Well, let's try this again.

Well, hey there.  Ya miss me?  As many know, I have not posted anything in like 2 years, mostly because I was getting overwhelmed with school and work at the bank.  Well, I am still working on school (and doing quite well), but I have left the bank and am now working at an awesome restaurant here in Atlanta. I have so much less stress, and much more flexibility with my schedule, and thus I am much happier.

So back to what this was really first about: Stephen King, and the profound universe that he has created.  I am still making my way through the journey that is his work, and am still finding myself happily immersed in it.  Last time I posted, I think I was in the middle of The Stand.  I have since finished that and many others, and am now in the middle of "Apt Pupil" in Different Seasons.  Do I plan to backtrack and recap those experiences? Not really.  I think one thing that wore me out from writing this blog in the first place was the pressure of commenting on everything that I was reading.  I don't really want to feel pressure while enjoying SK's writing.  If you want to see a play by play recount of commentary on each book I recommend the public forums on stephenking.com (of which I am actively posting as "Ryan the Reader" as well).

Needless to say, by me reviving this blogging effort, I am trying to approach the whole blog in a different way.  What I think will be a more creative way.  I really want to explore a more creative side of myself that I just recently discovered in my creative writing class in school.  I wrote as couple of stories that were undoubtedly influenced by the writing of Stephen King.  My first story "No. 2" was about a girl who goes insane while staying up late one night cramming for the LSATs.  My second story, "If...", was about  a dystopian future where the U.S. government was taken over by evangelical Christians.  This second story was also told in a similar style to Carrie in that it was told through newspaper articles, interviews, public speeches, and the Associated Press ticker.

I want to explore more Stephen King related bursts of artistic creation.  I am interested in having a place here where I can both share my own art, and provide a space for others to share their SK related work as well.  It doesn't matter whether or not it is a story, a drawing, a painting, a tattoo, a poem, or whatever.  If you want to share it, please send it to me, and I will post it.  My email is ryanthereader@gmail.com.

This blog was originally named The Ultimate Stephen King Experience, and that's exactly what I want it to be.  So anyone who wants to join, you are welcome.  Please share with other SK fans, and let's get this party started.

-Ryan "The Reader"-

P.S.  Let me begin by sharing my latest SK art inspired by one of the many covers for Carrie.