Top 10 Best Selling Books Of Horror Author Stephen King (6-10)

Stephen King is one of the most prolific and bestselling authors, known for his wide range of horror, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy novels. Here are some of his top-selling and most iconic books:

6. Pet Sematary (1983)

A haunting tale about grief and resurrection, “Pet Sematary” is one of King’s scariest novels. It was a massive hit and is often cited as one of his most terrifying works.

7. Salem’s Lot (1975)

This vampire novel set in a small New England town has become a classic, often noted as one of the best vampire books in modern horror literature.

8. 11/22/63 (2011)

A time-travel novel where a teacher tries to prevent the assassination of JFK, blending historical fiction with sci-fi and suspense. It became an instant bestseller.

9. The Stand (1978)

This post-apocalyptic epic about a plague that wipes out most of humanity is one of King’s most ambitious works and has maintained a devoted fan base.

10. Doctor Sleep (2013)

The sequel to The Shining, this novel revisits Danny Torrance as an adult and explores the impact of his traumatic childhood experiences. The book was highly anticipated and quickly became a bestseller.

These books, along with many others, have made Stephen King one of the bestselling and most beloved authors worldwide.

Top 10 Best Selling Books Of Horror Author Stephen King (1-5)

Stephen King is one of the most prolific and bestselling authors, known for his wide range of horror, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy novels. Here are some of his top-selling and most iconic books:

  1. The Shining (1977)
    • A psychological horror set in the haunted Overlook Hotel, this novel became a classic with its eerie atmosphere and exploration of madness.
  2. It (1986)
    • A horror epic about a group of children confronting a terrifying creature known as Pennywise the Clown. “It” has cemented itself as one of King’s most enduring works.
  3. Carrie (1974)
    • King’s first published novel, this story of a bullied teenage girl with telekinetic powers set the stage for his career and became an instant bestseller.
  4. Misery (1987)
    • This suspense novel about an author held captive by an obsessed fan is both chilling and psychological. It has been popularized further by the award-winning film adaptation.
  5. The Dark Tower Series (1982–2012)
    • King’s multi-book fantasy series follows the gunslinger Roland Deschain on a quest through a parallel world. The series blends elements of horror, fantasy, and Western genres.

These books, along with many others, have made Stephen King one of the bestselling and most beloved authors worldwide.

10 Interesting Facts About The Ghost Who Walks

The Phantom is a fascinating character with a rich history in comic book lore. Here are some fun facts about “The Ghost Who Walks”:

  1. First Costumed Superhero: The Phantom, created by Lee Falk, made his debut on February 17, 1936. He is widely regarded as the first superhero to wear a skin-tight costume, setting the template for many superheroes that followed, including Superman.
  2. Generational Legacy: The Phantom’s identity is passed down from father to son, creating the illusion of an immortal hero who has been fighting evil for over 400 years. The current Phantom is the 21st in the line.
  3. Origin Story: The first Phantom, Christopher Walker, was the lone survivor of a pirate attack in 1536. After washing ashore on the fictional Bangalla coast (initially located in Asia and later Africa), he swore an oath on the skull of his father’s murderer to fight evil, thus beginning the legacy.
  4. The Skull Ring: The Phantom wears two distinctive rings. One of them, the Skull Ring, leaves a mark of a skull when he punches someone, symbolizing the person has been judged by the Phantom. The other ring, known as the Good Mark, is given to those who have helped or allied with the Phantom.
  5. Secret Lair: The Phantom lives in the Skull Cave, hidden deep in the Bangalla jungle. This cave, shaped like a human skull, serves as his headquarters and holds a treasure room containing centuries of Phantom artifacts.
  6. Never Shows His Face: In the world of the comics, the Phantom’s face is never shown to the public. Even his close allies and friends refer to him only by his title and not by his real name.
  7. The Phantom’s Belt: The Phantom wears a utility belt with a skull buckle. This belt contains various tools and weapons, including his signature .45 caliber pistols.
  8. Cultural Impact: The Phantom has a massive following, particularly in countries like Australia, Sweden, and India. He has been featured in various media, including television shows, movies, and even his own postage stamps in some countries.
  9. Animal Companions: The Phantom is often accompanied by his faithful wolf, Devil, and his horse, Hero. These animals are not only his companions but also symbols of his connection with nature and his prowess as a jungle hero.
  10. Not a Superhuman: Unlike many superheroes, the Phantom does not have superhuman powers. His strength, intelligence, and combat skills come from intense training and his vast knowledge passed down through generations.

