NPR's Book of the Day

Stephen King on 'The Shining' sequel and the novel he co-authored with his son

Oct 31, 2025
Prolific author Stephen King, known as the 'King of Horror,' discusses his journey with sobriety and the long-awaited sequel, Doctor Sleep. He shares insights about revisiting Danny Torrance and contrasts his fiery ending with Kubrick's iconic film. King also opens up about his collaborative writing process with son Owen on Sleeping Beauties, explaining how they crafted a unique voice together. They reflect on the creative joys and familial bonds formed through their collaboration, showcasing the power of storytelling across generations.
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INSIGHT

First-Time Fear Is Powerful

  • Stephen King treats fear like a primal, memorable experience akin to a 'first time'.
  • He aims to grab readers immediately and make stories that consume their attention.
INSIGHT

Temperament Shapes Story Endings

  • King contrasts his fiery, confrontational writing temperament with Stanley Kubrick's cooler approach.
  • He says his version of The Shining burned the hotel because he writes hot and direct, not cool and calculating.
INSIGHT

Alcoholism As Nature And Nurture

  • Alcoholism functions as both nature and nurture in King's view, affecting generations.
  • He wanted to show whether Danny could break those patterns and how AA changes recovery compared to 'white-knuckle' attempts.
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