Link: Review Of Wind Through The Keyhole

The Star online has a great review of Wind Through The Keyhole.  Terence Toh boldly proclaims, "Stephen King can write anything!"

Whether it is apocalyptic thrillers (The Stand), human drama (Dolores Clairborne, Rita Hayworth And The Shawshank Redemption), or just outright horror (It, Thinner, Christine, etc), his stories never fail to enchant, holding the reader’s attention from their first pages until their conclusion.

And what genre does Toh put WTTK in?  Fairy tale.  Calling the novel  a "midquel" (I've never heard that term),  Toh says the book is "dark" and "unforgettable."  He thinks the book both adheres to and plays with "fairytale conventions."

I liked the review because it brought in elements I had  not considered.  Midquel.  Fairytale.  King can write anything.

The review is HERE.

Quigley Review Of Audio WTTKH

Hey,  I loved Kevin Quigley's review of the audio edition of The Wind Through The Keyhole at fearnet (HERE)   It is titled, “Listening to the Wind: Stephen King, the Dark Tower, and 'The Wind Through the Keyhole' on Audio.”

Quigley offers a teriffic “history” of the Gunslinger as a book – an audio book in particular.  He also reviews King as a reader,  and in particular his reading of the Dark Tower novels.   I really enjoyed this portion.  Those of you complaining that King should have given the floor to professionals who have previously recorded the Dark Tower audio books, would do well to note that Stephen King is the first true audio reader of The Dark Tower.

Quigley gives us one big helpful tip: There is a preview, only available on the audio edition of WTTKH, of Doctor Sleep.  SWEET! Quigley writes, “While there's no word on whether King will read the entire novel on audio, his take here is spooky and unsettling. If this excerpt is any judge, Doctor Sleep is going to be one scary book.”

The full article is here at fearnet.com.

Amazon: Wind Through The Keyhole Already #17

Publishers Weekly has a very interesting article today titled, "Tracking Amazon: 'Casual Vacancy' Cracks Top 10."  (HERE)

Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling's upcoming novel.  So what?  Well,  it's not  going to be released until September 27, but it's already in the top 10 of orders.  In fact, the top 20 has eight books that have  not yet been published! Pre-orders are starting to dominate the market

#17 on the list is Wind Through The Keyhole.  While many of us already have Wind Through The Keyhole in hand, that's because we bought the Grant edition -- the listed Scribner edition that's rising on the bestseller list isn't even out yet!

Also  interesting is this note,

"Perhaps because of the small price discrepancy (the hardcover is only $1 more than the e-book), the print sales have far surpassed the e-book, as the e-book is ranked #84 on the Kindle bestseller list."

Quint's review of Wind Through The Keyhole

Quint, over at Ain't It Cool, has a very nice review of Wind Through The Keyhole.  He builds up the review nicely, giving us background that explains his love for the Dark Tower series.

The full review is HERE.

The Man In Black figures into the story, about a small child whose father is killed and he’s put on the path through a deep dark forest in order to save his mother. There are dragons, enchantments, mutants, magic and all types of Mid-World iconography sprinkled throughout. 

The Wind Through The Keyhole feels a lot like The Eyes of the Dragon, King’s pure fantasy book with a lot of tangential Dark Tower connections, and it’s a great note to strike. King is really good at fantasy and doesn’t play in this universe a lot. While I would have loved to have a book that enlightened me a bit more about Roland as a character or given us another adventure with the ka-tet at their peak, I gotta say I was quite happy with this book.

He also offers this insight:

There’s an ease here that I haven’t felt from King since The Wolves of the Calla. I’ve liked many of his novels since, including his more recent 11/22/63, but this one just feels like he’s in his element, even more so than the last two Dark Tower books, which had some amazing things in them, but also felt a bit cluttered and jumbled.

Photo: King Narrates Wind Through The Keyhole

THIS IS COOL!

This is from my favorite Stephen King website, Lilja's Library.  (With permission)

"Here's a photo of King in the studio narrating Wind Through the Keyhole."
-- Lilja's Library

Quigley Review of Wind Through The Keyhole

I always enjoy Kevin Quigley's reviews of King's work -- and his most recent does not disappoint.  Quigley's review of Wind Through the Keyhole is posted at fearnet.