The Phantom remains a beloved and enduring character, representing justice, legacy, and the idea that anyone can be a hero.

Some Facts About Mills & Boons Books

Mills & Boon is a famous British publisher known for its romance novels.  The company moved towards escapist fiction for women in the 1930s. I remember reading a couple of them back when I was teenager. Here are some key facts about the company:

  1. Founding: Mills & Boon was founded in 1908 by Gerald Rusgrove Mills and Charles Boon. Initially, the company published a wide range of books, including educational texts and general fiction.
  2. Specialization in Romance: By the 1930s, Mills & Boon began to focus primarily on romance novels. This specialization became the cornerstone of their success, particularly in the post-World War II era.
  3. Prolific Output: Mills & Boon has published thousands of romance novels over the decades, often releasing new titles every month. At their peak, they were producing around 150 titles per month.
  4. Global Reach: Mills & Boon novels are sold worldwide, and the brand has become synonymous with romantic fiction in many countries. They are particularly popular in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
  5. Harlequin Acquisition: In 1971, Mills & Boon was acquired by the Canadian publisher Harlequin Enterprises, which expanded the brand’s global reach even further.
  6. Diverse Sub-genres: Mills & Boon publishes various sub-genres of romance, including historical romance, contemporary romance, medical romance, and more. This diversification helps cater to different reader preferences.
  7. Iconic Cover Art: The cover art of Mills & Boon novels is iconic, often featuring passionate embraces and idyllic romantic scenes. The covers have evolved over time but remain a distinctive aspect of the brand.
  8. Cultural Impact: Mills & Boon novels have had a significant cultural impact, shaping perceptions of romance and relationships for generations of readers. They are often seen as a guilty pleasure and have been both criticized and celebrated for their portrayal of love and relationships.
  9. Popularity and Criticism: While Mills & Boon novels are beloved by many, they have also faced criticism for perpetuating certain stereotypes and for their formulaic plots. Despite this, their popularity endures.
  10. Adaptations: Some Mills & Boon novels have been adapted into television movies and series, further extending the brand’s influence beyond the printed page.

Mills & Boon continues to be a dominant force in the romance publishing industry, with a loyal readership that spans the globe.

Six Elements To A Really Good Story

If you have an interesting narrative idea and want to translate it into the best story possible, you must be mindful of a few key elements that appear throughout the best fiction and nonfiction writing. Whether you’re writing a novel or a short story, these common elements recommended by Masterclass are:

  1. A natural arc from the beginning to the end of the story: From inciting action and rising action to climax and denouement, a good plot has defined story structure and maintains steady momentum.
  2. A clear narrative voice: Whether you write in first person or third person, a story’s overall tone has a lot to do with the voice of its narrator.
  3. A sense of genre: You could be writing a thriller, a satire, a romance, or a sci-fi epic, but they’re all united by clear genre elements. Choosing a genre can also help make a book marketable to audiences who may not know you, and this can really help if you end up pursuing self-publishing.
  4. Compelling characters: Strong characters keep your audience invested. Imbue your main character with an internal conflict that drives their external struggle.
  5. A structured storyline: Keeping your narrative organized and logically flowing will help you hold onto readers through all parts of your story. In this sense, fiction writing can borrow elements of journalism.
  6. An insightful theme: Consider what ideas you want your reader to keep thinking about long after they’ve forgotten the specific plot of your book.

