Stephen King, born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine, had a tumultuous childhood. When he was just two years old, his father, Donald Edwin King, disappeared, leaving him and his brother to be raised by their mother, Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. Despite this early hardship, King found solace in the world of horror books, comic books, and films, with favorites such as Tales from the Crypt and Dracula.
After graduating from high school, King attended the University of Maine, where he studied English and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 1970. It was during his time at university that King began to hone his craft as a writer, publishing short stories in various magazines and building a reputation as a talented storyteller.
King's writing career took off with the publication of his first novel, 'Carrie,' in 1973. The book was a commercial and critical success, marking the beginning of a prolific career that would see King become one of the most successful and well-known authors in the world. His novels, including 'The Shining,' 'Misery,' and 'The Dark Tower' series, have sold millions of copies and been adapted into numerous successful films and television series.
Throughout his career, King has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including a Bram Stoker Award, an O. Henry Award, and a National Book Foundation Medal. He is considered one of the most influential writers in the horror and science fiction genres, with a lasting impact on popular culture.
Stephen King's legacy as a writer is secure, with his work continuing to captivate readers around the world. His skill for crafting gripping and terrifying stories has earned him a place among the literary greats, and his influence on the horror genre is undeniable.