EN
Legendary horror writer Stephen King has made statements about the future of his career. The 78-year-old author said he is working on two new novels but is considering taking a break afterward.
In an interview with *USA Today*, King said, “I’m trying to clear my desk as much as possible. At my age, nothing is guaranteed. You can’t take anything for granted.”
This year, many adaptations of King’s works have been presented to audiences. After the films *The Monkey*, *The Life of Chuck*, and *The Long Walk*, *The Running Man* will be released in November. The series *The Institute*, which premiered last July, will be followed by *It: Welcome to Derry*, set to meet audiences at the end of October. This year, King also published *Never Flinch*, featuring his famous detective character Holly Gibney.
**Stephen King Is Writing a New Book for Holly Gibney**
The author said he wants to write one more novel centered on the character Holly Gibney. “I love Holly very much,” King said. “I’m currently rereading *The Outsider* because I have an idea in mind for this last Holly book and need to refresh myself a bit.”
Readers were first introduced to Holly Gibney in the 2014 novel *Mr. Mercedes*. The character later appeared in *Finders Keepers* (2015), *End of Watch* (2016), *The Outsider* (2018), *If It Bleeds* (2020), *Holly* (2023), and finally in *Never Flinch* (2025).
On screen, the character was portrayed by Justine Lupe in the *Mr. Mercedes* (2017–2019) series and by Cynthia Erivo in the adaptation of *The Outsider* (2020).
**The Talisman Series, Started with Peter Straub, Will Continue**
King also said he is working on the third book in the series that began with *The Talisman* (1984) and continued with *Black House* (2001). The author explained that the world of this series is connected to *The Dark Tower* universe and that he plans to complete both series with the new book.
King added that his close friend and co-author Peter Straub, who passed away in 2022, had shared some ideas for the third book while he was still alive.
King said, “I always postponed this while Peter was alive. He had his own work. But we always said, ‘This time we’ll do it,’ and the time ran out. That really upset me.”
**“I Want to Take a Little Break”**
The author said he wants to take a break while his health is good. Stephen King, who has been producing work almost without pause since 1974, expressed his thoughts as follows:
“After 75–76 years old, nothing is guaranteed. You have to be a little careful. Anything can happen to anyone. I was hit by a car during my most productive time. I may have 10–15 more years, but you can’t rely on that.”
**Writing Habit and Source of Inspiration**
King’s productivity remains remarkable despite his advancing age. His son, Joe Hill, speaking about his new novel *King Sorrow*, said he is inspired by his father and wants to “be someone who publishes a book every year.”
Hill humorously described his father’s productivity: “My dad (sneezes) and then pulls out a handkerchief and says, ‘Wow, there’s a novel here.’”
King explained the secret of his success: “I try to entertain myself. I sit down to write before anyone is awake, around fifteen minutes to six in the morning. While my wife drinks her coffee in the other room, I spend three to four hours playing in my own imagination. It’s really a wonderful feeling.”
**“I Want to Surprise Without Repeating”**
Stephen King also emphasized that he is not preparing for retirement. “I’m an intense person,” the author said. “But I want to keep going without being foolish or repeating myself. I still feel there are a few areas left for me to explore, but I have to make sure I’m not boring. I still want to surprise people a little.”