The Book That Made Me Want To Blog About Books

The Book that Made You Want to Blog

I am thinking that this prompt means which book made you want to blog about books as my blog is not a predominantly book based blog. Also I have barely read a book in the last 10 years or so though I used to be a voracious reader. I had to go back in the annals of time – meaning check my old posts – to find out the answer to this prompt.

So back in 2007 I went out for some coffee an then went to cheap book store and bought Blood & Gold & Blackwood Farm, and writing about my day and buying those books as the beginning of me blogging about books and even about some of my favourite authors and the books of theirs that I have read. But however since then I slowly started reading less and less as the years went by. I remember I went to a bar nearby and ordered an American Chopsuey and a beer and relaxed and read most of the book in that bar.

I think I should go out one of these afternoons on a weekend, go to a book store and buy a book that I feel like I could read and enjoy, then go to a bar and order some beer and some food and relax in the booth and read the afternoon away. Just like the old days.

Prompt from 30 Blog Post Ideas & Calendars | January at ElaineHowlinStudio

Why You Should Blog In 2024

1. EARNS YOU GOOD MONEY

You can absolutely earn good money from blogging. Bloggers monetize their blogs in a multitude of different ways – typically a combination of advertising, affiliate links, sponsored posts, products and services. Bloggers who work hard and focus on monetizing their blogs often earn much more money from blogging than they could ever hope to earn in traditional jobs.

2. OPENS THE DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY

Becoming known as an expert and an authority in your niche can open all sorts of doors for you – for example: media opportunities, brand partnerships, sponsored posts, book deals, money-can’t-buy this type experiences and more.

3. DEVELOPS YOUR EXPERTISE

The beautiful thing about blogging is that you don’t have to start off being an expert – many very popular blogs were started by people who did not have any expertise, but went on to develop their expertise in the course of their blogging journey. For example, weight loss bloggers who started their blogs to document the steps they were taking to lose weight and who now use their blogs to teach others how to lose weight. Or finance bloggers who started their blogs to share how they were trying to pay off their mortgage early and now teach others how to manage their finances.

4. GIVES YOU A CREATIVE OUTLET

It’s a bit of a cliché, I’ll grant you – but it still holds true. Blogging gives you a creative outlet to share your thoughts, ideas and passions. It’s rather like having your own magazine, where you are both the writer and the editor. You get to decide what goes into your online magazine AND you get to write all the articles too. Your creativity and personality are not curbed by a boss or an editor – you have the creative freedom to write what you like.

5. ATTRACTS AN AUDIENCE

Whether you have a business, a charity or a cause you feel passionate about, you need an audience. By writing regular high-quality blog content and growing your search engine traffic and authority you will begin to attract the right people to your website – people who are interested in what you have to say, people who might be interested in buying your products or services, supporting your charity or joining you in your cause. A blog gives you a forum to share your ideas, market your business and establish your credibility.

Arthur C. Clarke Novel “Childhood’s End”

Childhood’s End is a 1953 science fiction novel by the British author Arthur C. Clarke. The story follows the peaceful alien invasion of Earth by the mysterious Overlords, whose arrival begins decades of apparent utopia under indirect alien rule, at the cost of human identity and culture. When vast alien spaceships suddenly position themselves above Earth’s principal cities, the space race ceases. After one week, the aliens announce they are assuming supervision of international affairs, to prevent humanity’s extinction. They become known as the Overlords. In general, they let humans go on conducting their affairs in their own way.

The Overlords began improving the health and overall well being of humanity. There ares no more wars and fights are rare. It is a bit overwhelming for most people especially since they cannot see the Overlord. Five decades after their arrival, the Overlords finally reveal their appearance: large bipeds that resemble the traditional Christian folk images of demons, with cloven hooves, leathery wings, horns, and barbed tails. After they get used the appearance of the aliens, humanity enters a golden age of prosperity at the expense of creativity. Although humanity and the Overlords have peaceful relations, some believe human innovation is being suppressed and that culture is becoming stagnant. One of these groups establishes New Athens, an island colony in the middle of the Pacific Ocean devoted to the creative arts.

