Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Lisa Lingo on Super-Author, Stephen King

A Good Story, Who Can Find One?


"Thriller"–noun
1. a person or thing that thrills.
2.an exciting, suspenseful play or story, esp. a mystery story.

I love a good book. Drama, Romance, even Science Fiction/Fantasy (sort of a hangover from my youth). But what keeps me engaged the most is a Thriller. Unfortunately, many Thriller authors get so caught up in the excitement and suspense that they forget the most important thing-the story.
Its gotta have a good story.
It sounds simple enough doesn't it?
And yet, many authors don't seem to get it do they? They fill the pages up with special effects and gore as if they are already writing the screenplay
for the movie that HOPE will be made one day.
What I love about Stephen King is that he gets it! His books tell a story, like a good ol' yarn that keeps you wondering what's going to happen next. I want to be excited to turn the page, I want to have to FORCE myself to put the book down to go and cook my children dinner so they won't die a horrible death from starvation like some character in a Stephen King book. I want to fall in love with the characters, to care what happens to them or to HATE THEM so much that I hope they open that door and find death waiting behind it.

This is Stephen Kingby definition; a person who thrills. When I find the time to read a book, like when my kids are off track (year round school), or in the long days of summer, I wonder, "What is Stephen King up to these days" and head right to the bookstore to find out. And he doesn't disappoint. His stories tease and taunt and above all, thrill.
Its like he said;
"...when you find a book that has both
a good story and good words, treasure that book."
- Stephen King, Hearts in Atlantis
When was the last time you snuggled up with
a good Stephen King book and went Stephen KingCrazy?

Stephen King