Firestarter starring Zac Efron comes out this weekend, and while it doesn't sound like many people liked the movie, it got us thinking all about the works of Stephen King. This is the man behind Carrie, It, Shawshank Redemption, and The Shining. He's written some of the scariest horror characters ever, as well as some truly ridiculous stuff, both thanks to cocaine. His stories tell other authors what to do, what not to do, and sometimes contain stuff even he now wants no one to read.
Here's a look back at the facts we learned. The links all lead to full articles with much more info, so click every one that interests you, as that's the only way to keep the spiders away.
The Russian Federal Anti-Monopoly Service rejected the request, refusing to analyze every character's creative inspirations.
Right up until the last three books, which King hurriedly finished, following a brush with death.
King based the character on two girls. Both died young, one of suicide.
This was the most prolific part of his career.
It was scheduled for demolition, but they grabbed it for a bargain and now make money opening it for tours.
He asked fans to pony up a dollar for each new installment of his The Plant novel, and when not enough of them did, he killed the project.
And it stumbled over what it had, turning scenes that should have been terrifying into failed comedy.
They said they needed more room for weddings and corporate retreats and no doubt invited many hauntings in the process.
The band lasted 20 years, and Maya Angelou sang a comedy song for their album.
There are some stories you just can't tell with a shared universe, and that's why writers should feel free to break from theirs.
Wow, first Drew Barrymore from the original Firestarter grew up, now this?
And it is one, in that everyone murders each other, which is kind of funny, but the publishers didn't market it as a comedy.
This supernaturally gives her unborn child writing prowess.
But if we look at the reports more closely, maybe it didn't inspire shooters after all.
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Top image: Stephanie Lawton