Of course, this story fits between Wizard and Glass and Wolves of the Calla.  Quigley calls this a "midquil."  It seems that with Wolves King struck new energy, while things were feeling a bit (forgive me) slow with Wizard.I was surprised to learn that Wind Through the Keyhole is told in the first person.  As Quigley points out, King has been doing a lot of first person lately.   

In Wind Through The Keyhole, we learn that there is an entire book of great adventures called, "The Great Elden Book."  Quigley quotes King: "a fine and terrible compendium that may someday merit publication of its own, as those stories cast light on Mid-World as it once was."

Quigley describes how some readers have developed what he calls "Tower Fatigue" as King includes more and more tower references into his later work.  He argues that the time away from the tower and in particular the main characters has been good for King.

I really liked how Quigley made the case for Keyhole being necessary.  Not just fun or a side trip -- but necessary!  He writes, "Whether readers loved or loathed the ending of the Dark Tower, a book like The Wind Through the Keyhole offers intriguing possibilities."

Check out the review, it's HERE.

Early Review Of: The Wind Through The Keyhole

The Honk Mafah has already posted a review of The Wind Through The Keyhole. 

Already! Meaning: It has arrived at his house, he read the the whole thing already, and snapped out a nice long review. Seriously!

Don't rush out to your local book store (as if there were still book stores to rush out to), because he didn't read the trade edition. Of course, what this means is that Mr. Honk Mafah has been up reading his signed artist edition! What is he thinking? Those things aren't made to be read, they are made for the shelf.

Did he like it? Of course he did! Come on, it's a Stephen King Dark Tower book!

Bryant offers these assurances:

• The Wind Through the Keyhole not only does absolutely NOTHING to tarnish the legacy of a great series of novels, it actually strengthens it. 
• it feels 100% as though this story fits -- tonally, stylistically, and plotwise -- with the rest of the series. 
• Any prospective Book IV-and-a-half can't do much in the way of altering the series' storyline. . . 
• The Wind Through the Keyhole also serves to provide an even better transition from the Roland of the first three novels to the slightly more touchy-feely Roland of the final three novels. 
• on its own (WTTK) stands as what I might consider to be King's strongest-ever tale of pure fantasy. 
• (I really like this) -- this is the most satisfying of the tales, for the simple reason that it returns our ka-tet to the state in which many Tower fans enjoyed them the most: all together, on the road, with a far-flung destination in mind and no idea of how long it might take to get there. It's nice to have Jake and Eddie and Oy alive again; it's nice for Susannah to get flustered and for Detta Walker to pop out of her and start cussin' up a storm. 

Okay, I'll stop giving sound bites! (There is a nice Star Wars picture in his review.) I enjoyed the review. And, for those of you who hesitate -- there really are no spoilers! Trust me, okay.

The review is HERE.
Well done, Bryant!

King Will Narrate WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

Bryant Burnette shared with me that Stephen King will be reading the new Dark Tower novel, Wind Through The Keyhole.

Lilja's Library posted several quotes from King's site (which are not currently appearing on stephenking.com).  This is directly formhttp://www.liljas-library.com:

“I’ve spent a lot of time with the character of Roland Deschain and the Dark Tower universe over
the years. Now that I am revisiting that world, it felt like a fine time to lend it my voice,” said King. 

The Wind Through the Keyhole audiobook will also offer an exclusive audio preview of King’s upcoming novel, Doctor Sleep, the eagerly-awaited sequel to his classic, The Shinin, to be published in 2013. Stephen King will also read the excerpt from Doctor Sleep. 

“We’re thrilled that Steve wanted to return to the studio for THE WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE. As his audio fans know, he is a terrific narrator,” says Chris Lynch, Executive Vice President & Publisher of Simon & Schuster Audio. “His choice to preview his follow up to THE SHINING exclusively on audio speaks volumes about his support for the format. We couldn’t be happier.”

I really enjoyed the earlier Dark Tower novels King read.  He gave his voice to The Gunslinger, which was the first audio book he did.  It was great, if not a bit awkward at first.  King quickly found a rhythm.  The Drawing of the Three (a favorite of mine) was wonderful.  I think King's best reading is of Needful Things.

In the audio edition of The Gunslinger, King offers a short introduction and explains why he thinks it is beneficial for an author to read their own work.

