Want to choose what bio we make a video about? Go here and vote: biographics.org/you-choose-the-biography/ - We pick the top vote-getter each month to add to biograhpics!
Went to your link but it's no longer accepting responses. That said, can I drop a suggestion here? Amelia Earhart (to balance your kickass Howard Hughes video). There's a lot out there already but much of it is bs, would really like to hear your take on her life...not the theories.
I live in Maine. My pregnant mom was was a student in his class in 1977 when he talked about a thing about lsd he saw on TV late one night. My mom was the only student who had also seen the show. That show inspired him to write a novel. Years later, after my mom passed away, I met him and told him the story. He remembered my moms name and asked how she was. He offered his condolences and an autograph made out on the back of a paper bag from the store we ran into one another. Made out to "Nick, I knew your mother while I first gained inspiration for Carry. She was one of my favorite students. She will be missed. Steven King"
I worked in a bookstore during the mid-90s that Mr. King would frequent. He (and his wife) were always extremely personable and kind, often signing his books and putting them back on the shelf without telling anyone. Thank you for letting people know so much about his philanthropy in addition his unbelievable skills in writing.
This man’s life story is proof for why it pays to have a good spouse and to listen to them. Not only have they been together for fifty years, but she’s also somewhat responsible for the modern day empire of Stephen King novels, short stories, movies and shows, by merit of encouraging him to finish Carrie and she also kind of saved his life, even in part with that little intervention.
Man..... I just want to thank you for making this video. I'm a black, 58 year old man from Savannah Georgia who found the works of Sai King in my years in the military in 1983. The first book I read was Cujo and it fucked me up because I could visualize everything that I read!! I blew off everything just to read WHATEVER this cat wrote!! I was hooked!! Thank you for making this video and so many of the others that I've enjoyed! Simon fuckin rocks the DocuWorld! Your game is on point and you enlightening, inform and entertain us with your subject matter, thoroughness, objective presentation of interesting people! This one had me in tears yo!......... RESPECT.
You left out that Carrie was rejected 30 times before it was published. This is the submit and wait game. You send it off and wait a few months for a reply. It's a long and slow game of failure.
Tell me about it. When I was first getting into this game, the one thing no-one ever told me was just how much time I'd spend sitting around waiting for people to get back to me. It's not a good occupation for anyone who's naturally impatient.
It's impressive that he beat addiction twice over in his life. Especially the oxys. Really cool that he was able to get sober when his family and everything he cares about confronted him with it. That takes a real man.
I live in Maine. And it seems like Mr. King is intermingle in my life all the time without ever meeting him myself. King used to frequent a convenient store my mother worked at weekly. My mother even brought home an autograph after he became a regular if hers. My wife’s family is from the Lisbon area. Her siblings and herself went to Lisbon school system where King has made huge donations towards the library and other key areas of the school. Multiple of my wife’s friends and family from that area have family that were classmates with him. I’m a huge reader and while king probably isn’t my favorite author he is a solid top 5. And basically the only horror books I read. Can’t wait to read his new book with his son sleeping beauties!
and don't forget the ability of creating a story literally out of the smallest, trivial, insignifican daily actions. Not only King is a great writer, but also a great human being. A rare combo.
Just wish he had that same acuity for recognizing character and leadership in the people around him. If he did he wouldn't had been running his mouth leading up to the 2020 election pushing people to vote in Maine for 2 people who had none in Joe & Kamala.
I enjoyed Tabitha's books just as much as Stephen's. I remember getting them from the library YEARS ago, and thinking that there was no way she'd be as good as her husband, but I was very impressed.
What a lot of people don't know about King is that he wrote a bunch of iconic books that aren't horror stories: The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and a short story that would become Stand By Me.
I remember him writing an anthology of some short stories. Can’t remember the name of the book but I believe the story itself was called ‘The long walk’... That story would be an excellent dramatic thriller for a movie.
I credit Stephen King with turning me on to adult literature. When I was 14, I discovered Stephen King when taking a class in school where students took turns reading aloud short stories. Someone brought a copy of Night Shift, which is King’s first short stories collection and many students were instantly hooked. I especially remember from that book the short stories I Am The Doorway, Children of The Corn, Graveyard Shift, The Boogeyman, and The Mangler. During that class, I also bought and read a paperback copy of Night Shift, followed by Firestarter, The Stand, The Shining, ‘Salem’s Lot, The Dead Zone and Cujo. I haven’t read a lot of Stephen King since I was in my early 20s, but his written work got me interested in reading other authors.