Well over a century after the Overlords’ arrival, human children, beginning with the Greggsons’, begin to display clairvoyance and telekinetic powers. Karellen reveals the Overlords’ purpose: they serve the Overmind, a vast cosmic intelligence, born of amalgamated ancient civilizations and freed from the limitations of material existence. The Overlords themselves are in an “evolutionary cul-de-sac (dead end)”; unable to join the Overmind, they serve instead as a kind of “bridge species”, fostering other races’ eventual union with it. The time of humanity as a race composed of single individuals with a concrete identity is coming to an end. The children’s minds reach into each other and merge into a single vast group consciousness.

No more human children are born and many parents die or commit suicide. The members of New Athens destroy themselves with an atomic bomb. One of the humans named Jan had previously stowed aboard a supply ship that was headed back to the Overlord’s home planet and due to the time dilation effect, 40 years had passed by for earth while it was only a few days on the ship. the Overlords take him to see the sights and permit him a glimpse of how the Overmind communicates with them. When Jan returns to Earth, approximately 80 years after his departure by Earth time, he finds an unexpectedly altered planet. Humanity has effectively become extinct and he is now the last man alive. Hundreds of millions of children – no longer fitting what Rodricks defines as “human” – remain on the quarantined continent, having become a single intelligence readying themselves to join the Overmind.

Jan asks to be left on earth while the Overlords head back on their ship as the planet destructs. By radio, he describes a vast burning column ascending from the planet. As the column disappears, Rodricks experiences a profound sense of emptiness when the children have gone. Then material objects and the Earth itself begin to dissolve into transparency. Jan reports no fear, but a powerful sense of fulfillment. The Earth evaporates in a flash of light. The Overlords looks back at the receding Solar System and gives a final salute to the human species.

Superb story and as for the question of had the Overlords met humans in the past, which would explain why we describe demons the way that the Overlords look, Jan is told  that the primal fear experienced by humans was not due to a racial memory, but a racial premonition of the Overlords’ role in their metamorphosis. Fascinating stuff and a must read. 8.5 outta 10!

Would You Trade Your Paper Books for Digital Versions?

That is a tough question. I love the books that I have and would love to get more. If only I can find the time to read them. I never seem to read books anymore. But I love seeing them on my shelf and looking at the covers now, most of which I have read over & over again. I’d like to add more – hard covers & paperbacks. But to reduce them to an ebook format?

I agree that they are a space saver. You can have a huge library of books at your fingertips on just one device. It is very convenient but it loses the feeling. Print books have the feel of a book that many readers love. You can hold it, turn the pages, and feel the paper. Ofcourse they also do tear easily and get smudges on them – from your drink or your food. You don’t have to worry about that on your device that you read the ebook on.

llustrations on paper are generally higher quality than even high-end e-readers can reproduce. But e-books come with font style and size flexibility. E-readers can store thousands of books on a single device. It is so confusing. I think I would still go with books. If nothing else than just to hold it and feel it in my hands over the digital one.

Prompt from Over 1,000 Writing Prompts for Students at The New York Times Learning Network

Are Paper Books Better Than E-Books?

I am not sure. I seem to like the feel of the physical paper back or hard back book which I used to collect a lot and read and reread. I was the bookworm of the extended family. Well so was my sister but as the years went on by me more so than her. In the last several years, e-books have become a mainstay of the publishing industry. However, the demise of printed books as a result of the introduction of e-books has not materialized as predicted.

According to the Association of American Publishers, e-book sales in the U.S. declined slightly to $983 million in 2019 from a year earlier. The lower growth rate followed several years of double-digit declines in e-book sales. Hardcover and paperback books still rule the market, with approximately $3 billion and 2.5 billion in sales in 2019, respectively.

I do have some ebooks but I mostly prefer to read the traditional method. A book just feels more personal and cozy and I have spent many, many hours during my years reading books and enjoying the stories way too much to ever not have books with me.