Interview With Matt Jacobs of SK Fancast

Glad to present an interview with the man behind the Stephen King Fancast. If you haven't listened to the most recent Fancast, I encourage you to -- as well as his movie reviews.  My favorite section actually is the movies! 

The interview is below, but first the links. . .

• The Stephen King Fancast
• The Stephen King Movie Club
• On FACEBOOK
• The Movie Club on YOUTUBE

Matt is like Sponge Bob. . . he's everywhere!

Okay, now the interview! 

Talk Stephen King: Hi! I know you are very serious about the world of Stephen King. Tell me about yourself.

Matt Jacobs: I started as a fan of Stephen King because of his Movies. My wife has always been a big fan of King's novels and I started "reading" them at her recommendation. By reading I clearly mean listening to.

Seeing as how I am a huge proponent of the podcast scene, I started a podcast based on King fandom, unknowing that the Kingcast already existed. So I guess I owe Bob an apology for treading all over his territory.

Non-King stuff about me. I am married to my high-school sweetheart. We have been together for almost half of my life and I love her more than anything else. I also love heavy metal music, pop divas, dubstep, Twitter, my beard, anything to do with Nerdist and British TV. My iPhone too. I have no children and have no intent on having any, a choice that my mom and grandma remind me is a bad idea on a daily basis. LOL!

TSK: Is your family enthusiastic about this obsession?

Matt Jacobs: Only my wife. She is wonderfully supportive! I know she will read this even though she doesn't have to. Love you sugarfoot! #Petnames My family barely knows the internet exists. They think it's that wonderful thing that streams them movies and holds their Facebook pages and that's it.

TSK: Do you own a dog named Cujo? A child named Carrie? A pet buried in the Pet Sematary? How messed up over this King stuff are you?

Matt Jacobs: My wife wouldn't allow me to name the dog Cujo or Pennywise, although I tried both.

TSK: Well, I guess if it's between a dog named Cujo and a wife, I would choose the same. 

Matt Jacobs: I guess my obsession goes to the extent of my blog, podcasts and the fact that I own 5 or 6 King related t-shirts. If you were to math out the amount of time I spend writing, recording and editing audio or video, it's nearly a full-time job. Now if I could convince my readers, listeners and viewers to pay me to do it, I would be a happy camper. Then again, I doubt that I have the audience that Bob has podcast wise, and you and Honk have me beat on readers and hits, I'm sure. My site is growing though, so I am hopeful.

TSK: I enjoy Stephen King Fancast. It is a unique site in the mix of many Stephen King websites. What makes the Fancast different?

Matt Jacobs: I think my site stands out because, in my opinion, its very media heavy. Whether you want to read about King, hear about King, or watch videos having to do with King, you can get any of that.

I know that you, Honk and Lilja have been at this for a while, so if I am going to try to leave my mark, I will have to make sure that virtually any King fan can find something they are interested in.

I am also trying to appeal to the nerd crowd. It's my opinion that King fans are already pretty nerdy, so it's not much of a jump to get nerds into King, or I would like to think.

TSK: What is your favorite Fancast episode?

Matt Jacobs: My favorite episode... wow. I had a BLAST with Stephen Lindsay, Jeff Lane, Bob and Bryant! Bryant stands out the most, but it's also the most recent. I am huge fan of everything all of them do, as well.

I think my episode with Luanne was my favorite though. I have been friends with her since we attended community college together 10 years ago. We lost track of each other for a few years, due to our own university agendas and various other things. That episode of the fancast was a great friendship being re-kindled after years of dormancy. All those nostalgic nights of RPG's (the super nerdy old school kind that require books!) and endless hours in the smoking section at the school comparing notes on Psych classes. I know that we both looked back on those times with great fondness. Now we have an excuse to do that again, just with King instead of psych or RPG's. That's pretty biased, but I also believe those dudes would understand. Still waiting for you to get Skype and join me on an episode... #UnderPressure Then again, I made your blog's FB page, so I should know how resistant you are to tech. Which is a little hilarious, considering you're a blogger. LOL!

TSK: I know you have big plans for the website. . . tell us more.

Matt Jacobs: Well, I wanted my Constant Listeners (which is what I call my podcast listeners), blog readers and Movie Club viewers to be able to guide the hand of what is to come with my website and fund it if they are interested.

