NEWS -

Mortality in Esquire

Posted: February 5, 2009, 16:23

I got this interesting news from blogger Larry Fire just now:

I spoke to Stephen King’s office yesterday about the upcoming novella entitled Mortality. According to Marsha DeFilippo, Mr. King’s assistant, the story will appear this summer in Esquire magazine possibly around July. I’ll post more information when it becomes available.

Three books...

Posted: February 4, 2009, 11:20

Here are three upcoming books that might be of interest:

Inside the Dark Tower Series: Art, Evil and Intertextuality in the Stephen King Novels
By Patrick McAleer
Released Feb. 16

Stephen King is no stranger to the realm of literary criticism, but his most fantastic, far-reaching work has aroused little academic scrutiny. This study of King's epic Dark Tower series encompasses the career of one of the world's best-selling authors and frames him as more than a "horror writer." Four categories of analysis--genre, art, evil, and intertextuality--provide a focused look at the center of King's fictional universe. This book reaches beyond popular culture treatments of the series and examines it against King's horror work, audience expectations, and the larger literary landscape.

Pre-order here.

Stephen King (Who Wrote That?)
By Michael Gray Baughan
Released March 30

Stephen King began writing and submitting stories for publication as a young teenager. It wasn't until 1973 when he was 26 years old, however, that his first novel, "Carrie", was accepted by a publisher. By the 1980s, his books were published at a rate of at least one per year. How did King, once a struggling writer, become one of the best-selling authors of all time? "Stephen King" explores his path from a childhood of poverty to success as a screenwriter, film producer, director, and author of classics of the horror genre like "The Shining" and "Cujo".

Pre-order here.

Stephen King on the Big Screen
By Mark Browning
Released May. 15

The Shining. Carrie. Misery. These are just a few of the film adaptations that have been made from the terrifying and eerie work of novelist and short story writer Stephen King. It is nearly impossible to think of another author who has inspired so many, and such diverse filmmakers—yet there has never before been a work by a film specialist that focused solely on Stephen King. Mark Browning, in Stephen King on the Big Screen, takes a film-by-film approach to exploring why some adaptations of King’s work are more successful than others.

Browning discusses every single film adaptation given a global cinematic release—including films by such well-known directors as Stanley Kubrick, George A. Romero, and David Cronenberg. His is the first book to consider in detail Sleepwalkers, Dreamcatcher, and 1408 as well as the much-neglected portmanteau films and touchstones like The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. In a highly readable and engaging style, Browning examines how different film directors have interpreted and translated the original literary texts into a new medium. Throughout, he reveals the elements of style and approach that have helped make King one of the world’s best-selling authors.

Pre-order here.

Stephen King on Stephenie Meyer

Posted: February 4, 2009, 10:52

Here is an article called Stephen King Blasts 'Twilight' Author Stephenie Meyer.

American Nightmares cover

Posted: February 4, 2009, 00:34

Here is the variant cover for the first issue of the second story arc of The Stand: American Nightmares

The Talisman comic revealed

Posted: February 2, 2009, 22:12

Today Del Ray announced who's doing what with The Talisman comic. Here are their press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DEL REY ANNOUNCES CREATIVE TEAM ON

STEPHEN KING AND PETER STRAUB’S THE TALISMAN

NEW YORK, NY – February 2, 2009 – Del Rey, an imprint of Ballantine Books at the Random House Publishing Group, announced today the adaptor and artist on the comic book and graphic novel versions of The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub.

The book will be penciled and inked by Tony Shasteen, who has been an illustrator since 1995. His clients have included Coca-Cola, Nascar, Hasbro, DC Comics, Wildstorm, Top Cow, Dark Horse, Virgin, Boom Studios, and Image Comics, among many others. Tony illustrated Image Comic’s The Occult Crimes Taskforce (The O.C.T.), co-created by David Atchison and Rosario Dawson. Film rights to The O.C.T. are in development with Dimension Films.

