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How to Write Like Stephen King

Annie Cosby
January 05, 2025 | 1 min read

Stephen King has published in many different genres, but The King of Horror is best known for scaring us senseless.

What can writers learn from King's successes and his vast body of work? Let's dig into this legendary writer's career...

Stephen King is often regarded as the master of modern horror, and for good reason. His prolific career has shaped the genre, blending psychological terror with supernatural elements to create some of the most enduring stories in literature.

From Carrie to It to The Shining, King's stories have terrified millions of readers (and moviegoers!) and set the standard for horror storytelling.

His ability to tap into universal fears—like alienation, madness, and mortality—has made his influence on both literature and film undeniable.

Check out some of our articles that explore how Stephen King has defined and redefined the boundaries of horror writing:

 

50 Pieces of Stephen King's Greatest Writing Advice

[Read 50 Pieces of Stephen King's Greatest Writing Advice]

 

3 Authors Who Write Like Stephen King & How You Can Too

[Read 3 Authors Who Write Like Stephen King & How You Can Too]

 

July 30, 2026 2 min read

PRESENTED IN COLLABORATION WITH

Calling all micro-fiction storytellers! 🏁

For the second year in a row, Freewrite is teaming up with Grant Faulkner, co-founder of the Flash Fiction Institute and author of The Art of Brevity, to bring you the fastest, most adrenaline-pumping writing event of the year.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or a creative rookie, the Freewrite 500 is your chance to rev up your imagination, write a 500-word story, and win big.

You do not need to own a Freewrite to participate.

 


Can't view the form? Email us at hello@getfreewrite.com with your name and email address to register.

 

How It Works

🎟️ Fill out the form above to secure your spot. It's totally free. (You must register to participate.)

📖 Watch the free mini flash fiction lesson by Grant Faulkner, which includes the announcement of the prompt for the contest. WATCH IT HERE.

📝 You'll have the weekend to finish and submit your 500-word storybased on the prompt by end of day on Monday, August 17. SUBMIT HERE.

✏️ Our judging panel, led by Faulkner and made up of writers from the Freewrite team and the Flash Fiction Institute, will judge each piece based on: length (500 words), relevance to the prompt, and creativity.

🥇 NEW THIS YEAR: The panel will select three finalists, and then announce one grand prize winner.

All work must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, August 17.

The Prize Pack

One winner will receive:

  • Publication on the Freewrite blog and Flash Fiction Institute blog
  • 1 Freewrite Traveler
  • 1 hour-long one-on-one coaching session with Grant Faulkner
  • 1 free Flash Gym session with the Flash Fiction Institute
  • 1 Words Are Hard prompt deck
  • A paperback copy of Set Your Story Free, the ultimate guide to freewriting
  • A digital copy of the opening chapter of Grant Faulkner's book, The Art of Brevity

Second and third place writers will each receive:

  • Publication on the Freewrite blog and Flash Fiction Institute blog
  • 1 Freewrite Alpha
  • 1 free Flash Gym session with the Flash Fiction Institute
  • Words Are Hard prompt deck
  • A paperback copy of Set Your Story Free, the ultimate guide to freewriting
  • A digital copy of the opening chapter of Grant Faulkner's book, The Art of Brevity

The Schedule

  • Thursday, Aug 13: Lesson & prompt announcement
  • Monday, Aug 17: Submissions deadline
  • Monday, Aug 31: Finalists announced
  • Monday, September 7: Grand prize winner announced

Questions? You can reach us at hello@getfreewrite.com.

Write on.

The Freewrite 500 Pit Crew 🏁 

Full contest terms and conditions

July 29, 2026 1 min read

Scroll down for the answer key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short answer: Anything!

July 21, 2026 2 min read

We're thrilled to introduce you to the winner of our Journey to a BillIon Words Giveaway: author P.L. McMillan.