What they don't know, is that I have every intention on re-building and re-branding the website and creating a mobile app whether I get funded or not.

I am really excited about the mobile app, mainly because then people can read blog posts, listen to the Fancast or watch the movie club from their smartphones, for only 99 cents. I am going to charge a tiny amount for the app simply to cover the cost of the app and future time invested for updates and such that I will have to make.

TSK: Okay, now the gloves come off. Star Wars or Star Trek?
Matt Jacobs: Star Trek, if I must pick one.
TSK: Is that a typo?  I'm sending a star destroyer your way, and there is nothing captain Kirk can do about it.
Matt Jacobs: But I would give up both of those for Doctor Who, Torchwood and Sherlock.


TSK: More seriously – like, on the level of things that actually matter in life. . . what is your favorite Stephen King book?
Matt Jacobs: Either Cell or Black House. I really like Black House because I tend to identify with the character of Beezer St. Pierre.

TSK: What is your reaction to King adding stories to an already complete series with Wind Through The Keyhole?
Matt Jacobs: All things serve the beam... including King.

TSK: Oh, and while on the topic. . . what did you think of the revision of Gunslinger?
Matt Jacobs: I never got into the series until the newer version of Gunslinger was released. I haven't gotten around to reading the old version yet.
TSK: Wasn’t the end of the Dark Tower a lot like the reboot of Star Trek? Just restart the timeline. . .
Matt Jacobs: Sure. I always thought it would be cool if the DT movies were made from the perspective of being that reboot. DT 2.0, if you will.
TSK: That would be cool!  And keep people from saying "it wasn't like the book."

TSK: This is important: Do you think we’ve seen the last of Richard Bachman, or are there more trunks full of forgotten manuscripts out there? We all know you know, so tell us, okay.
Matt Jacobs: We haven't seen the end of Bachman...

TSK: Do you have other favorite writers? . . . Are you secretly a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan?
Matt Jacobs: LOL! The only Wilder I enjoy is Gene.
TSK: What do you think of Joe Hill’s work?
Matt Jacobs: I am a big fan of Joe Hill. I also am a big fan of Jeff Lane, Stephen Lindsay, Aldous Huxley, the Classic Greeks, Doyle, and Rowling.

TSK: WOW! I loved your review of the Langoliers! Laughing very hard. Only, you punished us by showing us the ending sequence twice. I’ve got to be honest, I don’t know that I ever made it all the way to the end of that movie. I’m glad you’re not afraid to tell the truth about some of these movies, because the Stephen King universe has certainly produced its fair share of stinkers! Any other movies stand out as just absolutely bad in the Stephen King movie bucket?
Matt Jacobs: Where to start... First off, my favorite King movie, is "Storm of the Century," so I really like your logo.
TSK: I put it there just for you, Matt.
Matt Jacobs: Sleepwalkers and Lawnmower Man stand out as being horrible. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy watching them however.

TSK: You mentioned in the review that it reminds you to the Twilight Zone episode, The Odssey of Flight 33. Are you a Twilight Zone fan? Any outstanding episodes come to mind?
Matt Jacobs: Yes! I love the Twilight Zone! I grew up watching those holiday marathons that they have.
TSK: Me too!  It wouldn't be the fourth of July without the Twilight Zone. The founding fathers were watching a TZ marathon while they waited for John Hancock to sign his name.
Matt Jacobs: I still watch them to be honest. I also have a 10 disc boxset. "Time Enough at Last" is my absolute favorite. "Real Steele" is good as well, I'm not sure if the upcoming Hugh Jackman movie is a take off of that or not, but I intend to find out.

TSK: What did you think of the recent Bag Of Bones?
Matt Jacobs: It was pretty bad... They completely lost the feel of the story, to me. That feeling was desperation. A man at the end of his rope to the point where he was ready to accept his own madness rather than fight against his fears. I didn't get that from the mini-series at all.

But I'll buy it when it comes out... Sometimes I feel like I know how Star Wars nerds feel. George Lucas has their undying love and affection, so he can put out a real piece of garbage and all they do is complain and buy it anyway. Not that different... LOL!

King's books are awesome, mostly, but the movies are rarely good or live up to my expectation.

