What is Stephen King’s real name? This question often puzzles fans and newcomers to the world of horror literature. While many people know him by his iconic pen name, the answer to this question may surprise you.
Stephen King, the master of horror, was born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine. His real name is actually Stephen King, which might seem like a straightforward answer. However, the reason why he is known by his pen name is quite interesting.
King’s journey to becoming a renowned author began in his childhood. As a young boy, he was an avid reader and writer. He was influenced by the works of authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Ray Bradbury. As he grew older, he decided to pursue a career in writing. However, he faced numerous rejections from publishers and agents, which only fueled his determination.
In 1973, King’s first novel, “Carrie,” was published. It was a huge success and put him on the map as a horror writer. Despite the success of “Carrie,” King continued to use his real name for his works. It wasn’t until his second novel, “‘Salem’s Lot,” that he decided to use the pen name Stephen King. The reason behind this decision was to establish a distinct identity for his horror genre.
The use of a pen name has become a common practice among authors, especially in genres like horror and science fiction. It allows them to create a unique brand and separate their personal life from their professional one. By using the pen name Stephen King, King was able to distance himself from his previous career as a teacher and focus solely on writing.
In conclusion, Stephen King’s real name is Stephen King. However, the reason he is known by his pen name is to establish a distinct identity for his horror genre. This decision has helped him become one of the most successful and influential authors in the world.
