StephenKing.com - User thoughts on Dark Tower: The Gunslinger, The (Limited Edition)

Posted By: The Weasel - July 6th, 2010 1:55:32 am EDT
Dear, beloved, Mr. King [just in case you read these files], I really can't thank the man [you] enough for his tomes of inspired literature. People sometimes comment on my vocabulary, how "well-spoken" I am, and I rarely fail to give you at least most of the credit. I say, "well, I AM quite well read...of course it's been almost entirely Stephen King..." And they rarely fail to amuse me with how they're not quite sure how to respond. I'm writing for two reasons. First, I too would read your damned grocery list if permitted, and agree wholeheartedly with your long-time secretary when she stated so rightly and simply that you just have a way with the English language...that you are a master wordsmith. There have been a number of books that others say they "just can't get into," and I think, "of course not; you have no depth of character, no determination, no desire!" I have NEVER been disappointed for having put in the time to push through your set-ups. In fact, I greatly enjoy the the task of following along as you dig the story out. And when you find it (and I can usually tell), it is a fucking ride, my man! Anyway, having consumed nearly everything you've ever written, I feel somewhat justified in making the statement that... well, I believe you were blessed with life (twice, I guess; at least twice) wholly to pen this epochal story. I'm 38 years old, I've been reading your novels, your stories, your notes since the 8th grade and...I feel like I know you. Far more strangely, I feel that you know me. And so Point 1, Part B is...that I'm not ashamed to tell you that I absolutely love you and what you have done for me and for popular fiction (and your essays are often even better)...and I have thanked God for you. Now I thank you, [uhhh, him], for everything... Second, regarding this section of your great website here, I'm a little disappointed about not seeing in the listing of "All Written Works" (which otherwise seems rather comprehensive), anything about the original release of The Gunslinger. You know, when it was released as individual chapters to a magazine. I'm not sure how it would be cataloged, and I suppose MAYBE I missed it, though there's definitely no mention in the "All Written Works" section and I can't see how it wouldn't belong there regardless of how it's labeled. You see, my very favorite story to tell about him [you] and The Dark Tower series is how for a very brief period of time (from the release date of TDT:VII until I turned 33 a few months later), I was able to tell my friends (with a croaking voice and through watery, bloodshot eyes), "Yes, it is now complete...! But dude, check this out: he's been working on it for longer than I've been alive! LOL! That is so [expletive] cool! I'm 32 and he started this 33 years ago!! No, really! I don't know, you know me, I read it somewhere. Yeah, and it's the last book of his official career; first and last book! Bookends, man! Yes, I know!!!" Well, sadly (lol), you get the picture, I'm sure... I'm sure I've read that those early submissions were printed before January '72 (when I was born). Anyway, I about squirt when I found this page online and thought I'd finally be able to prove it, because of course everyone says, "no way!" and points to either the trade release date of the Gunslinger or to the fact that "everyone knows that Carrie was his first novel and that was released in '74!" Ugh... Anyway...

Posted By: Gina - June 11th, 2010 9:13:09 am EDT
Hello, I have never done this before but I am one of Stephen Kings biggest fans. I have ALL of his books/tapes, etc. and even the one he put on the internet to print off (I had dialup at the time and it was somewhat difficult but worth it!!!). I own a copy of the second trade edition of The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger hardcover and it is one of my prized possessions. My question is: Is there any way that I could get Mr. King to sign this book? And if so, what would you need me to do. Back in the late 90's, early 2000 Mr. King came to UVM and gave talk. A student there knew he was my favorite author, asked to go with her. I did and I was very intertained and just being there made me a little wet-eyed!!! Mr. King, keep up the great work and I am liking your later writing even more. But the Dark Tower series is my favorite and best... Thank you, Gina Meigs