I've always wanted to write, but Stephen King (or as I call him, His Royal Scariness) inspired me to write horror when I read It at around age 12. Since then he's been an incredible and positive influence on my life and writing. This year my novel, Rose, was accepted by a publisher, and I'm hoping I can meet him someday and tell him thanks for all he's done for me. Fingers crossed that will someday happen.
I was born north of Mr. King in Limestone. I find his writing and lifetime philosophy exceptional. His book on writing skills is a must read for any writer. Thank you so much for this great video. Happy Festivus!
My now grown daughter once got us a visit from DFACS by smuggling a King book to share at school. Problem was it wasn't "appropriate" for her early grade. She's never lost her love of his books & neither have I. Thanks for this gr8 honest bio. Y'all do it best!
P R O F I L E Sol ye I found that out a while ago and I was shocked. Apparently after he died his friends wrote stories and penned them under his name. However I DO believe that we know what Lovecraft himself actually wrote.
Asdf Asdf I’m pretty sure that no one wrote any books in Lovecrafts name, the people that expanded his work was with his permission and his close friends
im disappointed you didn't mention how the dark tower was essentially a coping mechanism for his crash and how he bought the van that hit him and destroyed it with a hammer. the latter fact is more the speed of this video, but both are worthy.
I've been reading King since 1977, when I picked up a book with the title 'Carrie' on the front of it. Little did I know, in that little town of White River, Ontario, that it would be the start of my addiction. I think I now have about 15 feet of space on my shelves taken up by his publications, and they are the most magical, and cherished 15 feet I have. If I want to go somewhere else for a week, or two, I just need to pick one of them up, open the cover, and I'm in another place and time. Thank you Mr. King.
I knew about the drinking and cocaine, but not the Oxycontin. It makes perfect sense though. We almost lost him when he was hit. I remember hearing it on the news and freaking out! I was on my knees begging that he would recover. (sounds quite dramatic, right? I had my reasons, too much loss) I read King before he got so famous. I love how he writes, it's like hearing someone tell a story and I get lost into the story so easily. I have read really good books over the years and I have other authors I enjoy a lot. But King's writing style is the best IMO
Speaking as a Mainer who heartbreakingly had to move away, thank you for getting the town names correct. One of the harder things of being far from home is hearing places I have such lovely memories of being butchered or Maine being dismissed as unimportant
Stephen Kong’s generosity extends all throughout Maine. I live in a small Maine town close to the border and he and his wife have donated to libraries, food pantries and high schools all across the area. And his house in Bangor sits right in the middle of the city. Next to regular folks. Not in some closed off gated community. A regular guy with a down to earth attitude.
Excellent thanks. I read Salem's Lot as a teenager. My then boyfriend came knocking on my bedroom window one night and scared me to death! I slept with the lights on for a month afterwards.
Fantastic video, your channel really unveils so much information of people you never though were so multi dimensional. I shouldn't have been surprised that King is an interesting character. Bravo
I remember reading "Rage" it was disturbing story. It was in a collection of Richard Bachman along with "The Long Walk" and I think the "Running Man" was part of it too. Those stories are great. King is a very talented man.
I am so happy that he decided to clean up... and go sober. Many writers tend to do the drugs or alcohol route... I am glad to hear he is well and his family is together.
From Maine. We share the same b-day, he and I. It's not as rural as you made it out to be. MAINE, that is. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. You ought to visit.
Simon, this is your 3rd video on all 3 of your channels in a very short period of time. I think you need to slow down. You're getting too stressed. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but your hair is falling out.
This series continues to enlighten me. For that, I must say that you, sir. No idea of the struggles Mr King has has to overcome. I'm happy I subbed to this channel. Keep up the great work!! Greetings from Canada. :)
Angrii Hippy So you think I don’t think that’s Stephen king just because he has his glasses off? With all due respect Ive been a Stephen King fan since the 80s, I’ve seen hundreds if not thousands of photos of him and countless live interviews, both old and new. That’s not him
Never been a fan of Kings but I have a greater respect for him after watching this. I especially respect his humanitarian way of living. Pretty cool of a guy whose had that much success, not something one often sees.
