Abstract This paper presents a candid account of the writer's opinion of the author, Stephen King. The paper provides examples from some of his literary works, illustrating his claimed genius. King's substance abuse is discussed, pointing out the influence it had on some of his novels. The writer concludes that, despite what anyone might say - King himself included, Stephen King is a master of literary form and, most of all, a master of the game of storytelling.
From the Paper "The genius that is Stephen King exists on many levels. The fact that he completed one of his highest praised novels, Cujo, well, higher than a kite, is brilliance in itself. If the man can write that well stoned out of his gourd, what could he do sober? Just looking at the cross-section of novels, short stories and even his new serial e-book, your average Stephen King fan will tell you ? the man can do anything. He is a literary god. But why? His alter ego, Richard Bachman, did not enjoy the level of success that Stephen King did. As the man, himself, asked, was it because the stories "sucked like an Electrolux"? Of course not. We?re talking about Stephen King ? or Dicky Bachman, as he called himself. The entire idea of the pseudonym brings forth the question, why do some authors achieve the level of success that Stephen King has? Is it really their writing? Well, Richard Bachman or no Richard Bachman, Stephen King's genius is evident in his every word ? ?luded, loaded or otherwise."