Prompt from Over 1,000 Writing Prompts for Students at The New York Times Learning Network

5 Movies Based On Books

1. Hidden Figures (2016)

The book: Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

If you’re in the mood for a feel-good movie, then look no further. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle MonĂĄe star in this movie about the three Black women who worked at NASA during the early years of the space program. They were an integral part of launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This true story is most likely not one you learned about in school.

2. Gone Girl (2014)

The book: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

We could write a dissertation about Gone Girl, and it still wouldn’t be long enough to dive into the complicated issues tackled in the movie. Here’s what you need to know: The David Fincher–directed mystery movie is about a husband who becomes a suspect in his wife’s disappearance. The thriller tackles parenting, manipulation, misogyny, and most of all, marriage. When it comes to movie adaptations of books, this is near the top of the list.

3. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The book: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King

The highest-rated movie on IMDb, this classic is parodied (and homaged) all over the place, a favorite of both fans and critics. It’s a drama, to be sure, but as far as prison stories go, watchable and even a little hopeful.

4. Jurassic Park (1993)

The book: Jurassic Park: A Novel by Michael Crichton

This blockbuster keeps getting rebooted for a reason: It’s just cool to watch dinosaurs chase people! Yes, there’s a lesson here about overstepping the bounds of science and hubris in the face of nature, but mostly, T-Rex go chomp-chomp.

5. Room (2015)

The book: Room by Emma Donoghue

Both the book and the film adaptation of this intense story follow a kidnapped young woman and her son, who we learn was born in captivity. When they finally escape their abuser, the child gets to experience the outside world for the first time in his life. Starring Brie Larsson who won the Oscars for Best Actress for her role in this film and Jacob Tremblay.

For The Love Of Reading Books

I don’t remember when I actually started to love reading but it is possible that it started from the time I could start reading books on my own. Ages 4 or 5 I guess. Around that time I suppose because I remember always being a voracious reader. As a youngster I loved comics and could spends hours with a bunch of them. As I turned 14-15 I turned to novels and read a lot each months. I liked to read as much as I could. People found it easy to give me gifts; they just needed to get me some books.

When I visited my cousins homes, after we all exchanged hellos and how are yous, if we weren’t playing a game or something, I would be reading the books that they had in their homes. I wish I could read as much as I used to as it now takes me a month or more to read a single novel whereas I would devour 2 or 3 in a month in years gone by. It is a bit annoying that I can’t concentrate and commit to finishing a book in a week or two whereas I used to devour books at rates of like 3 in a week up till 2008. The internet is too much of a distraction I tell ya!

Tell stories to your kids from the time that they are really young and make it a point to read from a book. Watch their big eyes go wide as you talk about kings and queens, swords and bows & arrows, big romance and big wars and happily ever after. Once you have done that, you create a habit in the kids to want to know the stories, either to be read to them or read it themselves. That curiosity and thirst for knowing will be instilled and they will soon start to read and ask for more books.

Prompt from MARCH BLOG PROMPTS {12 MONTHS OF WRITING IDEAS} #BLOGPROMPTS at Food Fun Family

E-Books Vs Printed Books

Though ebooks have become more and more popular over the last several it hasn’t meant the demise of the printed book. Far from it. Though the sales of ebooks went over 1000 million USD by 2019, hardcover and paperback books still rule the market, with approximately $3 billion and 2.5 billion in sales in 2019, respectively.

Many studies confirm that reading comprehension is better with physical books than with eBooks. Although young people may read more quickly on an eReader, the speed and potential distractions of links, scrolling, and advertisements usually mean people remember and retain what they are reading better in physical books.

Print books are still a little more expensive than e-books, but not all that much. Books on paper are difficult to carry around, especially hardcovers. If you’re an avid reader and you’re going on a trip, or if you’re just stepping out to a coffee shop, an e-reader or iPad is a far lighter burden than a book or a stack of them. There’s also the satisfaction of having an entire library at your fingertips, not to mention an infinite supply just a click away, ready to download instantly. In addition, e-book buyers have the advantage that the internet gives consumers of any products: No space constraints. Just about everything ever published is available, all the time.