It will be scripted by Robin Furth, who co-writes Marvel’s bestselling Dark Tower comics taking place in King’s Dark Tower Universe. The Gunslinger Born – the first of the Dark Tower series – was nominated for both an Eisner and a Harvey award. Robin has written “Satana and The Electric Pentacle” for Marvel’s Legion of Monsters and has adapted Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Lords of Avalon series to comic book form. She worked as Stephen King’s research assistant between 2000 and 2004 and continues to do freelance work for the Master of Horror.

Lettering and project management will be handled by Dabel Brothers Publishing. The first issue of the monthly comic is planned for early fall 2009.

Originally published in 1984, The Talisman is the story of a young teen named Jack Sawyer, who can save his dying mother only by retrieving a magical talisman. To find it he must cross back and forth between our world and the frightening and dangerous landscape of its “twinner” counterpart. Both The Talisman and its sequel, Black House, are in print with Ballantine Books. Television rights to The Talisman are under development by Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Stephen King is the author of more than fifty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. He is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

Peter Straub is the author of 17 novels which have been translated into more than 20 languages. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, for Koko.

ABOUT DEL REY:

Del Rey Books (http://www.delreybooks.com) was founded in 1977 as an imprint of Ballantine Books, a division of the Random House Publishing Group, under the guidance of the renowned Judy-Lynn del Rey and her husband, Lester del Rey. Del Rey publishes the best of modern fantasy, science fiction, and alternate history. No stranger to comics, Del Rey launched Del Rey Manga in 2004 in conjunction with Japanese publisher Kodansha, and quickly began to acquire original graphic novel projects as well. Current and upcoming projects include a four-color graphic novel developed with pop singer Avril Lavigne, Make 5 Wishes; the graphic novel In Odd We Trust, by Dean Koontz and Queenie Chan; the first-ever graphic novel set in the world of Terry Brooks' Shannara universe, Dark Wraith of Shannara; original manga starring Marvel characters in X-Men: Misfits and Wolverine: Prodigal Son; and a four-color original graphic novel set in the Outlander universe, scripted by author Diana Gabaldon herself.

The children

Posted: February 1, 2009, 00:02

Here is an interview with two of the kids from the new version of Children of the Corn.

Thanks to Al Mattice

N&D audio

Posted: January 28, 2009, 09:04

Here is the covers for the new three-part audio edition of Nightmare & Dreamscapes released on June 30.

Pre-order your copy here:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

New paperback ed. of N&D

Posted: January 28, 2009, 08:58

Here is the paperback cover for the new edition of Nightmare & Dreamscapes released on June 30.

Pre-order your copy here

Captain Trips #5

Posted: January 28, 2009, 00:25

Here is my review of the last issue (#5) in the first story arc of Captain Trips as well as some previews from the issue.

Treachery 5

Posted: January 28, 2009, 00:10

Here is my review of issue #5 of Treachery as well as some previews from the issue.

Mike Perkins about The Stand

Posted: January 27, 2009, 19:53

Mike Perkins writes on the official Stephen King message board:

That's right....this week sees the release of the fifth issue of Marvel's adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand.

This was my favourite issue to illustrate so far. It's the FLAGG issue, of course.

Need I say more?!

By the way - next weekend ( Feb 6th-8th) I'll be attending the New York Comic Convention where I'll be chatting, sketching and selling pages of artwork - Stand pages among them - including all the pages from Issue 5. If you're in the area please pop by and say hello.

Cheers,
Mike

Children of the Corn

Posted: January 27, 2009, 19:47

Here is an interview with Kandyse McClure who plays Vicky in the remake of Children of the Corn.

Thanks to Al Mattice

Under the Dome on YouTube?

Posted: January 26, 2009, 00:48

Under the Dome on YouTube? Here is the full USA Weekend article:

Stephen King has gone multimedia. "N.," one of the tales in the best-selling author's latest short story collection, "Just After Sunset," was turned into an original Web video series in conjunction with Marvel Comics. The collaboration has inspired King, 61; he's thinking about doing a YouTube video for his novel "Under the Dome," out later this year. Such projects are definitely fun, King says. "But with all these multimedia things, the story is the story still, the book is the book, and that's the source material. As J.R.R. Tolkien might say, 'That's the one ring.' It rules the other one."

