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Here’s how a Md. author worked with Stephen King to write a book
'Next thing you know, we had a full-length novella on our hands.'
Here’s how a Md. author worked with Stephen King to write a book
'Next thing you know, we had a full-length novella on our hands.'
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Earlier today, we reported that Forest Hill-based Cemetery Dance Publications had published “Gwendy’s Button Box,” a book by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar.
Chizmar founded Cemetery Dance Publications in 1988. He began corresponding with King about 20 years ago, he said in a statement announcing the release of the book.
In the same news release, King explained how Chizmar helped him take Gwendy’s Button Box from an unfinished story to a complete book.
“It was a pleasure to work with Rich Chizmar one-on-one after all these years,” Stephen King said. “I had a story I couldn’t finish, and he showed me the way home with style and panache. It was a good time, and I think readers will have a good time reading it. If they are left with questions, and maybe have a few arguments, all the better.”
Chizmar also described how the writers worked together to finish the book.
“Steve sent me the first chunk of a short story,” Chizmar explained. “I added quite a bit and sent it back to him. He did a pass, then bounced it back to me for another pass. Then, we did the same thing all over again — one more draft each. Next thing you know, we had a full-length novella on our hands. We took a free hand in rewriting each other and adding new ideas and characters.”
