It’s a common belief that art imitates life, especially in the case of writers. It’s no secret that Edgar Allan Poe’s alcoholism and the untimely death of his young bride played a large role in the creation of “The Black Cat” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” or that Mary Shelley’s terrible home life led to her dark Gothic masterpiece, FRANKENSTEIN. Now a current horror icon is having his life and work dissected.

On May 20, Dr. Seth C. Kadish will host A World of Fright: Alcoholism and the Work of Stephen King, a lecture analyzing the role of substance abuse in King’s life and its effect on his stories. It will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Against the Mainstream Society in Los Angeles (4300 Melrose Avenue), merely a day after King receives The Literary Award at the 15th Annual Los Angeles Public Library Awards Dinner for his vast contributions to horror fiction (go here for info on that event).

King’s battles with addiction are widely known—we’ve seen its influence in such works as THE SHINING and DESPERATION—and this seems a legitimate lens through which to view his work. Admission is $10, and all proceeds will go to Writers in Treatment, a program to help authors under the influence kick the habit. Coffee and tea will be served. Tickets can be ordered here.

 

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