NOT Based on Real-Life
In the current issue of USA Today, a debut novelist answers the question that plagues many first-timers; “Is your book based on your own life?”
In this case, the answer takes on extra interest. Double Feature (S&S/Scribner, releasing today) is about a famous father and his estranged son. The author happens to be the son of a famous father, Stephen King (a connection that is not mentioned in the publisher’s promo material, although that fact has not been kept a secret).
Owen King acknowledges that readers will want to know if the character “is based on my dad. But two people couldn’t be more different.”
As signaled by the fact that the cover blurb is from Larry McMurtry, Owen King’s style is quite different from his father’s.
All four prepub reviews are enthusiastic:
Booklist –” Entertaining and thought-provoking, this captivating look at the ongoing process of becoming an adult will especially appeal to fans of the indie film industry.”
Kirkus — “…an often weirdly funny book… King’s novel is winning. Superbly imagined lit-fic about family, fathers and film.”
LJ — “Fans of John Irving, Tom Perrotta, Jonathan Tropper, and Nick Hornby will appreciate this urban family tale liberally dosed with humor.”
PW — “King’s prose is artful, perceptive about people and their ‘warrens of self that go beyond understanding,’ and sometimes very funny.”
Owen King comes from a writing family. His brother, who writes under the pen name Joe Hill, is publishing his third supernatural thriller, NOS4A2 at the end of April. And, of course, his their next, Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining, is coming in September.
March 21st, 2013 at 3:47 pm
Let us not forget that his mother is also a published author! Tabitha King has published several novels since the 80s (although not nearly as well-known or reviewed as her husband’s work).