Matthew Curran’s thoughts and outlook

Stephen King rocks. The man just keeps putting out creative, horrific, beautiful stories. Sure, he’s messed up in the head — but it takes one to know one.

I mean, Cujo was written on drug binges, and he doesn’t even remember writing it. Imagine blacking out and still producing a kick-ass novel. That’s talent, cocaine, and a little bit of magic.

Do the endings stink sometimes? Sure. But that’s because his mind moves faster than most of us can keep up with. He’s juggling more ideas in a day than most writers manage in a lifetime. Even when the landing is a little rough, the journey is always worth it.

For me, The Gunslinger never hooked me beyond book one, but Salem’s Lot, Under the Dome, and so many others pulled me in completely. Endings aside, the ride was unforgettable. And The Green Mile? Both the book and the film are masterpieces. Heavy, harrowing, and pitch-perfect from start to finish.

Everything with King is nuanced. A “meh” ending here or there doesn’t matter, because I still loved Mr. Mercedes. He’s eclectic — a revolver of talent firing off horror, suspense, heart, humor, and pure imagination. That’s what I aspire to.

Like my dad, who’s also from Maine. He loves King. So does my uncle. So does my friend Autumn. Hell, my dad’s best friend too. King isn’t just a writer; he’s a generational thread in our family.

So Stephen King: be my mentor? Please? I want to write horror. I want people to think. I want people to have fun while being terrified. I collect your books, I have first editions, I’m 30, a nerd, an old soul — and I think we’d get along. I understand addiction. I understand what it means to obsess over a single song until your wife wants to divorce you.

Here are some of my favorites, in no order:

The Shining The Long Walk Mr. Mercedes Under the Dome Carrie Cujo Pet Sematary Salem’s Lot The Green Mile Blockade Billy

Art and writing are subjective, but your work proves that subjective can still be universal. You’ve built worlds that live inside us. And that’s why, Stephen King — messed up genius that you are — you’re amazing.

Somebody has a case of the Monday’s!!! Follow, like, subscribe, share. I just want to make enough money to live a creative life. I will give back! I love you all, even the people I dislike have endearing traits.

The world is so complex. Just exist and enjoy.