Thanks to willowlove

King talkes movies

Posted: January 22, 2009, 09:15

Here is a clip from Borders where King talks about the book Stephen King Goes to the Movies. The book is now out and you can order your copy here.

Thanks to Larry Fire

Limited cover

Posted: January 22, 2009, 00:26

Here is the full cover for the limited edition of The Stand: Captain Trips in hardback. And if you order it over at Overlook Connection Dave will you 10% off. Just give him the coupon code LiljaStand when you order.

The Pop of King: Wishing and Hoping

Posted: January 21, 2009, 08:36

King has a new column Wishing and Hoping out and you can read it here.

Thanks to Larry Fire

Under the Dome out in Nov. 2009

Posted: January 20, 2009, 23:33

Simon & Schuster Audio tells me that Under the Dome now is scheduled for November 2009. Only 10 months left...

Just After Sunset in paperback

Posted: January 20, 2009, 23:30

Just After Sunset is being released in paperback on September 29.

Captain Trips in HB

Posted: January 14, 2009, 15:36

Marvel has just announce it’s release of the hardcover of The Stand: Captain Trips. The difference this time is that it will be sold exclusively to direct market retailers.

Here is Marvle’s press release:

Marvel is proud to announce the highly-anticipated The Stand: Captain Trips Premiere Hardcover, collecting the first critically-acclaimed graphic fiction adaptation of Stephen King’s seminal novel, will be released EXCLUSIVELY to direct market retailers on March 10th at a special Stand Advance Release Opening at 9pm local time. This hardcover collects the entire The Stand: Captain Trips limited series by the superstar creative team of writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four, Angel: Revelations),Eisner-nominated artist Mike Perkins (Captain America, House of M: Avengers) and Eisner-winning colorist Laura Martin (Astonishing X-Men) with two stunning covers—one by the red-hot Lee Bermejo and a limited edition gatefold cover by Perkins. King fans should know that both editions are available ONLY in comic shops across the country, and through online comics and collected editions sellers.

In the tradition of Civil War and Secret Invasion, The Stand: Captain Trips Premiere HC will debut amid a flurry of mainstream and hobby market press, with Marvel providing retailers an array of complimentary promotional tools.

“Marvel is excited to present this unique opportunity to our partners in the direct market who’ve helped make The Stand such a success,” explained David Gabriel, Marvel Senior Vice President of Sales. “We appreciate their overwhelming support for The Stand: Captain Trips and want to thank them with the option of either the regular cover or the limited edition gatefold cover.”

Support The Haven Foundation

Posted: January 12, 2009, 00:08

If you want to support King’s The Haven Foundation here is a nice way to.

Thanks to Sonia Rodríguez Riveiro

Final cover for Road Rage

Posted: January 12, 2009, 00:07

Here is the final cover for the audio edition of King and Hill's collaboration Throttle. The audio also contains the story Duel that inspired them.

You can pre-order your copy here.

Treachery 5 review

Posted: January 7, 2009, 00:09

Here is a preview of six pages from issue #5 of Treachery.

Thanks to Sonia Rodríguez Riveiro

Stand preview

Posted: January 6, 2009, 01:55

Here is a preview of three pages from issue #5 of The Stand.

And here is an interview with writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.

Lilja's Library in The Stand

Posted: January 3, 2009, 16:05

How is this for cool news? In the last issue of Captain Trips (issue #4) one of the store signs says Lilja's Library. Click on the page to see it in a bigger version.

Comic reviews

Posted: January 3, 2009, 01:03

Here are my reviews of the fourth issue of Treachery and Captain Trips.

The Shawshank Redemption on the stage

Posted: December 31, 2008, 00:37

It looks like The Shawshank Redemption will become a stage play...

A new stage version of Stephen King's 'The Shawshank Redemption' will have its world premiere in Dublin in May.

Adapted by Owen O'Neill and Dave Johns from King's novella 'Rita Hayworth and The Shawshank Redemption', the production will be directed by Peter Sheridan.

