Podcasts > NPR's Book of the Day > Stephen King finishes a story 45 years in the making in 'You Like It Darker'

Stephen King finishes a story 45 years in the making in 'You Like It Darker'

By NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

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 finishes a story 45 years in the making in 'You Like It Darker'

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Stephen King finishes a story 45 years in the making in 'You Like It Darker'

1-Page Summary

King's New Story "The Answer Man"

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.

Origins and Evolution

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.

King's Storytelling Approach

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.

Exploring Destiny and Taboo Topics

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.

King's Prodigious Writing

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

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • King's nephew, John Leonard, played a crucial role in suggesting that Stephen King revisit and complete the unfinished draft of the short story "The Answer Man." Leonard's suggestion prompted King to delve back into the story after decades of it being set aside, ultimately leading to its completion and inclusion in the collection "You Like It Darker." Leonard's input served as a catalyst for King to resurrect and finalize a piece of his literary past, showcasing the impact of familial support and collaboration in the creative process.
  • In "The Answer Man," the three acts structure mirrors the character Phil's journey through youth, middle age, and old age. Each act represents a different stage in Phil's life and his evolving perspective on seeking knowledge of his fate. This structure allows King to explore how Phil's decision-making process and understanding of destiny change as he progresses through life. The three acts provide a framework for examining the impact of seeking foreknowledge on Phil's character development and the narrative's thematic exploration.
  • Stephen King initially hesitated to publish the novel "Pet Sematary" due to its dark and disturbing themes, particularly the exploration of death and grief. The story delves into the consequences of tampering with the natural order of life and death, which King found unsettling even by his own standards. This hesitation highlights King's own recognition of the novel's intense and potentially controversial subject matter. Ultimately, King decided to release the book, acknowledging its power to provoke deep emotional responses in readers.
  • King once aimed to write 100 novels, a goal he has not yet achieved. Despite not reaching this specific number, he remains content as his focus has always been on storytelling and providing for his family. His dedication to his craft and personal priorities have guided his writing journey, emphasizing quality over quantity in his prolific career.

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Stephen King finishes a story 45 years in the making in 'You Like It Darker'

King's new short story collection "You Like It Darker" and the story "The Answer Man"

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 creation and publication history of "The Answer Man"

"The Answer Man" stands as a connection between King's literary past and present.

King began writing "The Answer Man" in the 1970s but lost track of the unfinished story, which was later rediscovered in his archives

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.

King decided to revisit and complete the story decades later, resulting in a 50-page final version

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 ...

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King's new short story collection "You Like It Darker" and the story "The Answer Man"

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "The Answer Man" is significant in Stephen King's literary career as it represents a bridge between his past and present writing styles. The story's rediscovery and completion showcase King's evolution as a writer over the decades. It offers readers a unique insight into King's creative process and growth as a storyteller. Through this narrative, King explores deep themes like destiny and the consequences of knowing the future.
  • King began writing "The Answer Man" in the 1970s but left it unfinished, possibly due to moving away from the location where he started the story. The unfinished manuscript was then forgotten and stored in his archives until it resurfaced years later. This rediscovery prompted King to revisit and complete the story, resulting in a 50-page final version that showcases his evolution as a writer. The completion of the story allowed readers to witness King's growth and maturation in storytelling from his early career to the present.
  • "The Answer Man" explores themes of destiny and the implications of knowing the future. It delves into the complexities of whether foreknowledge of one's fate is a blessing or a curse. The story prompts reflection on the nature of free will and the consequences of altering one's predetermined path. Through its narrative, it challenges readers to consider the value of uncertainty i ...

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Stephen King finishes a story 45 years in the making in 'You Like It Darker'

King's approach to writing and exploring ideas through his stories

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.

King writes stories to discover his own views on complex philosophical questions

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.

King does not have definitive but uses storytelling to investigate and ponder ambiguous topics

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 long writing career has allowed him to r ...

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King's approach to writing and exploring ideas through his stories

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Using fiction as a tool to explore philosophical questions involves authors embedding complex ideas and themes within their stories. This approach allows writers to delve into moral dilemmas, existential queries, and societal issues through the characters and events in their narratives. By presenting these philosophical concepts in a fictional context, authors like Stephen King can engage readers in thought-provoking discussions and reflections on the human exp ...

Counterarguments

  • While King's stories often explore complex philosophical questions, some critics argue that his work can sometimes prioritize entertainment over depth, leading to a treatment of serious issues that may not always be as profound or nuanced as it could be.
  • The idea that King's stories serve as thought experiments could be contested by pointing out that not all readers may engage with his work on a philosophical level, instead focusing on the horror and suspense elements.
  • King's admission of not knowing and embracing the unknown might be seen by some as a lack of intellectual rigor or commitment to exploring the full implications of his themes.
  • The claim that King's writing career has allowed him to evolve his perspectives might be challenged by those who feel that his work h ...

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Stephen King finishes a story 45 years in the making in 'You Like It Darker'

King's thoughts on destiny, the future, and controversial subject matter

Stephen King delves into the complexities of destiny, the desire to know the future, and the dilemma of publishing stories with disturbing content.

King is unsure whether destiny truly exists, and believes that knowing one's future can be undesirable

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.

The character in "The Answer Man" grapples with whether to learn his fate from the mysterious figure

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 past hesitation to publis ...

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King's thoughts on destiny, the future, and controversial subject matter

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Predestination is the belief that all events have been predetermined by a higher power or fate. It suggests that everything, including individual actions and outcomes, is already decided and cannot be changed. This concept raises questions about free will and the extent to which individuals can control their destinies. Predestination is often discussed in philosophical, religious, and literary contexts to explore themes of fate, choice, and the nature of existence.
  • In "Pet Sematary," Stephen King explores the depths of grief and the lengths a person might go to in order to cope with loss. The novel delves into the darker aspects of human nature, portraying the consequences of tampering with death and the boundaries people are willing to cross for a chance at ...

Counterarguments

  • While King questions the existence of destiny, an alternative view is that destiny can be seen as a guiding force that provides meaning and direction in people's lives, rather than a predetermined path that negates free will.
  • Regarding the desirability of knowing the future, some might argue that having foreknowledge could allow individuals to make better decisions and potentially avoid negative outcomes, thus improving their lives.
  • In the context of "The Answer Man," one could argue that the dilemma of seeking knowledge about one's fate is not universally applicable, as some individuals may find comfort in certainty, even if it pertains to unchangeable outcomes.
  • Concernin ...

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Stephen King finishes a story 45 years in the making in 'You Like It Darker'

King's overall writing career and output

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 has written an exceptionally large number of books, stories, and other works over his decades-long career

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.

Despite initially aiming for 100 novels, King has not reached that goal but is still proud of his literary output

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 primary motivation has ...

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King's overall writing career and output

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Stephen King has published around 70 titles, including novels, short story collections, and non-fiction works, over his career. This number falls short of his youthful goal of writing 100 novels. Despite not reaching this specific target, King remains proud of his substantial body of work and his successful writing career.
  • Stephen King initially aimed to write 100 novels over his career as a personal goal and challenge. This ambitious target was a way for him to set a high bar for his writing output and push himself creatively. While he did not reach this specific number, the aspiration served as a driving force behind his prolific writing career.
  • Stephen King had set a personal goal to write 100 novels in his career but fell short of this target. Despite not achieving this specific number, King remains content with his substantial body of work. The unmet goal of 100 novels does not diminish the value he places on his writing career and the joy it has brought him. King's focus has always been on storytelling and providing for his family, rather than solely on meeting a numerical target.
  • Stephen King has often ment ...

Counterarguments

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