The drawback is that you must recharge your device regularly while some screens may not be the best for reading conditions in bright sunlight. Also if you work primarily in front of a computer screen, relaxing with an ebook may not be all that appealing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Print books have the feel of a book that many readers love. You can hold it, turn the pages, and feel the paper.
  • Illustrations on paper are generally higher quality than even high-end e-readers can reproduce.
  • E-books come with font style and size flexibility.
  • E-readers can store thousands of books on a single device.

Books You Want To Read This Fall/Autumn

Oh boy! Where do I start? Atleast till my early 30s. I was the bookworm. I read a lot, mostly fiction with the off biography and I also read a lot about some history and things. As a youngster I loved comics and could spends hours with a bunch of them. As I turned 14-15 I turned to novels and read a lot each months. I liked to read as much as I could. People found it easy to give me gifts; they just needed to get me some books.

The last book I have read was in 2017 and I enjoyed that book a lot. Before that it was probably in 2010. Since then only 1 full novel in 12 years. Oh man! That would be unthinkable when I was younger. I had 3 libraries that I went to a couple of times a month just to go and get some books to read. Sometimes Archies or Tintin or Asterix comics or even Nancy Drew/Famous Five & Hardy Boys until my late teens and then most novels with the odd Archies throw in until my mid 20s.

Then onwards I only read novels and Stephen King, Michael Chrichton, Anne Rice, Sydney Sheldon and others being among my favourites. Not having read any novels in a long, long time I think I would like to start slow and get atleast one book in during the next 2-3 months. Hehehe, that is a big change from the years gone by but let’s try small for now. So I have just placed an order for this novel, Elevation by Stephen King, which I haven’t read yet. So I look forward to getting it this Saturday and perhaps reading it during the weekend.

Prompt from 30 SEPTEMBER BLOG POST IDEAS at 

A Book That Reminds Me Of A Certain Time IN My Life: Christopher Pike’s “Monster”

Funny how certain movies or music reminds you about a certain time in your life, a certain place or a certain person or experience you were experiencing at the time. And it takes you back. Well books can also do that. For some reason I was thinking about a novel that I remember reading in my early 20s. I think I was 21-22 which means 1997-1998. And I think it was condensed version of two novels by the same author in one book, which some of my cousins who were born & raised in the UK had brought with them on one of their 2 months visit during that summer.

One lazy afternoon while I was there, I asked them for a book to read as I had seen that they had a bunch of them and one of my cousin sisters handed me a couple and Monster by Christopher Pike was one of them. Now, I think the cover was different but the story was the same ofcourse. Monster was about this teenage girl (college or final year of high school) who had moved to be with her aged uncle or grandfather I want to say; can’t remember which, in a town away from her own. While staying there she met and befriended the local captain of the American football team and a few others. For some reason which I do remember they were infected with the blood of some ancient creature – like bat or bird but certainly a monstrous kind that was unknown to most, except for elders of a Native American tribe.

I remember that once infected – how again, I do not remember – she starts to get these huge cravings for meat. Her going from eating 1 Big Mac & fries to several to them eating a bunch of steaks raw and even hurting her uncle/grandpa’s dog as she felt it’s heartbeat but not harming it too much as she regained her senses in time. She then realizes that she is somewhat protected as the Native tribe elder gives her a pendant; she will turn into the monstrous bat/bird but will not attack humans unlike the rest. Before she & the other teens in town can turn into those creatures, she takes a shot gun and kills them all. A police detective who was been investigating the murders is the only one who knows what has truly happened and adopts the dog that was left behind, while the girl now completely turned into the monster creature watches while perched upon a branch, not attacking the detective as the pendant is still with her.

I found the story compelling, even if it is a young adult novel and I don’t think much about them. Christopher Pike’s book do seem better than most in that genre and his work even reminds me of Stephen King, who he admits is an influence. I love this book although I haven’t read it since then and it reminds me of that time. A lot more carefree and casual time in my life.