Key Takeaways
- Author Joe Hill discussed his creative process, emphasizing the role of a "hook" in developing story ideas.
- Hill shared insights into his approach to horror, noting its close ties with comedy for eliciting strong audience reactions.
- The adaptation journey of his works, including "Locke & Key" and "The Black Phone," was detailed, highlighting successes and challenges.
- Hill introduced his new 900-page novel, "King Sorrow," and its connection to his previous unpublished writings.
- Personal anecdotes about his family, influences, and early career struggles offered a look into his development as a writer.
Deep Dive
- Joe Hill, known for "Heart-Shaped Box" and "Locke & Key," was introduced as a significant horror author.
- Hill clarified his interpretation of 'body count' as fictional deaths, citing billions in his novel "The Fireman."
- He discussed his father, Stephen King, humorously considering other professions for King during interviews.
- Hill stated his writing ideas originate from a "hook" or a peculiar concept, recalling an early plastic-character short story.
- Hill described horror and comedy as 'kissing cousins,' both bypassing rational thought to evoke visceral reactions.
- He likened the creative process to an "arms race," continually surprising audiences exposed to vast media.
- Hill detailed his short story "The Cape," about a man misusing flight powers, which became an Eisner Award-nominated comic series.
- The success of a story, according to Hill, hinges on memorable, shocking moments like the comic's "dropping the bear" scene.
- Joe Hill's new novel, "King Sorrow," is his first in nearly 10 years, described as a 900-page "doorstop" novel.
- He emphasized immediate pacing to keep readers engaged in his sprawling narrative.
- Elements from his previously unpublished novels, "The Briars" and "The Surrealist Glass," including a glass artifact, contributed to "King Sorrow."
- Hill noted that no creative work is truly wasted, as previous attempts can feed into later projects.
- Joe Hill cited Fangoria magazine as a significant early influence that shaped his perception of horror and genre.
- He categorizes his novels: odd-numbered books are straight horror, while even-numbered books explore adjacent genres.
- Examples include "Horns," a horror satire/romance, and an apocalyptic science fiction novel.
- Hill expressed an affinity for classic horror films and television shows such as "The X-Files."
- Hill discussed an upcoming ghost story set during the Revolutionary War in 1776, requiring serious historical research.
- His new book, "King Sorrow," is slated for an October 2026 release, aligning with the U.S. 250th anniversary.
- He revealed hesitation towards video game development due to time commitment and project uncertainty, citing awareness of his own mortality.
- Hill praised comic book writer Ed Brubaker for his talent and upcoming TV show.
- Joe Hill stated that all adaptations of his work, including "Black Phone," have been well-executed.
- Sequels for "Black Phone" are scheduled for October, with Hill involved in the scriptwriting process from the original short story.
- He wrote the original "The Black Phone" 23 years prior for $35, initially failing to complete it as a novel due to rejections.
- Directors Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill adapted the story, integrating elements from Derrickson's Denver childhood and Cargill's thriller expertise.
- Joe Hill's new novel, "King Sorrow," is set in Maine, a familiar New England locale.
- Anchoring fantastical stories in concrete settings like Maine helps readers suspend disbelief for extraordinary elements such as dragons.
- Hill shared personal details, including having five sons and his father's New Yorker profile noting their family's lack of athleticism.
- He recounted his and his father's humorous, visceral reaction to Lou Bega's "Mambo No. 5."
- Hill described a physical reaction to "Mambo No. 5," resulting in scars from leaping through a window to escape the song.
- He mentioned diverse comic inspirations like Chris Farley, Bill Cosby, Rodney Dangerfield, and Woody Allen.
- His father, Stephen King, reportedly used "The Cosby Show" to learn parenting, having been raised by a single mother.
- Hill recounted an early 1980s experience with AC/DC visiting his father's home to discuss a soundtrack for "Maximum Overdrive."