Stephen King on "Lisey's Story," writing process

At 73, the bestselling author of horror and suspense has adapted his 2006 novel "Lisey's Story" into an Apple TV miniseries. Stephen King talks with "Sunday Morning" anchor Jane Pauley about maintaining his prodigious output; what his early success with "Carrie" meant for his mother; and how a box left behind by his late father changed the course of his life.
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[@kimbok5971]

I can't imagine a world without Stephen King. I've been a fan from the start.

[@ms.g1728]

Me too

[@jaysiegel4742]

me three... Constant Reader since 1978... he's the only author i read (and re-read!)

[@adrianaboga8361]

Of course not, and what are you trying to do? Give people nightmares? 😁

[@anciareuterbach3928]

I love him, almost every single story sucks me in!! Been reading him since the 1990s nonstop 😌

[@peggydeffley2194]

Same! 1978 for me, as well. He has an entire bookshelf, in my floor-to-ceiling book shelves.

[@KimsLantern]

I literally want him to talk for hours. I love his interviews. I hope he does more soon.

[@THEBACKROOMSEXPLORER7]

@@lowtidestench shut up

[@robtleroux]

A favorite quote: “We did not ask for this room or this music; we were invited in. Therefore, because the dark surrounds us, let us turn our faces toward the light. Let us endure hardship to be grateful for plenty...We did not ask for this room or this music. But because we are here, let us dance.” ~ Stephen King

[@peggydeffley2194]

Love this! Sounds like it’s from Danse Macabre?

[@steveconn]

How stupid and simplistic, trite.

[@CCTH-86]

sounds like from "11/22/63"

[@ADOC7]

@@CCTH-86 Yes, it does. Sounds like a quote from the closing few pages, if not the last few lines.

[@Jo-yp8wy]

I remember it.

[@kyetakat75]

This man’s books kept me alive as a junior high school student 33 years ago. I’d load up on his novels at the local library, hurry home, and retreat to my room to read. His words and worlds helped me escape the pressures of puberty and bullying that I was enduring. Thank you, Mr. King.

[@susansanchez4794]

That was so sweet of Stephen King to praise his wife, Tabitha and his mother for helping him become who he is today, he is my favorite author since Carrie to now, and I like how he not only scares us Constant Readers, but also feel happy, sad and hopeful, thank you Mr King

[@johnmcmahon8513]

Who is he ? NEVER heard of him 🤪!

[@MrBeautiful2908]

The way he talks about his wife and mother is oh so priceless.

[@Scriptease123]

He wrote a book called "On Writing" several years ago. The chapters alternate between an autobiography about what made him a writer and chapters about the tools a person needs to be a good writer. It's a real treat.

[@kathychinski6308]

Writing is such amazing gift. Everyone has a story to tell but how many people can tell their story brilliantly? Writing is a talent from the gods !!!

[@toneenorman2135]

It’s a really good book!

[@rikkelise]

I am reading it right now. It's awesome so far

[@ajcraft-hello]

It’s excellent

[@FuckfreysLuvfamily]

Several years? It came out in 2000. Not to be disrespectful of course.

[@Pffft14690]

I've never seen Jane Pauley get emotional like that. Great interview

[@davidschreck1321]

It's hard not to. You have to admire him for being able to keep his imagination young even after life tries it's hardest to dull you down, and that he consistently did what he loved and made time for it through the failures is incredible.

[@markberryhill2715]

I was thinking the same thing about Jane getting all emotional like that. Even Stephen was taken aback.

[@gailthomas2631]

I thought she was a little close.....

[@jennymacallan9071]

Jane Pauley is right about that trifecta. We're all fortunate that King found it.

[@richardhaver6934]

@@anstanch ww

[@FreakieFan]

@@lowtidestench You can say that about being successful in anything

[@ShadovvV]

Trifecta is a dumb word that was derived from horse racing.

[@spitshinetommy3721]

@@ShadovvV Nobody asked.

