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April 19, 2026

Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King by Caroline Bicks ~ a Review

by MK French


Caroline Bicks was named the University of Maine's inaugural Stephen E. King Chair in Literature, the first scholar to be granted extended access by King to his private archives. Bicks focuses on five of his most iconic early works—The Shining, Carrie, Pet Sematary, 'Salem's Lot, and Night Shift—to reveal how he crafted his language, storylines, and characters. We see King’s margin notes and editorial changes, scenes, and alternative endings that never made it to print. The book also includes interviews Bicks had with King along the way that reveal new insights into his writing process and personal history.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

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