The Time I Saw Stephen King
Stephen King spoke at Chautauqua on Wednesday and I was lucky enough to be there. He was a fantastic speaker: hilarious, low-key, and authentic. Listening to Stephen King speak, I didn’t feel like one of thousands, I felt like I was part of a conversation.
Mr. King started by making us paranoid. He told us statistics about how many cars were left unlocked and to watch for eyes later in the rearview mirror. And about how many homes were likely left unlocked and where murderers usually go first (the upstairs bathroom, of course).
He talked about his time in Boulder. How he rented a room in a house above Flagstaff where he wrote The Shining and The Stand. And how those were the best writing days of his life. He really seemed to love Boulder and we cheered for him like the rock star he is. It all felt a little surreal, applauding Stephen King in the Chautauqua Auditorium, so close to Flagstaff and all he wrote there.
He spoke about what it was like to be a famous writer. From a little old lady accosting him at the supermarket for not writing something uplifting ‘like The Shawshank Redemption’ (which he actually wrote) to his first autograph request in the door-less stall of a fancy hotel restroom.
My favorite question from the audience was if he had nightmares. Mr. King answered that he only remembers his dreams when he’s not actively working on anything (like right now). Makes you think about the writer’s brain, doesn’t it?
I could go on and on. Really, it was an amazing experience and one I’ll always remember. That is all.
His new book, Doctor Sleep, looks really good. Its a sequel to The Shining.
He read a bit from Dr. Sleep and it sounded really good! It’s about Danny, the little boy from The Shining.
Kate:
I don’t know if you know me, I believe we are second cousins, since I am your mother’s cousin.
Your mother tells me you are an aspiring writer as am I. I am wondering if we might share our adventures in the wild world of literature.
Thanks,
Jeff
Hi Jeff! My mom has mentioned you, and that you’re a fellow writer. I’ll send a separate email so we can connect.
[…] I got a copy of this book when I saw Stephen King speak a year ago (which you can read about here), but still haven’t read it. I really enjoyed The Shining. It was so creepy and suspenseful, […]