[@ShadovvV]

@@spitshinetommy3721 - Just saying. Don't really care if "nobody asked"..

[@dimcclung]

I love that he and his wife are still going strong after 50 years. I remember watching their interview after his accident. It was a rare one because she did the interview with him.

[@nans969]

" I build the roller-coasters , but I don't ride them". He builds the best ones.

[@pamelamays4186]

I've been watching Jane Pauley on television news broadcasts since her days on The Today Show. The lady still never disappoints. She's the real deal, a true old school journalist.

[@yvonneplant9434]

King is the Charles Dickens of our times. Dickens was tremendously popular but also someone who had such enormous gifts that his novels still matter nearly 200 years later. King will be like that.

[@lacy.knickers146]

He is not. Good but no Charles Dickens. Different writing styles.

[@FreakieFan]

Absurd comparison that doesn’t do either writer justice.

[@patrickking9600]

Whenever I'm reading IT, or any King book for that matter, I'll forget that I'm holding a book or even reading a book. It's all just playing out in my imagination, and I'll find myself startled when someone interrupts me. I read a lot of different books and subjects, but Uncle Stevie is the only one who can hypnotize me like that.

[@iamrayn]

best comment

[@meghandivito3181]

I started writing when I was 10 years old after reading Pet Semetary. I can’t imagine how many people’s lives he’s changed and influenced over the decades with his masterful storytelling. He gets your imagination to do things you never thought it could.

[@Dweller415]

That’s awesome. I’ve wanted to write a book for decades but the years just pass by.

[@dianelewis6074]

Stephen King is in a class by himself. I have been frightened out of my mind by reading his books. Not only does he have the ability to scare his readers, his writing is just memorizing no matter what the subject. It’s as if he paints intricate worlds with words. So glad he survived that accident and has been able to continue his stunning career.

[@sleepingdogpro]

I remain absolutely envious of the healthy marriage that Steve and Tabby have. He's always talked that way about her.

[@bp9884]

Legit the best interview with Stephen King of all time. Why isn't this 90 minutes long?

[@roberthammel1546]

Jane is one of the best interviewers in the business. Excellent interview.

[@pamelamays4186]

My favorite Stephen King novel movie adaptation is The Shawshank Redemption.

[@vickidiodato9834]

AMEN! It is perfection and NEVER gets old.

[@CCTH-86]

Yes! Truly a classic!

[@deenieteenie3934]

For me it's an even split between Shawshank and The Green Mile

[@meghandivito3181]

Misery 💚

[@jamesamick3298]

I'd say my favorite of the stephen king novels is the one I'm reading now which is needful things. Absolutely awesome book very scary and well written and hard to put down. That's a book that a movie was made out of it, but the book is way better than the movie. That's probably the case with quite a few stephen king adaptions.

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

Have never been a horror fan, but still I have come to revere this guy. He is every bit as important as Mark Twain to the history of American Literature and American Popular Culture. What a warm and easy to love fellow he is and what a great storyteller.

[@el7jake]

Jane is right: who of us actually finds what s/he was meant to do in life and loves doing it?

[@larrysouthern5098]

73 and still going strong..please don't ever retire Mr King!!!!!....

[@RealBradMiller]

His books scare me, but I just want to hug him.

[@janetbeebe6578]

Steven King is this generations Edgar Allen Poe, and will always be reveared as such.

[@thomasley4006]

He’s more. He‘ll be remembered as one of the most important authors of the 20th and 21st century.

[@Xervello]

I'd argue he's this times's Charles Dickens. Works like The Shawshank Redemption, The Shining, It, The Green Mile will endure for generations to come. Much like Dickens' has. Poe was great and has endured, as well, but I think the breadth of work King has is far more broad and relatable, much like Dickens.

[@seppuku-]

@@XervelloI agree. Don’t even get me started on Pet Sematary. Genuinely one of the best raw depictions of grief i’ve ever seen in any form of art. Music, Film, Paintings, and books. He researched in books and talked with professors on the topic. The pages in that book feel grey at times, and he’s able to convey human emotion so well it feels like you know his characters personally. And on top of that over the years his writing has become more concise with the plot as in less rambling.