I grew up watching movies and mini-series that have been based upon Stephen King's material. He is a great writer, an American Icon. One of my favorite episodes of Quantum Leap - a tv show from the 90's - was a Halloween episode. There was a character in the episode that was based on King.
I read an interview with Mr. King about the need for Richard Bachman. It's in the foreword of my copy of 'The Bachman Books' cannot find it now but what I remember is that Mr. King was told at the time, his publishers wouldn't accept more than one novel per year so he invented a nom de plum to publish under because he was literally bursting with stories that he needed to write. In order to continue he submitted these under the false name until it became problematic with the publishers, who finally agreed to let him submit more stories per year.
Stephen King is my favorite author and I'm on a mission to read everything he's ever written. The only problem is every time I think I'm making progress, he comes out with another book, lol. Fantastic piece! Bonus Fact 1: Stephen King's other son is also an author, Joe Hill. He wrote "Horns" and "NOS4A2". Bonus Fact 2: He has written the accident into one of his stories, but I won't go into too much detail due to spoilers.
So very well done! At 13yrs old I read my first Stephen King short story in an anthology of Science Fiction. I have been hooked ever since. I even got the chance to see him read from Insomnia, chat and answer a few questions 25 years ago. He was driving his Indian motorcycle across the United States and promoting the book with the usual bookshop engagements as well as a few"Rock Star fantasy gigs", to quote the great man himself! Love your channels, videos and presentation. Stay smooth and chilly, ya know... British! Peace, Regan
I'm from Maine. I lived in Bangor for two years as a teenager. Rode the school bus by his house everyday to 5th street middle school. I now live in Norway, about 15 minutes from Lovell. In the summer I see him at The Center Lovell Store occasionally. Everyone is just like "Hey Steve" like he's just some local dude. He's just super laid back with no stuck up celebrity ego.
One of my favorite authors. My Dad took us to see the outside of his house in the 80s. Stand by Me was based on his novella “The Body”. That film always makes me cry.
My dad is retired Navy. Which means he spent a lot of time on the Ocean. He always brought back a ton of books. Being his only daughter, my childhood was very strict. Needless to say, I was grounded. A lot. The one thing I was allowed to do on restriction was read. I remember reading my first King novel at the age of 12. “Christine”. The only one I wasn’t allowed to read, and still haven’t is “Cujo”. “Gerald’s Game” created awkward moments.... 😣 I love how he intertwines his stories. “Needless Things” with “The Body”. “The Gunslinger” with “The Stand”. His universe. I love it!
Seems like a genuinely great guy, I recommend watching some of his speeches to audiences on writing which you find on RU-vid, it'll reinforce that view that he just seems a genuinely decent man - and also very amusing.
I've been a huge Stephen King fan since I was a kid. I was reading King at 8 years old, and meeting him has been on my Bucket List since I dreamed about meeting him. Alas, here I am at 40+ years old and have yet to do so.... but I haven't given up hope.
I do a lot of work in the areas where a lot of his movies were filmed like Camden, belfast, Appleton, union and friendship. It’s kinda cool to watch them and drive past the locations the next day
1:35 This is my childhood! That *desire* to be scared was so prevalent! From roller coasters to forbidden movies, to walks down desolate streets, I've always been drawn to the scary stuff! I love the music in this episode!
Very interesting video. Myself, I write down some ideas for books, mostly taking from my dreams and the constant rattle of thoughts to understand the world. I have what now days is called "mild autism" so writing down thoughts on situation is my way of understanding the world. Thank you Simon for your great work. :) My suggestion, can you do Boris Jeltsin?
Great job Simon and crew! Love Steven King! Good to hear his philosophy regarding his craft and wealth.He certainly could live the life of the disfunction rich as we see on current media but he chose a different path. I do admire his choices, except for the drinking and drugging of course. As always thank you for presenting this,Simon.
