So as this is the place for like minded peeps, I'm curious as to whether you consider Mr. King a "horror" writer and if so (or if not) what constitutes that definition? I ask mainly because whenever I'm telling non King fans/constant readers I'm reading an sk book or watching an sk related film they usually have the same response- "Oh no, too scary for me! I'll stick to my (insert crappy author/crap movie)."
I think the reason a lot of people assume King is just some "horror" writer is based off films primarily Carrie and It. In my experience, people automatically associate Stephen King with "here's Johnny!"/red rum or "that f*ckin creepy ass clown" which is totally understandable, pennywise has provided many a nightmare for my younger self. But then these same people are surprised if you tell the
King wrote the stories The Shawshank Redemption, green mile, stand by me, and hearts in Atlantis are based on.
Since those are some of my favorite works, I have never really considered King a horror writer...even his 'scary' works are to me, like that of hearts in Atlantis, pieces of fine fiction that speak to the human condition. It is frightening as hell for sure, but for me it's a story about the innocence of childhood and the WORLD is the truly scary place, the world made and ruled by adults. The Shining is about the damage of an alcoholic parent and spouse, and the ghosts (literally and figuratively) those people are left with. In any case, you see my point. King uses horror or supernatural elements to illustrate and highlight the very human story within, and I hope more people who may not be all that familiar with King can see that. I think his last works have accomplished that (11/22/63, great for history freaks, and Under the Dome tv series). Above all, I actually consider King's writing to be one long running commentary on both the complexities of human nature and modern American life. And for that, I am grateful.
Sorry if this want long and rangy, I'm just curious as to what you guys think.
I think the reason a lot of people assume King is just some "horror" writer is based off films primarily Carrie and It. In my experience, people automatically associate Stephen King with "here's Johnny!"/red rum or "that f*ckin creepy ass clown" which is totally understandable, pennywise has provided many a nightmare for my younger self. But then these same people are surprised if you tell the
King wrote the stories The Shawshank Redemption, green mile, stand by me, and hearts in Atlantis are based on.
Since those are some of my favorite works, I have never really considered King a horror writer...even his 'scary' works are to me, like that of hearts in Atlantis, pieces of fine fiction that speak to the human condition. It is frightening as hell for sure, but for me it's a story about the innocence of childhood and the WORLD is the truly scary place, the world made and ruled by adults. The Shining is about the damage of an alcoholic parent and spouse, and the ghosts (literally and figuratively) those people are left with. In any case, you see my point. King uses horror or supernatural elements to illustrate and highlight the very human story within, and I hope more people who may not be all that familiar with King can see that. I think his last works have accomplished that (11/22/63, great for history freaks, and Under the Dome tv series). Above all, I actually consider King's writing to be one long running commentary on both the complexities of human nature and modern American life. And for that, I am grateful.
Sorry if this want long and rangy, I'm just curious as to what you guys think.