TSK: You noted recently that your favorite method of book consumption is audio. YES! So, for those who say that isn’t really reading (I’m not saying who would say such a thing, but their initials are Bryant Burnette), do you have any response?
Matt Jacobs: HAHAHAHA! Oh snap! He got you honk... I would say to them, let's sit down over Skype and see who has a better grasp on the story. "Reading" or not, understanding is what you should take away from a story, not the fact that your eyes were able to gobble up more words than anyone else's. That is not aimed at anyone, but I have had my fair share of naysayers on the topic... yet none of them have joined me for a Skype session either. #WINNING Did I really just use that hashtag... so over. Sorry to anyone that feels awkward after seeing me use such an outdated hashtag.
TSK: I think reading the books is dangerous. . . you might smudge that nice first edition.
Matt Jacobs: In my house there is always the fear that my wife will spill something on it. She's kind of clutsy. Sorry Lovebutt! #MorePetnames
TSK: HAHAHA!  My wife READ my first edition Dark Tower 7 and smudged it.  She said she had to, as she had to finish the series and could not wait for a paperback.  I complained, and she bought me an atist edition. 

TSK: The web is a tangled place for Stephen King fans. There are some really great websites. What are some of your favorite haunts?
Matt Jacobs: TSK, Kingcast, Honk, Club Stephen King (a must if you have Twitter), Tower Junky and this new one I found called Discordia19... It's pretty good. He also runs a podcast, but not King dedicated.

TSK: I liked your interview with the Honk Mafah. He always shoots straight! I’m just so happy you both love bacon so much – But seriously, how can you talk to someone who won the contest at Lilja’s? And he knows more about the Stephen King Universe than I do. That makes me mad.
Matt Jacobs: Honk is my guy! He's a big fan of my beard... check the iTunes reviews of Stephen King Movie Club if you don't believe me. LOL! He is more dedicated to the King universe than anyone I know. It kinda makes me feel guilty...
TSK: And by the way, I'm one of "THOSE PEOPLE" you and Bryant refer to -- who like the books more than the movies. So what are you and Bryant going to do about it. . . HUH?
Matt Jacobs: Not a damn thing good sir. :) I refer to "THOSE PEOPLE" in a lot of different ways on my blog. I'm sure I have encompassed every person by now... including myself. HAHAHA!

TSK: Do you collect the books? If so, any treasured pieces?
Matt Jacobs: My wife and I have a pretty big collection. We are pretty proud of a first edition of "The Shining" that we have. I have a couple of variant cover DT comics that I show off now and again.

TSK: Thanks for taking time to do this. We are all expecting great things from the fancast as you take over the internet one byte at a time.
Matt Jacobs: That is my plan exactly. Look out Lilja! There's a n00b in the building! (I was shooting for funny there...) Thanx so much for having me! It was a real pleasure to be interviewed by someone as prolific as you! :)

Wind Through The Keyhole excerpt

Simon and Schuster has released a new excerpt of Wind Through The Keyhole HERE.

Most interesting to me was the forward.  King explains that the new book "should be shelved between Wizard and Glass and Wolves of the Calla . . . which makes it, I suppose, Dark Tower 4.5."

King also shares his delight at re-encountering his old friends, and finding they had "a little more to say."  He says, "It was a great gift to find them again, years after I thought their stories were told."

Stephen King Experiencing A "Creative Renaissance"

Curt Holman at Atlanta's Creative Loafing site has posted his most anticipated books of 2012.  #4 on his list is Wind Through The Keyhole.

The Wind Through the Keyhole (Scribner, April 24) The same month that Stephen King co-authors a world premiere musical at the Alliance Theatre, he publishes a new volume in his mammoth, genre-busting series of books, The Dark Tower. An untold story of Roland, the series protagonist, this 320-page book (slim by King standards) finds the last gunslinger befriending a young boy while attempting to stop a shape-shifting fiend. Following the acclaimed Under the Dome and 11/22/63, King has been enjoying a creative renaissance lately, so it'll be interesting to see where Wind fits in.

So have things picked up for King since Under The Dome?  I think the comment has merit.  While King is very passionate about Lisey's Story -- I must admit frustrating trying to read it.  Duma Key was fantastic, but UTD picked things up to a new level for King.  11.22.63 is powerful.  There has also been Blockade Billy, and the very scary Full Dark, No Stars.

