One person I feel is truly successful would be Stephen King. King, who has worked tirelessly at his craft, has been a role model of mine for most of my life. His writing and tenacity are things I love so much about the world of horror literature. Knowing the pain and trauma he experienced both through his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and the car accident that could have taken his life in 1999 have not prevented him from rising to the top of his field is incredible. Being a horror author myself, I often find people saying things like “you could be the next Stephen King,” or calling me the “Appalachian Stephen King,” which are compliments I try very hard to live up to. Life is all about perspective, to me, as is success. I will always feel pushing through adversity is a huge measure of success, and that is what I try to do daily.

Daily writing prompt

When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?

View all responses