Thinner - does it fit into the Dark Tower universe?

[bryantburnette]

Give me your opinions on this:

Does Thinner fit into the Dark Tower universe or not? (Technically, EVERYTHING fits into it, since the Tower contains all universes, but let's ignore that aspect and focus on specific evidence from the Bachman novel instead.)

My evidence that it does is simple: since Dr. Houston mentions that Billy Halleck's story "sounds like a Stephen King novel," it's clear that in their world, Stephen King is a real person. Presumably, this is the same character in Song of Susannah, therefore Thinner takes place in that universe.

My evidence that it doesn't is also simple: the line about Stephen King doesn't actually mean anything, it's just an instance of "Richard Bachman" taking advantage of his unique position in life to make a little joke to keep himself amused.

Thing is, I'm not sure which side of this I would actually come down on.

Thoughts?

[The Outsider]

Personally, I think King originally intended that line you mentioned as his own little joke, just as you said in your evidence against it being part of the Dark Tower. However, I'm quite certain that King would agree with your stance on this (the side that says this relates to the Dark Tower) or at least would consider it.