[@susancallatone6073]

I could listen to this man talk all day and night

[@lacy.knickers146]

One of my favorite books he wrote is The Stand. Couldn’t put it down.

[@dottieam49]

Superb interview by Jane Pauley.

[@romstar]

The story about his mother was very touching😩. I know his success doesn’t mean half as much when the one person who inspired him-his mom-isn't here to share in it with him.👍🙏😘

[@mukunimulundika5359]

I'm 34 and my first horror film was IT. I watched it in secret I was 9 years old. I've been addicted to horrors since then. When I was 14 I borrowed and read every Stephen King novel in the school library over 3 years. Thank you Stephen King. So tied to my childhood memories, the good and the scary lol. I think horror stories as a kid really broaden the imagination more vividly than any other stories.

[@lynnyhen]

While visiting my in-laws in Bangor, I visited this house 30 years ago, it looks exactly the same!

[@barriegrubb5682]

I did too in 1995 & took photographs.

[@crawnyxx]

He had a genuine laugh and that is something you can't put a price on!

[@kikilynn1167]

Thank you, Jane Pauley, for pointing out that most of us never find our passion and those that do are truly blessed.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

I have only read one book by him and it was The Shining.I couldn't put it down.I was traveling at the time on the plane.I just couldn't put it down.I marvel at those who can write to capture your imagination and transport you to their world.What a lost art not writing but actually picking up a book and reading.Yes we have electronics do that for us,but there is nothing like being intimate either physicality of a book.God bless his mother for seeing his gift.

[@HeartWorX.Creations]

Wholeheartedly agree, almost like ppl talking over the phone these days, ugh…technology definitely has it’s DOWNS!!!!!

[@jeanmank6342]

Jane sounded near tears talking about the "trifecta." Wow. At 67, I have never and never will find mine as I face early dementia. I've had a difficult life, but Jane and Steve have both brought me much joy.

[@mauriceortiz847]

I remeber reading The Shining when I was 14. I could not put that book down. My favorite of his work.

[@jeremylangevin7814]

I live a hour from Bangor Maine and we are very lucky to call him a Mainer He does so much for the city of Bangor

[@LETOUR7TIMESFRANCE]

I'm from small town Gardiner,Maine and am proud to share my state with the Greatest ever..Master of Macabre Steve King.

[@northernsoutherngirl]

He was & will continue to be one of my favorite authors!!❤❤ Start reading his works when I was 10 years old!😉

[@morningstar5734]

I almost cried two times while watching..very good Interview. Thank you

[@raystaar]

This interview is something special. When two authentic icons, two genuine humans of unique integrity meet and connect, the whole world benefits.

[@dddddadadad1796]

Damn Jane Pauley looks great!!!!

[@kohlharrington5033]

Jane, what a great interview. You’re so good!

[@KMMOS1]

It is a wonderful experience to witness two people who each have made iconic impressions on the American public and culture speaking with one another realizing each other's reality.

[@ThePinkladies18]

I love you Stephen king and your books don’t ever stop writing you’re my favorite horror author

[@mattd501]

No-one to do this interview better than Jane Pauley, such an exquisite journalist and toucher of the truth. She grasped Stephen's true genius and made sure he recognized how odds-defying it was!

[@courageousmisfits]

Not only a great writer, but a great teacher of fledgling authors.

[@vargo0515]

Very interesting❤😉 what legend ! He absolutely loves what he does😉and he started by reading HP lovecraft? Fantastic book

[@vivianelle.6084]

I left social media, and I started writing on my tablet. I'm excited for the first time in my life. I absolutely love Stephen King's writing. I'm building my characters, a bit obsessed.

