduating with a degree in English, King sought teaching jobs. He had to supplement the search by working odd jobs. During this time he developed the drinking problem that would plague him for more than a decade.
By 1973, King’s first novel, Carrie, was published. The advance was $2,500. It was a book that would be turned into a hit movie and brought King both financial rewards and critical acclaim. Though struggling with alcohol and then prescription medicine abuse, King flourished creatively.
Moving the family to Boulder, Colorado, King wrote The Shining. His inner life was in turmoil for years. King credits an intervention by his friends and family to changing his self-destructive lifestyle. He stopped the addictive patterns and has remained sober for many years.
Not only do his avid readers know his work, but millions of movie fans through the adaptation of his novels Carrie and The Shining. He produced a television series, acted in minor roles in films, and even wrote the liner notes for an album by the rock/punk group the Ramones.
In 1999, King was hit by an oncoming car while walking along the shoulder of a road in Maine. His injuries were severe and, in 2002, he announced his retirement from writing. Thankfully, for Stephen King and his fans, he returned to writing and largely recovered from his injuries. He continues to create and to enthrall his ever-growing readership.