This Day in Horror History: Happy Birthday, STEPHEN KING!

On this day in horror history, Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947. An author of horror, suspense, sci-fi, and fantasy, King has published 61 novels, including seven under the pen name Richard Bachman, and five non-fiction books.

Described as the “King of Horror,” he has also written over 200 short stories and his books have sold over 350M copies. Many have been adapted into films, TV shows, and comic books. When asked why he writes, King said: “The answer to that is fairly simple—there was nothing else I was made to do. I was made to write stories and I love to write stories. That’s why I do it. I really can’t imagine doing anything else and I can’t imagine not doing what I do.” When asked why he writes such terrifying stories, he says: “Why do you assume I have a choice?”

King writes 2,000 words each day and won’t stop until he does. He says: “Read and write four to six hours a day. If you cannot find the time for that, you can’t expect to become a good writer.” His definition for talent in writing: “If you wrote something for which someone sent you a check, if you cashed the check and it didn’t bounce, and if you then paid the light bill with the money, I consider you talented.”

King married novelist Tabitha Spruce on January 2, 1971. The couple has three children, Naomi is a Unitarian Universalist Church minister in Plantation, Florida, and Owen and Joseph Hillstrom King. Joseph writes as Joe Hill and is famous for works such as Horns, Locke & Key, NOS4A2, Heart-Shaped Box, and more.

What’s your favorite Stephen King novel/short story? Make sure to let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

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