'The Shawshank Redemption' will open at the Gaiety Theatre on Tuesday, 19 May with previews from Thursday, 14 May.

Full cast details will be announced in early 2009.

Limited cover

Posted: December 31, 2008, 00:35

Here is the cover for the limited edition of Stephen King Goes to the Movies. This edition is released by Subterranean Press.

King on Crichton

Posted: December 27, 2008, 22:59

King has written an very short obituary on Michael Crichton for EW's Best of 2008 issue (12/26/08-1/2/09). It appears on page 71.

As a pop novelist, he was divine. A Crichton book was a headlong experience driven by a man who was both a natural storyteller and fiendishly clever when it came to verisimilitude; he made you believe that cloning dinosaurs wasn't just over the horizon but possible tomorrow. Maybe today.
Crichton, 66, died after a battle with throat cancer in L.A.

Thanks to Bev Vincent

Advanced release variant

Posted: December 26, 2008, 20:44

There will be an advanced release variant edition of the first issue of American Nightmare that will only be sold at the midnight release of the issue. More info to come.

Blaze on UK radio

Posted: December 23, 2008, 15:43

It looks like there will be a readin of Blaze in the UK:

BBC Radio 7 (uk) is doing a six part series of Stephen King's Blaze. "George is dead - but he's got a con job for Blaze, who can still hear him. William Hope reads Stephen King's 'lost' thriller."

This series starts on Monday the 29th of December 2008 at 9:30am (GMT). Other times are listed at the site below.

The series carries on daily at the same time.

Blaze Program Info Page

If you would like to listen to this series, here is the link to the BBC iplayer worldwide)

Or you could watch Via Digital Television (in the UK):

All the BBC's national radio services are available via digital satellite television. Satellite services are available from Sky or Freesat. The Sky EPG No for BBC Radio 7 is 0131 and for Freesat it is 708.

All BBC national digital radio services are available on Freeview digital television through an aerial. Freeview EPG No. for BBC Radio 7 is 708.

And in some areas via digital cable television. Virgin TV EPG No. for BBC Radio 7 is 910.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio7/help/howtolisten/

Thanks to Bev Vincent

Limited sunset

Posted: December 18, 2008, 00:09

Here are some photos of the UK limited (to 500 copies) of Just After Sunset:

Thanks to Matthew Crossman

King shirt

Posted: December 18, 2008, 00:08

In honor of the Overlook Connection Press's upcoming release by Michael Collings, Stephen King is Richard Bachman (at the printer and due early 2009) they have released a special t-shirt. It's full-color on the back with the title and author's signature on the front, It is now in stock and ready to ship. Order yours here.

Artists Inspired by Stephen King

Posted: December 17, 2008, 09:18

I just heard about a pretty cool book that’s being released in October 2009. It’s title is Artists Inspired by Stephen King and it’s a very large art book, about 11 x 15 inches, with 400 pages featuring full color artwork from the earliest paperbacks to the present day. Most of the work will be full page and many of the images will be double-page foldouts, like Michael Whelan's Firestarter and Stephen Gervais' Christine cover.

The book is divided into three major sections with supplemental sections that are dedicated to individual artists. There is a Berni Wrightson section with about 55 works, and a Michael Whelan section with about 60 works. The book will feature all of the art from the limited editions published in the US, along with some of the limited edition artwork from around the world. Nearly all of that artwork will be reprinted full page, without lettering or logos.

And as if that isn’t enough Gervais, Whelan, David Ho, Douglas Smith, Ned Dameron, and many others are creating all-new original work for the book as well.

I’ll post more info about this book as I get it.

American Nightmares issue #1

Posted: December 16, 2008, 13:11

Here’s the cover for the first issue (of five) of the second story arc of The Stand. The arc’s title is American Nightmares and the first issue is released in March 2009.

The second arc begins! The deadly super flu Captain Trips has devastated the country and now the few survivors must pick up the pieces and go on. Larry Underwood seeks escape from New York City. Lloyd contemplates an extremely unsavory dinner option in jail, and Stu Redman makes a desperate bid for freedom from his interrogators. Most ominous of all, the stange being called Randall Flagg continues his dread journey across the devastated landscape of America. You must not miss it!