[@Irish_Reviewer]

Stephen king is flat out amazing, I never want him to stop writing

[@codacreator6162]

I’ve been a fan since 1979, when I was a freshman in high school. In the beginning, I thought his work was frightening and compelling. Having grown up studying literature and fiction, all the way through grad school, I now believe King is one of the most tragically underrated craftsmen in America. Critics don’t appreciate the depth of his work, the mastery of language, nor the absolute thrill of the experimentation in form that he brings to the reader in everything he does - all while telling original stories with remarkably real and unforgettable characters that live and thrive in the American literary lexicon. Love him or hate him, you cannot deny he is one of a quickly disappearing handful of irreplaceable writers.

[@carmelaszymanski8104]

I enjoy Mr.Kings books. Really a Mind serving best reader..

[@velvetbees]

He has given us so many stories to marvel at. The audience got the best part of the deal.

[@meg2231]

i'm not very familiar with cbs sunday morning, but this woman is a fantastic interviewer

[@chrisfinch8637]

Don’t stop scaring all of your readers, Mr. King.

[@burden773]

The man is an absolute legend.

[@andywagoner]

I visited his house in Bangor the day before this was released. I was there Saturday and this came out on Sunday. What a fun way to cap off my visit!

[@kristinmoore693]

This interview is beautiful. Jane Pauley does a great job, asking the sweetest questions, and Stephen shows his softest side.He has always been my favorite writer. I love and respect his adoration for his wife. Unfortunately , such commitment and adoration is very rare for someone so successful. His novels might be fictional nightmares., but Stephen King seems to be as grounded as they come. He knows where it’s at.

[@craigwyckoff5682]

I read my first King book in 9th grade. “The Shining…I’ve been hooked ever since.

[@ogdvb]

Oh wow! I love how delicate and respectful Jane is doing this interview

[@circleoftwistedmasks3042]

this is really helpful as a writer! him saying stepping away from what your writing. so you can let it marinade. I've always felt if I stepped away from it that I was being lazy.

[@r.d.493]

Since 1996, I have read 17 of his novels. Six of which remain some of the best reading experiences I have ever had while two more are worth second readings.

[@elsajohnson6663]

Love it! Just stopped to see his house 2 days before this aired

[@karamiddleton2920]

This made me cry.

[@wood2103]

He doesn't come off as a "rich" person. Ms. Pauley is another story. This is a big reason his fans stay loyal and he is able to write such great stories that we can relate to...He is down to earth. Great Guy.

[@margo3367]

I love the movie, Dolores Claiborne. I should read the book.

[@robertpiekosz7470]

Get it today! You'll see that it's so much better than the great movie!

[@carriesee8547]

The books are all better than the movies

[@robertpiekosz7470]

@@carriesee8547 Absolutely! Anyone who only sees the movies are missing the true story.

[@margo3367]

@@robertpiekosz7470 The movie was great. Great cast. I'm convinced. I'll read the book. Thanks!

[@robertpiekosz7470]

@@margo3367 Read them All. I envy you reading a classic for the first time.

[@thedudeabides2968]

Stephen King is a national treasure! Love all of his works.

[@sakshipandit9666]

He gets so emotional abt his mom

[@GarbageProductions666]

I have always loved writing, but I didn’t take it as seriously until I started reading his novels. My only wish is that I can meet him one day and thank him for all that he has given me.

[@Lisa-pb3qp]

Born in 64, I’ve been a constant reader since Carrie. My hardback copies of King’s books is impressive. Love him.

[@judist.esprit7897]

And you, Jane are a gifted interviewer

[@AiraCamille]

I finished his latest book "Later". When you read his book , you always feel the Stephen King's touch in every words.

[@baileydarling4429]

I loved hearing him laugh

[@shannonduplechain8553]

My son's Freshman class was assigned his memoir during his first semester in college. I was fascinated with his childhood as well as his mother's encouragement for him to be a writer at 6.

[@k.mturgon9593]

I became a fan of Mr.King in 2019 when i read "Art of Writting".I know, its late, but he is one of my inspiration and I watch the movies about his storys since i was a kid.He is the best!

