What does Mr.King read?

**hansel4150** · April 12th, 2009

Ms.Mod, what is King reading now? Any idea? Also, what are some of his favorites (I already know about the list on Barnes and Noble of his 3 favorites) Members are welcome to answer to as to what he might like.

**Cody44** · April 13th, 2009

He mentions a lot of stories through his own works. Can I recommend that you check out Danse Macabre for his favorite horror works, and On Writing also has a list at the end of recommended reads.

**bopropadop** · April 13th, 2009

Don't know about his current preferences other than the B&N list, but he frequently mentions Lovecraft, Bradbury, and Shirley Jackson within his own novels, to name a few. In a recent interview, he also mentioned Machen as an inspiration for the short story N. in JAS.

After finding the second or third reference to Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House within an SK novel (particulary the line "Journey's end in lovers meeting."), I had to finally read it. It's as good as SK claims it to be in his own works. I highly recommend the book.

**Speedygi81** · April 13th, 2009

I do know he's currently reading everything Robert Goddard has written.

**Cody44** · April 13th, 2009

When the Ka-Tet is in Lud, he makes a reference to Shirley Jackson's short story 'The Lottery' and In The Library Police he makes a reference to Robert McCammon's Swan Song.

I'll post more as I remember/find them.

**worddance** · April 14th, 2009

I have to say, I'm disappointed that the "Stephen's Picks" feature on this site's home page hasn't been updated since last June. I've been checking for new updates for the last 10 months or so. I realize he's a busy man, but any chance we'll see something anytime soon, Ms. Mod?

Mary

**Moderator** · April 15th, 2009

Coincidentally, I had just asked him about this yesterday and he was going to get back to me.

**sam peebles** · April 15th, 2009

He always raves about Richard Stark. I think its where he got the first name for Richard Bachman and the last name for George Stark in the Dark Half, as Richard Stark is a pen name. He writes crime stories sorta like Elmore Leonard.

**hansel4150** · April 15th, 2009

Originally Posted by Moderator

Coincidentally, I had just asked him about this yesterday and he was going to get back to me.

Cool, let me know when the King does!

**mrbeer** · April 15th, 2009

Not sure about what he's reading now, but I picked up a copy of I Am Legend the other day and on the back it had a quote from Mr. King himself saying Richard Matheson is the author that influenced him most, and how "Books like I Am Legend were an inspiration to me."