Hi everybody, Stephen King here. I’m a novelist and I’m also an executive producer on the new series UNDER THE DOME. I’m looking forward to taking you…A few gems:
The only thing you can do with writer’s block is wait it out. Sometimes a few stories just die. There’s no explaining it. It goes with the territory.
On the question of how he dealt with rejection:
I just went on to the next story - there’s no way to deal with rejection other than to continue on, banging on the door.
When doubt rears its head:
I think all writers live with doubt. The trick is to put them aside as much as possible, and concentrate on that day’s work.
Attitude toward ebooks:
I like stories. The delivery system isn’t as important to me as a good story. I will say this: if you drop a book into the toilet, it doesn’t short out. And a lot of us read in the bathroom!
Most important lesson for storytellers:
I think the most important thing about storytelling is to let the characters lead, and not try to force them into things they don’t want to do.
On fanfic:
I think you might be talking about fanfic. I have no control over that, and I understand the urge, but I think writers would be best served by creating new worlds.
On success:
If I wasn’t writing, I’d probably be teaching school, but this is what I was meant to do. As far as high achievements, that’s for other people to decide. I try to keep myself amused. Every day I do that is a good day.
Where do you get your ideas from?
A little used idea shop in Pittsburgh. You sell them your soul, they give you ideas. :-)
Stephen King AMA on Reddit: