Stephen King - A Timeline

  • Stephen King was born.

    Stephen King is born in Portland, Maine. His parents seperated soon after,
  • Stephen King's father leaves.

    His father leaves his family after saying he was "going out to buy cigarettes". This left his mother to care for Stephen and his brother, leaving her under great financial strain.
  • First Story "I was a teenage grave robber" to be independantly published.

    First Story "I was a teenage grave robber" to be independantly published.
    Published over four issues, in "Comics Review".
  • Period: to

    Studied at University of Maine

    Studied english at the University of Maine, eventually getting a Bachelor of Arts
  • Sold his first professional short story.

    Sold his first professional short story.
    Sold his first professional story "The Glass Floor" to "Startling Mystery Stories" in 1967. It sold well.
  • Graduated from University of Maine after studying.

    Stephen King graduated, gaining a bachelor of arts in English.
    He met Tabitha King while studying here.
  • Daughter Naomi Rachel is born.

    Daughter Naomi Rachel is born.
    Stephen King and Tabitha King have a child. Naomi later grew up to be a reverand.
  • Marries Tabitha King

    Marries Tabitha King
    King marries Tabitha King after meeting her at a university study hall.
  • Began working as teacher at Hampden Academy.

    He started to teach English at Hampden Academy, but later quit.
  • First Novel "Carrie" published.

    First Novel "Carrie" published.
    Accepted by publishing company Doubleday. Originally thrown manuscript in garbage, but his wife had fished it out and convinced him to publish it. It was later adapted to film in 1976, and again adapted in 2013.
  • King's mother dies.

    Stephen King's mother dies of Uterine cancer. At this time, King was suffering from severe alcohol problems, even being drunk while delivering his mothers eulogy at her funeral.
  • Period: to

    Richard Bachman Pseudonym

    Stephen King published five books-"Rage", "The Long Walk", "Roadwork", "The Running Man", and "Thinner"- under the pseudonym of Richard Bachman.
  • Published his fourth novel "The Stand"

    Published his fourth novel "The Stand"
    Published his fourth novel after returning to Maine from Boulder, Colorado. His experiences and travels inspired him to write this post-apocalyptic novel.
  • "Cujo" published.

    "Cujo" published.
    The creation of Cujo is interesting. King has said that he hardly remembers writing the book because he was so intoxicated while writing it!
  • Car Accident

    Stephen King was walking north against the traffic when Driver Bryan Edwin Smith struck King. This event gave him thoughts of retiring, though he later changed his mind about this.
  • Given a lifetime achievement award by the Horror Writer's Association.

    Awarded by the Horror Writer's Association for his excellent contribution to the genre. Most of Kings books were horror.
  • "Under the Dome" published.

    It is the largest book of his ever published, finishing at 1,074 pages. The book was later adapted into a television mini-series.
  • Speaks out at political event.

    Stephen King speaks in a political rally in Sarasota aimed against Governer Rick Scott.
  • Calls for rich americans to pay more taxes.

    Stephen King suggests inside a magazine that all rich Americans (including himself) should pay more taxes, calling it a practical necessity and moral imperative.
  • King considered for Maine governer.

    Several efforts have been made to encourage Stephen King to run for governer of Maine. Many people have started websites calling for Stephen to be drafted.