Stephen Edwin King is an American author renowned for his prolific contributions to the horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science fiction, and fantasy genres. Born on September 21, 1947, his works have resonated with audiences worldwide, selling over 350 million copies, with numerous adaptations into films, television series, miniseries, and comic books.
King has published 63 novels, including seven under the pen name Richard Bachman, and five non-fiction books. He has also penned approximately 200 short stories, predominantly featured in various collections.
His literary prowess has earned him accolades such as the Bram Stoker Awards, World Fantasy Awards, and British Fantasy Society Awards. In 2003, he received the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters from the National Book Foundation. Further recognitions include the 2004 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the 2007 Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. In 2015, King was honored with the National Medal of Arts from the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts.
Often hailed as the "King of Horror", his debut novel "Carrie" (1974) established him as a formidable force in the horror genre. He frequently collaborates with other authors, including his sons Joe Hill and Owen King, and has ventured into non-fiction writing, with "Danse Macabre" (1981) and "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" (2000) among his notable works.
Stephen King continues to be a pivotal figure in literature, offering a blend of captivating storytelling, relatable characters, and a unique perspective on human fears and societal themes.