Lilja's Library: Grant Takes Orders For WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

This is from my favorite website, Lilja's Library -- which is by far the best Stephen King website out there! 

Here is what we have been waiting for. The Donald M Grant cover for The Wind Through The Keyhole.

Grant is also starting to take orders for this one today so head over to their site for more info if you’re interested in getting a copy.

Wind Through The Keyhole Short Summery

This is from Liljas Library

Here is a short description of The Wind Through the Keyhole


For readers new to The Dark Tower, THE WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE is a stand-alone novel, and a wonderful introduction to the series. It is a story within a story, which features both the younger and older gunslinger Roland on his quest to find the Dark Tower. Fans of the existing seven books in the series will also delight in discovering what happened to Roland and his ka tet between the time they leave the Emerald City and arrive at the outskirts of Calla Bryn Sturgis.

This Russian Doll of a novel, a story within a story, within a story, visits Mid-World's last gunslinger, Roland Deschain, and his ka-tet as a ferocious storm halts their progress along the Path of the Beam. (The novel can be placed between Dark Tower IV and Dark Tower V.) Roland tells a tale from his early days as a gunslinger, in the guilt ridden year following his mother's death. Sent by his father to investigate evidence of a murderous shape shifter, a "skin man," Roland takes charge of Bill Streeter, a brave but terrified boy who is the sole surviving witness to the beast's most recent slaughter. Roland, himself only a teenager, calms the boy by reciting a story from the Book of Eld that his mother used to read to him at bedtime, "The Wind through the Keyhole." "A person's never too old for stories," he says to Bill. "Man and boy, girl and woman, we live for them." And stories like these, they live for us.

Jae Lee to illustrate Wind Through The Keyhole

Donald M. Grant has put out an email announcing that Jae Lee has signed on to illustrate The Wind Through the Keyhole.

Lilja's Library cites the moderator at the S.K. message board:
Jae Lee has signed on to illustrate Stephen's next Dark Tower book, The Wind Through the Keyhole, which will be published as a limited edition by Donald M. Grant Publisher. Orders are not yet being taken and a final release date has not been established. For more details about this upcoming limited edition, please visit Donald M. Grant Publisher.


Check out more of Jae Lee's work here:

http://theartofjaelee.com/index.php

Spring 2012 The Wind Through The Keyhole

Here is the announcement from King's Dark Tower publisher, Donald M. Grant:

THE DARK TOWER: THE WIND THROUGH THE KEYHOLE by

STEPHEN KING


We are not taking orders at this time, do not have prices and have not set a release date. Please do not call or email us asking for more information than is posted here. Updates will be announced in future issues of our newsletter and also posted here. We also advise you to sign up for Stephen King's newsletter at stephenking.com.

Donald M. Grant, Publisher, Inc. will, in the Spring of 2012 be publishing limited editions of this new Dark Tower novel by Stephen King which will be illustrated by Jae Lee.


Stephen King has agreed to sign 800 copies of a Deluxe Edition which will be issued in a tray case. These will also be signed by Jae Lee. In keeping with our policies of supporting long time customers, owners of Deluxe Edition copies of THE LITTLE SISTERS OF ELURIA numbered 1-800 will have the first option to buy this Deluxe Edition.


In addition there will be a limited “Artist” Edition which will be signed by Jae Lee and will be issued in a slipcase.

https://secure.grantbooks.com/z-sk-dt-twttk.html

Wind Through The Keyhole Set For 2012

image: http://needleful.com/search?tag=keyhole

.

Are you ready to return to midworld? Here is a letter from Stephen King to the Constant Reader.

.
Dear Constant Readers,
.
At some point, while worrying over the copyedited manuscript of the next book (11/22/63, out November 8th), I started thinking—and dreaming—about Mid-World again. The major story of Roland and his ka-tet was told, but I realized there was at least one hole in the narrative progression: what happened to Roland, Jake, Eddie, Susannah, and Oy between the time they leave the Emerald City (the end of Wizard and Glass) and the time we pick them up again, on the outskirts of Calla Bryn Sturgis (the beginning of Wolves of the Calla)?
.
There was a storm, I decided. One of sudden and vicious intensity. The kind to which billy-bumblers like Oy are particularly susceptible. Little by little, a story began to take shape. I saw a line of riders, one of them Roland’s old mate, Jamie DeCurry, emerging from clouds of alkali dust thrown by a high wind. I saw a severed head on a fencepost. I saw a swamp full of dangers and terrors. I saw just enough to want to see the rest. Long story short, I went back to visit an-tet with my friends for awhile. The result is a novel called The Wind Through the Keyhole. It’s finished, and I expect it will be published next year.
.
It won’t tell you much that’s new about Roland and his friends, but there’s a lot none of us knew about Mid-World, both past and present. The novel is shorter than DT 2-7, but quite a bit longer than the first volume—call this one DT-4.5. It’s not going to change anybody’s life, but God, I had fun.
.

