I Couldn't Throw It Out podcast - King/Straub interview

BevVincent

Scary! Stephen King and Peter Straub's lost interview

(featuring a photograph taken by our very own Jordan Hahn)

The writers discuss their friendship and trade bloody tales during a never-shared 1984 interview about their hit book The Talisman. Plus, horror expert Bev Vincent on the chances of a new Talisman sequel or TV series.

When I interviewed Stephen King and Peter Straub in 1984 about their fantasy novel The Talisman, their book was breaking records for hardcover sales. But the fame of their collaboration has faded over the years.
Most people recognize King's famous titles -- Carrie, The Shining, The Dead Zone, It, Pet Sematary. And they may be familiar with Straub's 1979 bestseller Ghost Story.  But far fewer know about The Talisman. 

That's why Sally and I asked renowned horror and fantasy expert Bev Vincent to help us evaluate the never-shared audio tape and notes I've saved for 40 years since I met King and Straub, helping us decide what I should save or toss.

Along the way, we learned about King and Straub's shared interest in classic poetry and remembered the fun time I had with them, as they told bloody stories over breakfast at McDonald's.  Bev confirmed for us what seemed evident in 1984: King and Straub had a strong bond of friendship that they retained until Straub's death in 2022 (from complications after an accident).

Bev also discussed the possibility of a TV series based on the Talisman by the Duffer Brothers ("Stranger Things"), and he shared King's latest thoughts about following the 2001 Talisman sequel Black House with a third book in the series.

As for my decision about whether or not to throw out out the notes and audio tape from my King and Straub interview, well...

I can tell you that I made a giant step long ago, and gave away my first-edition hardcover of The Talisman.  Of course, I couldn't think of going through that again.  So when I re-read it last month, I got it out of the library. 

Which leaves the next decision up to you:  Will you read the 600-plus pages of The Talisman? If you enjoy the journey, write to us and let us know. 

Hedda Gabler

I am a bit horrified that people didn’t like The Talisman !  Unlike you bev, it is in my top 10. 

Grant87

Hedda Gabler said:

I am a bit horrified that people didn’t like The Talisman !  Unlike you bev, it is in my top 10. 

I'm not a Talisman fan. A lot of King fans rate it very highly, though. Definitely a "your mileage may vary" type of book.

GNTLGNT

....I get that, but I'm with Deej here....the fantasy element is what captivated me....

Hedda Gabler

Books come in and out of ours lives while shit is going down. So many factors to consider when deciding whether or not a story resonates. And I don’t think people give external factors enough credit.  Their environment while reading,  their personal situation (sick? Healthy? Vacation? Linch break at a crap job? Too hot? Too cold? Constantly being interrupted?) 

The Talisman was the right book at the right time in the right place for me — the stars aligned and I will always love it. 

not_nadine

Wolf!

Hedda Gabler

He kept his herd …. Safe. ❤️

GNTLGNT

Linch break  

....I should "pin" this post....

Kurben

Hedda Gabler said:

I am a bit horrified that people didn’t like The Talisman !  Unlike you bev, it is in my top 10. 

I do like the Talisman but, for me, King has written so many great novels that it wont take a place in top 10 but certainly a few places below.