Stephen King, now famously known as the “King of Horror,” wasn’t always a world-renowned author. His journey to fame began with perseverance, belief, and, as is often the case, the support of those closest to him. The story behind the writing of his first bestseller Carrie is an inspiration not only for aspiring writers but for anyone chasing a dream.
In the 1970s, King worked as an English teacher and lived in a trailer with his wife, Tabitha. Money was tight, and he wrote in his spare time, often doubting whether he would ever achieve success. One day, he started working on a story about a teenage girl with telekinetic powers. But after just a few pages, he felt the plot wasn’t interesting and threw the manuscript in the trash.
Fortunately, his wife Tabitha found those pages, read them, and convinced Stephen to continue writing the book. She saw potential in the story, and her support turned out to be crucial. Thanks to her encouragement, King completed the novel and sent it to a publisher.
Carrie became a real breakthrough! The novel was not only published but also earned King his first significant paycheck — $400,000. This allowed him to quit his teaching job and fully dedicate himself to writing.
Today, Carrie is considered a horror classic, and the story of its creation is a powerful reminder of the importance of believing in yourself and your dreams.
Why You Should Read Carrie
The book tells the story of a teenage girl who faces bullying, loneliness, and ultimately discovers her extraordinary powers. It’s not just a horror tale — it’s a deep exploration of social issues that remain relevant today.
If you haven’t read Stephen King yet, look for Carrie in our horror collection. This might just be the book that inspires you!