-- Steve King

.

http://www.stephenking.com/promo/wind_through_the_keyhole/announcement/

Dark Tower Movie Again

picture: http://www.stephenking.com/promo/dark_tower_film_and_tv/news_tracker/

.

"...It might be the challenge of a lifetime but clearly a thrilling one to take on and explore.”

- Ron Howard

.

Stephenking.com has put out a press release today to announce plans for the Dark Tower movie are on again. Unfortunately, my nomination for director/producer/writer for the movie has been overlooked. http://talkstephenking.blogspot.com/2010/05/just-thought.html

.

This movie has had more lives and deaths than Ross Perot's political career. Actually, there is something exciting in the many starts and stops in this project; it indicates Hollywood is aware of their tendency to seriously mess up King's work! I appreciate the willingness to slow down and get it right. I also appreciate the apparent screen time this project is going to get; which is massive!

.

Today's press release revealed that "Universal Pictures and NBC Universal Television Entertainment have acquired the rights to produce three films and a television series based on the seven epic novels, short stories and comic books from Stephen King’s The Dark Tower."

.

Ron Howard gets the directors chair for the first film. This is going to be a tough one; especially if it is based on The Gunslinger. (I'm already anxious for Drawing of the Three).

.

KING

King said, "“I’ve been waiting for the right team to bring the characters and stories in these books to film and TV viewers around the world. Ron, Akiva, Brian along with Universal and NBC have a deep interest and passion for the The Dark Tower series and I know that will translate into an intriguing series of films and TV shows that respect the origins and the characters in The Dark Tower that fans have come to love.”
.

Howard echoed this sentiment, “We are excited to have found partners at Universal who understand and embrace our approach to King’s remarkable epic,” said Howard. “By using both the scope and scale of theatrical filmmaking and the intimacy of television we hope to more comprehensively do justice to the characters, themes and amazing sequences King has given us in The Dark Tower novels. It might be the challenge of a lifetime but clearly a thrilling one to take on and explore.”

.
THE PLAN:

The first film will be immediately followed by a television series that will bridge to the second film. After the second film, there will again be a television series. It looks like this series will focus on Roland's young years. (Sounds like the comics and Wizard and Glass to me). After the second series, there will be a third movie and "beyond."

.
Akiva Goldman said, "The worlds of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series are richly detailed, inter-locking and deeply connected. By telling this story across media platforms and over multiple hours—and with a view to telling it completely—we have our best chance of translating Roland’s quest to reach The Dark Tower onto screen. We are proceeding with tremendous excitement, fidelity to the source material and, quite frankly, no small amount of awe at this opportunity.”

.

QUESTIONS:

Actually, just one question. What about Wind Through The Keyhole? Is it figured into the timeline? Is it a novella, or a full length novel?

.

LINKS

• the press release is here: http://www.stephenking.com/promo/dark_tower_film_and_tv/news_tracker/dark_tower_pr1.pdf
• See Liljas Libary: http://www.liljas-library.com/section.php?id=45
• Check out TVguide.com here: http://www.tvguide.com/News/Dark-Tower-Series-1022747.aspx
• Follow my posts on The Dark Tower Movie!http://talkstephenking.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Dark%20Tower%20Movie