[@RuEd294]

What a genius-what a legend❤. “I love my wife like crazy”. Wow. Just wow. I put him in the same league as Thomas Hardy. Incredible host too. Off to watch the complete interview. Thanks for this!

[@neverhuman3975]

King is the reason I strive to write. I force myself to look at the world in strange and interesting ways every day for inspiration and ideas. If I'm not writing I'm thinking about writing and I owe that all to how his books have impacted me. As a Constant Reader I am ever thankful to Stephen King.

[@barokfin]

Thanks for the nightmares, cold chills, sleepless nights, fear of the dark, paranoia and countless other maladies, Stephen. Much appreciated.

[@radaimark6548]

English is not my native language and I am not good at listening and understanding other people but I always understand every word that Stephen King says. I don't know why. :)

[@tamathakibler9416]

I love Stephen King he has been an inspiration for me to keep writing poetry.

[@lukashilgemeier968]

I love his poems and storys so much!!!🦇🦇🦇🕷🕷🕷🕸🕸🕸🪦⚰🪦⚱☠👹❣❣❣

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

As a fan of Julianne Moore as an actress, and Stephen King. His life story is pretty moving, I plan to check out this series. Great interview/profile. 🖤

[@uchechiuwanaka]

Legend! I pray to sell as many books too IJN AMEN!

[@steviegr36]

As a Proud New Englander-And an avid reader-This man is a legend and a National Treasure..

[@carmelaszymanski8104]

THANKS MR. KINGS MOM..🤗💖😽

[@susanlc1]

Omg, I have a mad crush on this guy😍

[@nikkivenable3700]

I don't want to be in a world if Stephen King is not in it. His books helped me to survive a tumultuous childhood and I will forever be grateful. I read him often(I'm 48 now) and it never gets old. He's the type of author that, for me, that I can't talk about without choking up. He means that much to me. I had a bucket list item in 2018 when I visited Bangor, Maine to see his house and the spots around town that inspired his books. It was an incredible gift, just as his writing is and continues to be. Edit: Lisey's Story is often panned and overlooked by critics and readers alike, but it is in my top 10 of his books. I freaking love that book!

[@bdre5555]

That's really interesting the story about him finding the HP Lovecraft book in his father's box. I've never heard that story, and it makes a ton of sense

[@theearlyrelief]

This man is an Living American treasure wish I could meet him in person and speak to him for a short period. His writing process is simply amazing. Wish George R Martin could write like this. ( Still waiting George)

[@karenhargis9824]

So wonderful...

[@stevekonbass]

Salem's Lot and Storm Of The Century my favorites.

[@lionofjudah6763]

I grew watching his movies and reading his books. He is one of my all time favorite writer. I would say the best book I read so far i s"1963" I like how he went back in time and describe the people around the main character. A good book to read and the scarites book for me is " Pet Sematary " back in 1984 in Germany while serving in the U.S Army.

[@Sarah-cp4bu]

The way he talks about her wife😭❤️GOALS

[@EvonZundel]

Lisey’s story is amazing.

[@mbtvalli]

Great interview. Kudos to Jane Pauley.

[@milehighmike1895]

All things serve the beam. Thank you sai.

[@lukeskywalker6809]

I wish for Stephen King to write many more great books (hopefully a sequel or prequel to IT).

[@griseldadominguez8734]

Thank you for this interview, the same year he had the accident my mother died, i remember seeing the news while in the hospital, i've been a constant reader for over 40 years, i learned to read english reading his books, all i can say is Thankee-sai King

[@carolking6355]

What a great man, clever, loving and kind. I am ashamed to admit I have tried only two of his books. Just too scary for me. I was very entertained by his film Misery. That was amazing and I could just cope . I need to be careful I can get terrible nightmares. 😱

[@localphoenix]

I love this man.

[@gailthomas2631]

When Cujo came out, I was done reading Stephen King. But what an amazing life story. Maybe I'll pick up another story and give it a try.