Thanks to Marco Lammers

The Secretary of Dreams 2 images

Posted: December 15, 2008, 23:35

Here is a new illustration from The Secretary of Dreams 2 by Glenn Chadbourne. More can be found here.

The Dark Tower: Sorcerer

Posted: December 15, 2008, 23:27

Here is the cover for a special issue of The Dark Tower comic called Sorcerer.

DARK TOWER: SORCERER #1
Written by ROBIN FURTH
Art & Cover by RICHARD ISANOVE

A very special stand alone issue probing deeply into the incredible life of Marten Broadcloak. We learn his deadly secret agenda and true goal is not to serve the Crimson King, but to climb to the top of the Dark Tower itself and become the overlord of all existence! Written by Robin Furth, the guiding force behind the Dark Tower series and illustrated by Richard Isanove whose stunning coloring on Dark Tower has helped make every issue a work of art. This is an instant collector's item no Stephen King fan can afford to be without!

Thanks to Ari

Captain Trips #5

Posted: December 15, 2008, 00:49

Here is the variant cover for Captain Trips #5.

This cover finishes the image that all five covers make.

Thanks to Sonia Rodríguez Riveiro

Top 10...yet again

Posted: December 15, 2008, 00:46

King gives you his top 10 movies of 2008.

Thanks to Sonia Rodríguez Riveiro

King want's to do t-shirts

Posted: December 9, 2008, 15:20

King want's your ideas for a t-shirt. This is from the official board:

Steve asked me to put this message on the Board which I have done in the News but am adding it here, too, so you can all give your feedback.

Hey, you guys--here's my latest big idea: what if we got t-shirts and sold 'em here at the site? We could mark 'em up a buck or two, nothing radical, and donate the profits to The Haven Foundation, or something. No big deal and no big profits, just something for fun. I was thinking CONSTANT READER and my signature but maybe you have your own ideas. I'm asking ahead of time so the ill-tempered among you won't flame me. Just one thing:

NO CLOWNS!

P.S. By the way, whoever left the Fritos crumbs in my office should be more careful next time!

Extra in a King story...

Posted: December 8, 2008, 16:06

Here is your chance to be listed as an extra in a King story... Read more in this mail from Subterranean Press:

Special Update, December 8:

Stephen King has granted readers the chance to be "extras" in their favorite novel or short story, filmed or not. Ever wanted to be listed as an attendee at Carrie's prom, or listed as one of the many who met their fate with a strong case of Captain Trips in The Stand? Here's your chance.

When you order Stephen King Goes to the Movies, you can list yourself as an extra in any published short story or novel, filmed or not. To take advantage of this chance to be listed in a special section at the back of Stephen King Goes to the Movies, just include the title of the movie or story you'd like to appear in in the comments section when checking out. We'll take it from there.

Important note for PayPal users, or those who've already ordered the book: Please drop us an email to "subpress@gmail.com" listing your movie preference, and we'll set your name into the proper movie.

We did something similar for those who ordered copies of Mr. King's The Green Mile, and it proved our most popular promotion ever. As Stephen King Goes to the Movies is, at $75, only half the price of The Green Mile, we expect sales this time around to be even more brisk, so please get your order in soon.

Me? I can't decide between being one of Pennywise's victims, or meeting my fate in Wolves of the Calla.

***

Thanks to Ari

Top 10...again

Posted: December 5, 2008, 13:25

King gives you his top 10 books of 2008.

Throttle cover

Posted: December 2, 2008, 21:21

Here is the cover for the audio edition of King and Hill's collaboration Throttle. The audio also contains the story Duel that inspired them.

You can pre-order your copy here.

Top 10

Posted: December 1, 2008, 16:07

King gives you his top 10 Albums of 2008.

Stephen King Goes to the Movies in hardback

Posted: November 29, 2008, 22:22

Subterranean Press has now revealed that they will release Stephen King Goes to the Movies in hardback early next year.