Dark Tower or Shining Sequel

I spotted this thanks to Lilja's Library: http://www.liljas-library.com/
.
The moderator at stpehenking.com posted, "Steve has asked for your input as to what book he should write next. To cast your vote for either a new Dark Tower book or a sequel to The Shining"
.
and then this posting from King:
"Hey, you guys--I saw a lot of you Constant Readers while I was touring for Under the Dome, and I must say you're looking good. Thanks for turning out in such numbers, and thanks for all the nice things you've said about Under the Dome. There'll be another book next year. It's a good one, I think, but that's not why I'm writing. I mentioned two potential projects while I was on the road, one a new Mid-World book (not directly about Roland Deschain, but yes, he and his friend Cuthbert are in it, hunting a skin-man, which are what werewolves are called in that lost kingdom) and a sequel to The Shining called Doctor Sleep. Are you interested in reading either of these? If so, which one turns your dials more? Ms. Mod will be counting your votes (and of course it all means nothing if the muse doesn't speak). Meanwhile, thanks again for 2009."
.
Are we interested in reading either of these. . . ?!
.
That's new! But the decision is simple enough -- write both. And don't ask constant readers tough questions like that, it makes our brians hurt. Since the publication of Under The Dome, King seems much more "connected" or interested in readers opinions. A little scary, if you ask me, since he never seemed to care what the reader thought in the past.
.
The description for both books sounds pretty evolved; I think he'll end up writing both.

Ridiculous

File this under ridiculous waste of time. Want to come on thejourney?

When you think about it, Wind Through The Keyhole really isn't that far off.

Stephen King said in his book On Writing, "I believe the first draft of a book — even a long one — should take no more than three months…Any longer and — for me, at least — the story begins to take on an odd foreign feel, like a dispatch from the Romanian Department of Public Affairs, or something broadcast on high-band shortwave duiring a period of severe sunspot activity."

So. . . some creative math:

• King said he would start work in about 8 months. (Well, actually he said he wouldn't start any sooner than in 8 months.) We'll start with today and add 8 months. July 23, 2010.
• He writes first drats in three months or less. October 23, 2010.
• Give another month for a rewrite. November 23, 2010. Yes, it's now been 1 year.
• Give another 2 months for editing junk. January 23, 2011.
• Then, someone has to print all that paper. Give it a month. February 23, 2011.

I GIVE UP! This could be a very long wait. Plan b: I'm still waiting for Roland to hypnotize him and tell him to get on with it.

Aren't you glad you came on that trip? There's two minutes of your life that you just can't have back again. You're welcome.

The Call Of The Dark Tower

King says he hasn't started writing the new Dark Tower book just yet. At least eight months until he starts writing. Or, so he plans.

.

But we all know, this isn't about King's will or his plans. He must write when he hears "the song of the Trurtle, the cry of the Bear."

.

The Song Of The Trutle

.

The ending of The last Dark Tower book should have clued everyone in on this.

.

According to The Dark Tower VII, the man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed. Suggesting that all else must also follow once again. Including. . . Kng's own role in the Dark Tower. He must return -- must write again. He will again be visited by the Gunslinger. He will again be put under trance. And again, he will hear the song o the Turtle, the cry of the Bear.

.

Resisting the call of the Dark Tower is nothing new for King. He has said that more than once he sensed that he needed to get busy writing the books. And then, he declared himelf all done.

.
This isn't for fun, it's a mission
.
Why does King resist the Tower? Because writing this stuff is not always described as an enjoyable experience. No wonder he wanted the series to end. In fact, as he neared completion of the Dark Tower, he let everyone know what page he was on. Like a runner nearing a the end of a long race. He even said he planned to retire when done with the Dark Tower -- that's how tired he was. Naturally he wouldn't run back to it on his own will.
.

Irresistible

.

But does the author have any power over Ka? I think not.

.

Bev Vincent said in The Road To The Dark Tower "When King decides to avoid the Song of the Turtle in 1999 the Ka of the rational world has had enough of hi frittering and conspires to kill him. Roland and Jake must counter Ka's will and save his life." (p.271)

.

Indeed, Ka is a wheel. The danger was when we discovered that our favortie author was part of that wheel.

.

Be sure of this:

.

1. The man in blak has already fled across the desert one again.

.

2. The gunslinger did indeed follow.

.

3. He has already met Jake for the first time (again). Did he betray him this time? Probably.

.

4. The Gunslinger will once again hunt King down.

.

5. When he hears the Song of the Turtle, the call of the bear, King must write. Eight months or eight days from now -- it matters not. And he doesn't get to choose. When the call comes, he must drop all and begin work.

.

.

photo: http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs23/f/2007/318/4/2/The_Dark_Tower_by_madmike58.jpg

.