Stephen King finishes a story 45 years in the making in 'You Like It Darker'
Jun 12, 2024
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Stephen King discusses finishing a story 45 years later, exploring themes of destiny and morality. He reflects on his writing process, nostalgia, and the influence of our actions on predetermined events. The episode sheds light on King's prolific career and his latest collection of short stories, 'You Like It Darker'.
Stephen King completed 'The Answer Man' story after 45 years, exploring themes of destiny and morality.
King initially doubted 'Pet Sematary's acceptability but it became a bestseller and movie.
King's passion for storytelling is evident with around 70 novels, prioritizing quality over quantity.
Deep dives
Stephen King's Long-awaited Story: The Answer Man
Stephen King discusses 'The Answer Man,' a story he started at 30 but completed at 75. After rediscovering the unfinished tale, it became a 50-page story. The plot centers on a young man meeting the enigmatic Answer Man on the road, offering to answer three questions for $25. King reflects on the themes of destiny and the unknown future explored through the protagonist's interactions with the Answer Man.
Stephen King's Exploration of Creepy Boundaries
Stephen King reveals his initial hesitation with 'Pet Sematary,' fearing it was too horrifying for readers. Despite concerns, the novel became a bestseller and later a movie. King touches on his extensive writing career, estimating around 70 books, emphasizing his passion for storytelling over reaching a specific number of novels.
Stephen King on Long-anticipated Story
Stephen King shares 'The Answer Man,' a story initiated in his youth and finally completed at 75. The tale follows a young man encountering the mysterious Answer Man, prompting reflections on fate and life's uncertainties.
Stephen King's Brave Boundary Crossing
Stephen King recalls his reservations with 'Pet Sematary,' uncertain about its acceptability due to its dark storyline. Despite initial doubts, the novel resonated with audiences, illustrating King's willingness to push boundaries in his storytelling.
Stephen King's Prolific Writing Career
Stephen King reflects on his substantial body of work, estimating around 70 books, highlighting his dedication to storytelling and family support. He shares his early ambition to write a hundred novels, emphasizing his love for storytelling over achieving a specific number of works.
You Like It Darker is a new collection of short stories by Stephen King — and as the author tells NPR's Mary Louise Kelly, one of those stories spent decades tucked away in a desk drawer before he gave it an ending. In today's episode,the two discuss the bigger questions of destiny and morality in that story and in much of King's work, and why the writer thought several of his best-selling novels would never see the light of day.
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