Stephen King: A Complex Writer with Hit or Miss Works

Who hasn't been introduced to the immensely popular writer Stephen King through his bestselling books and movies? However, opinions on King’s writing tend to be polarized. Years ago, I was a die-hard fan, but over time, certain books made me question my initial appreciation of his work.

My Journey with Stephen King

Back in the day, I was enchanted by the thrill of Salem's Lot and The Stand, never imagining that I would find King's more recent works plodding and predictable. This shift came halfway through Gerald's Game, leading me to abandon it unfinished. Soon after, I read about a change in editors, which, to my opinion, highlighted the transition in his writing style.

While the possibility of improvement still exists, I personally feel like his works are very hit or miss. As a discovery writer, straying from planned structure is somewhat inevitable, making his work sometimes plodding. Despite this, certain books keep me hooked. It and Christine, for example, are classics, yet I struggle to enjoy them due to the slow pace. Such experiences have led me to the conclusion that the chance of a book being a dud is always present.

Later Works and Editorship

More than an accusation of plodding, his later works show a stark need for an editor. Nonetheless, I maintain that some of his stories are still high-octane and unpredictable. Take The Dark Tower series: while it's a slow burn, it's also incredibly epic and full of surprises. Even The Green Mile, which drags at times, isn't entirely predictable. Once I finish those, it only doubles down on my desire to read The Long Walk.

Finding Patterns and Cameos

The complexity of King's work cannot be understated. I love the recurring cameos in his books, which require thorough reading to catch all references. However, similar to Kurt Vonnegut, I do find a certain predictability in his later works. Although I've read everything, there are some books that deserve a second reading or even a reread.

In conclusion, Stephen King is a writer whose work ranges from timeless classics to more predictable and slower-paced stories. His need for better editing shines through in certain works, but his ability to craft unpredictable and high fantasy series such as The Dark Tower is unmatched. Keep him on your reading list, and never toss away a book just because it's plodding. Instead, consider it a challenge and an opportunity to find the hidden gems.