In the latest NPR's Book of the Day episode, Stephen King shares insights into his new short story collection, "You Like It Darker," with a particular focus on the novella "The Answer Man." King discusses the origins of this tale, which he began writing in the 1970s but only recently finished after rediscovering the unfinished draft.
The episode delves into King's distinct approach to storytelling, which aims to explore philosophical questions and moral complexities rather than providing definitive answers. From examining the notion of destiny in "The Answer Man" to reflecting on navigating disturbing themes in works like "Pet Sematary," King offers a glimpse into his ever-evolving perspectives on the human experience throughout his prolific career.
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Stephen King's latest short story collection, "You Like It Darker," includes a unique piece called "The Answer Man" that connects his literary past and present.
King began writing this tale in the 1970s but misplaced it until recently rediscovering the unfinished draft. As King recalls, he likely abandoned it after moving from the hotel where he had been writing. Now, at his nephew John Leonard's suggestion, King revisited and completed the 50-page story after decades.
In "The Answer Man," King explores whether knowing one's destiny is truly desirable. The story follows a character named Phil who grapples with whether to seek knowledge of his fate from a mysterious figure.
For King, writing stories serves as a means to investigate and ponder ambiguous philosophical questions rather than preach definitive answers. As he states, "I don't know. The answer is I don't know." His fiction allows him to reflect on moral and existential gray areas.
Over his prolific career, King's perspectives have evolved, offering insights into how his understanding of humanity's complexities has grown more nuanced through his expansive body of work.
King himself is uncertain about the concept of destiny portrayed in "The Answer Man." The story's three acts mirror the character Phil's journey through youth, middle age, and old age while facing whether to learn his predetermined fate.
King also shares his initial hesitation to publish the disturbing novel "Pet Sematary," underscoring the challenges authors face when dealing with unsettling themes.
Though King once aspired to write 100 novels, he has not reached that specific number. However, he expresses no regret, as his primary motivations have been his passion for storytelling and providing for his family—more valuable to him than quantitative targets.
1-Page Summary
Stephen King's latest short story collection, "You Like It Darker," includes a unique piece with a history dating back to the 1970s, known as "The Answer Man."
"The Answer Man" stands as a connection between King's literary past and present.
King's creative journey with "The Answer Man" began in the 1970s when he penned the beginning of the tale. As time passed, the unfinished story was forgotten and lay dormant in his archives. About five years ago, it resurfaced, giving King an unexpected glimpse into his earlier writing days.
Spurred by this discovery, and at his nephew John Leonard's suggestion, King found inspiration to revisit the narrative he started so many years ago. The story, initially left incomplete likely because King moved on from the hotel where he had been writing, has now been brought to a 50-page conclusion, allowing ...
King's new short story collection "You Like It Darker" and the story "The Answer Man"
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Stephen King has become a literary icon, not just for his gripping narratives, but for the depth of his exploration into complex philosophical questions. His approach to storytelling is not merely about crafting a tale, but about discovering his own views on the topics that puzzle him.
Stephen King acknowledges that he doesn't start with definitive answers when he writes. For him, the process of writing is a journey toward understanding. By weaving his narratives, he investigates and ponders the ambiguous areas of life and humanity. Each story acts as a thought experiment where the act of writing provides a canvas to explore and question, rather than dictate or preach.
The essence of King's storytelling philosophy is encapsulated by his own words: "I don't know. The answer is I don't know." It's this admission of not knowing that drives the heart of his creative process. Through the powerful tool of fiction, King delves into the gray areas of moral and existential dilemmas, understanding that there may never be a "real answer" to the questions he poses. His stories become a space for both the writer and the reader to reflect on multifaceted issues.
King's approach to writing and exploring ideas through his stories
Stephen King delves into the complexities of destiny, the desire to know the future, and the dilemma of publishing stories with disturbing content.
In the story "The Answer Man," Stephen King introduces us to Phil, a young man who contemplates whether or not he should inquire about his lifespan from a mysterious figure who can tell people their fates. The narrative questions the allure and potential dread of knowing one's future.
Phil's internal conflict and the overarching theme resonate with King himself, who has admitted to his uncertainty about the existence of destiny. The story is presented in three acts that mirror Phil's journey through the different stages of his life: his youth, middle age, and old age.
Phil ultimately faces the profound decision of whether to seek knowledge about his destiny from the Answer Man, representing the human struggle with the concept of predestination and the inherent fear of knowing too much about one's own future.
King's thoughts on destiny, the future, and controversial subject matter
Stephen King reflects on his prolific career as a writer, emphasizing his passion for storytelling and the joy it brings rather than the sheer number of works he's published.
King discusses his literary output, acknowledging that when combining his novels, short story collections, and non-fiction works, the count is around 70 titles. This number is short of the 100 novels he once aspired to write in his youth but that shortfall does not seem to bother him.
Stephen King reflects on an early ambition to write 100 novels over the course of his career. Even though he has not reached that specific target, he shows no sign of regret. King recognizes the substantial body of work he has already created, which stands as a testament to his long and lauded career in writing.
King's overall writing career and output
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