My first writing teacher Richard Scarsbrook suggested On Writing – half autobiography, half tools of the trade. It was great. His humble view of success and matter of fact suggestions are inspiring and encouraging. “The scariest moment is always just before you start.”
Previous to this I had only read Thinner, written under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. That was almost twenty years ago. Shortly after I tried Misery – scared the crap out of me and I stopped after a few chapters. I also remember my brother having nightmares while reading It. I guess that’s the point, but everyday life provides me with enough anxiety!
I recently read Just After Sunset. Some great stories, some so-so. “Stationary Bike” was best. On-line reviews give higher praise to his previous collection Everything’s Eventual. I will check it out. Do you have a favourite Stephen King book?
This is too funny: as relatively new King readers, and of all the books he's written, I've somehow read the same three. (You're one ahead of me with Thinner.)
I've asked people this same question, and I keep hearing that Different Seasons is essential: three of the four novellas were made into good-to-great films (Stand By Me, Apt Pupil, and The Shawshank Redemption). That's the one I've promised myself next.