Love this. I always feel like I’m the world’s greatest expert on King...but all I’ve learned is readily available through his books and videos. I love hearing it all again, though. Stephen King got me through a very difficult childhood, and to this day, remains probably my main coping skill for the stresses of life. I’ve read IT 14 times (I’m always reading the novel...and am always at some point in the book, audiobook, etc)...the Mr. Mercedes trilogy is probably the other novels of his I’ve read the most, and the audiobooks are expertly done. I’m now making my 2nd or 3rd way through Nightmares and Dreamscapes. I have read that another novel is coming out later this year, The Institute, and this makes my year. Stephen King is a global treasure, and I pray that there will be many more novels to come. He is 71, but some writers have produced novels well into their 80s. Let’s pray that King lives long and prospers! ❤️
My first King book was Salems Lot. Was so damn nervous, I couldn't sleep for several weeks. His wife seems like a very sweet lady. Thank you Ms. Tabitha for digging Carrie out of the trash and thus setting the literary world on fire!
Mt first King novel was Salem's Lot in January 1976, I remember that my Dad got it as a Christmas gift and then let me read it shortly after...I am a Constant Reader for 44 years and have literally read every piece of fiction he's written.
My family is from Bangor, Me. My uncle delivered mail to King and said he was a very nice person to talk to. The Kings' charitable giving is incredible. But he often says that if a cause can raise a certain amount he will match. His idea is to encourage people to help others.
enjoyed, but no mention of the Dark Tower? his magnum opus? After his accident, he was determined to finish it - and he did. Many of his troubles are even in the books when he breaks the 4th wall or curtain or whatever you call it. I was never a horror fan, but Stephen King is a phenomenal writer that transcends genre. By the way, anyone catch his remake of Kingdom Hospital? I can recommend it.
I'm a happily married 40-something woman and I have to admit that I'm a little in love with Stephen King. I live in SoCal and went to the San Diego Zoo a couple of years ago. I sat down to wait while my family used the restroom, looked up and saw . . . Stephen King. Sitting across the table from his wife Tabitha and next to a girl/teenager/young adult with long dark hair. I looked at him. He looked at me. My look said, "Are you who I think you are?" and his look said, "Yes, I am." I had a book of his that I was reading in my satchel. I had a pen in that same satchel. I wanted to quietly go up to him (as well as his wife) and ask them both for an autograph but I chose not to. They were obviously on vacation with family and deserved not to be accosted by a fan. Instead, I decided that I would send the book that was in my satchel along with a SASE and a note requesting his (and her) autograph and explaining my "encounter" with them to his place of business. Even if I don't get my book back, seeing them in person remains that biggest thrill of my life.
I really like your motto: "History, one life at a time." I think we learn so much more if instead of thinking of history as a series of events, we see/study it as a series of actions (by people.)
He was in Drama Club at Orono with a relative of mine back then, they tell me that King was a great story-teller, and if he didn't wind up in Jail, he was going to be a bigtime writer. And that's been borne out. Easily the most famous person from my homestate ever. Never really read him, it's just not my genre, but am glad he's done so well.
While of course I understand this video's focus was on just Stephen himself, I am sorely disappointed that you didn't mention that Tabitha King is also a fantastic accomplished author in her own right. Although her books are out of print now, she is still, by far one my favorite authors. Not only that, but she is very instrumental in the work that her husband and her sons publish, seeing as how they have her read and edit what they're writing before anyone else sees it.
This video is literally about Stephen King. Not his wife, kids, publisher, editors, or anyone else. And if you don't like this version, then set up your own camera and make your own video and tell any version you want. It's free.
Jen, oh for fuck's sake. If Tabitha was as good as you say, where is all her success? Let me guess, she selflessly shelved her great works out of forced subservience to her horrible (male) husband. I feel like clicking on the first biographics episode about a woman and commenting how her husband was just as good, and I'm so *sorely* (read:sand/vag) disappointed that he didn't get mentioned. Always a goddamn turd in every comment section. You just had to ruin the punch, thanks Ellen...🤷♂️
Simon you are a saint. I hope you, yourself Mr. Whistler have cemented a role in history forever. You are doing amazing work. I listen daily to all three of your channels. You have not only changed my view and life because of that shift in perspective, but you have changed thousands of others. I know it's just a RU-vid comment but for what its worth, thank you. I take great joy out of your work. Sincerely, Dave