Stephen King Goes to the Movies
By Stephen King
(preorder--shipping in early 2009)

Illustrated by Vincent Chong

Limited: $75 + $10 s&h

Straight from Stephen King’s website:

The #1 bestselling author reflects on the filming of five of his most popular short stories. Those movies are The Shawshank Redemption, 1408, Children of the Corn, The Mangler, and Hearts in Atlantis.

Includes an introduction, his personal commentary, and behind-the-scenes insights by Stephen.

The Subterranean Press edition of Stephen King Goes to the Movies is -- so far -- the only hardcover edition scheduled, and features full-color movie poster illustrations -- one for each story -- by Vincent Chong.

Our edition will also be smythe-sewn, printed in two colors throughout on 80# Finch paper, making it a perfect volume for your permanent shelf of favorite books.

Limited: 2000 unsigned hardcover copies

Please note:This title not eligible for any specials, coupons, savings certificates, or other special offers.

Thanks to Joachim de Koning and Douglas R. McDade

My review of Throttle

Posted: November 28, 2008, 12:16

Here is my review of Throttle.

King's office now open

Posted: November 28, 2008, 12:11

Now you can get a first look at King's office.

New stuff coming?

Posted: November 28, 2008, 12:10

Is seems Subterranean Press is having some interesting stuff on the say. Here is what they said in a newsletter:

From the Subterranean Press latest newsletter :
"New Book Announcements Coming Soon — Stephen King, George R. R. Martin, Neal
Stephenson, and More!

November 25, 2008

Just a quick note that we now have contracts in hand for a number of huge
projects in hand, and in the coming weeks we’ll be announcing brand new titles
by Stephen King, George R. R. Martin, Neal Stephenson, and quite possibly a
surprise or two that will shock everyone.

To stay abreast of everything, please sign up for our mailing list — on the
right hand side of this page. Some of these books are certain to disappear
quickly."

Later they added this:

"Hey all,

Can tell you this. It'll be the only hardcover of this particular book -- at
least so far -- limited to 2000 unsigned copies, priced $75, with a bunch of
full color interior plates.

More info will be posted to the SubPress site soon.

Thanks to Herbert West

Some new Dollar Babies

Posted: November 27, 2008, 21:45

Here are some Dollar Baby news for you.

Luke Cheney adapted, produced, and directed the Dollar Baby version of In the Deathroom told me that principle photography finished on Nov. 16 in Denver and that they plan to put the complete film in festivals across US in early 2009. He also told me that they combined the character of Heinz with the character of Ramon and changed the name of Mr. Fletcher to Mr. Adams.

The actors are: Matt Jackson as Mr. Adams, Rafael Hernandez as Escobar, Laura Chavez as The Unnamed Woman and Aaron Vieyra as Ramon (see image).

I also got a mail from Mikhail Tank with an update on My Pretty Pony. He told me that the Dollar Baby is currently in Pre-production, that tentative Shooting dates set in March 2009 and that the completion of the project is scheduled for May 2009. It has Paul Marin staring as the grandfather.

King and Prison Break

Posted: November 26, 2008, 23:28

It seems King, like me, enjoysPrison Break:

Stephen King has declared his love for American drama series Prison Break.

The author said he would "walk over my grandmother" not to miss the programme, currently in its fourth season.

"I love Prison Break madly, deeply, truly. Simple as that," he wrote on EntertainmentWeekly.com.

"What makes this so much damned fun are bright exteriors, crisp cutting, outrageous action sequences, and, most of all, the acting ensemble.

"I especially enjoy William Fichtner as Alex Mahone - Fichtner's probably the best character actor on TV. These guys play it straight, so the audience does the same.

"There's also a crazy existential subtext: No matter what these hapless escapees do or how fast they run, they always end up...booya!...back in prison."

King continued by saying he would like to see the fifth season filmed in Siberia.

Recent rumours have suggested that the four-year series may be coming to an end after a Fox insider predicted a major scheduling shuffle to bloster dwindling US ratings.

Thanks to Ari