He might mean that the best stories are those that truly resonate with people on an emotional level. Stories that can make you feel a wide range of emotions like fear, joy, sadness, etc. are often the ones that stay with you.
Well, in Stephen King's view, the best stories are likely to have a strong sense of place. A vividly described setting can draw readers right into the story world. It gives a backdrop that supports the events and characters, like the spooky town in 'Salem's Lot'. Also, a great story usually has a conflict that drives the plot forward. It could be an internal struggle within a character or an external battle against a force. This conflict creates tension and keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
They are often horror stories. Stephen King is well - known for his horror works. Horror stories can tap into our deepest fears and create a sense of unease that is hard to forget.
One way could be to write from personal experience. Just as Stephen King often draws on his own life, it can add authenticity to the story.
It's hard to say for sure. King has written so many great stories, and his opinion might change over time. But some speculate that it could be 'The Shining' due to its lasting impact and popularity.
I'm not sure. Maybe it's some kind of abbreviation or code specific to that particular story.
Well, perhaps he means that a story can't just exist in a simple, straightforward way. There are always elements that make it more than just a basic narrative. Maybe he's referring to the complexity that seeps into every story, like the characters' hidden motives, the subtext in the plot, and the overarching themes that transform it from a mere sequence of events into a full - fledged story.
Well, 'The Body' is quite notable. It has a strong sense of coming - of - age. It's about a group of boys on a journey to see a dead body. It's filled with King's signature ability to create vivid characters and a sense of place.
Stephen King may think of good fiction as something that evokes strong emotions. It can make the reader feel fear, joy, sadness, or excitement. His horror stories are great at eliciting fear. But he also has works that can make you feel empathy for the characters or laugh at their antics. Good fiction should have the power to stir the reader's emotions on a deep level.
One of the best is 'The Mist'. It creates a really tense and claustrophobic atmosphere as people are trapped in a supermarket by a mysterious mist filled with terrifying creatures. Another great one is 'Children of the Corn'. It has this spooky cult of children in a small town that gives off a very eerie vibe. And 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption' which later inspired the movie 'The Shawshank Redemption'. It tells a moving story of hope and friendship in prison.
Some excellent Stephen King stories include 'The Stand'. It's a post - apocalyptic epic that shows the struggle between good and evil. '11/22/63' is also really good. It involves time travel and the attempt to prevent the assassination of President Kennedy. 'Cujo' is a terrifying tale about a rabid dog that terrorizes a mother and her child.