Stephen King, master of horror fiction, has a not-so-secret love for music and guitar playing. In his memoir “On Writing,” he reveals his creative process, often immersing himself in whole albums to maintain his creative flow. One of his go-to albums is Bob Dylan’s “Blonde on Blonde,” a favorite that influences novels like “Carrie,” “The Stand,” and “Christine.”
Surprisingly, King found inspiration in John Lennon while writing his acclaimed horror masterpiece, “The Shining.” Drawing from Lennon’s hopeful lyric “We all shine on” from the song “Instant Karma!,” King crafted a tale of a recovering alcoholic facing isolation at the haunted Overlook Hotel. Far from Lennon’s themes of love and unity, the novel takes a sinister turn.
Building on this unexpected creative influence, references to The Beatles surface in King’s sequel, “The Shining: Doctor Sleep,” showcasing Lennon’s impact on the series. Originally published in 1977, “The Shining” remains one of King’s defining works, earning its place among the greatest novels of all time according to Time, Forbes, and Goodreads. The novel also inspired Stanley Kubrick to create one of the greatest films of all time.
Looking beyond traditional praise, the unexpected influence of music legends like Bob Dylan and John Lennon on Stephen King’s work adds a layer of depth to his storytelling. As a writer who blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural, King’s ability to draw inspiration from diverse sources sets him apart in the realm of horror fiction, making his work both timeless and gripping.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.