Stephen King's diverse life experiences, including struggles with family trauma and personal addiction, greatly shaped his storytelling style. Growing up in a working-class family, he faced financial hardships that influenced his portrayal of ordinary characters facing extraordinary situations. His fascination with horror and suspense emerged from both entertainment and his own battles with fear and darkness. King often infuses elements of realism into his narratives, drawing from his experiences to create relatable and vulnerable characters. This blend of the mundane and the supernatural in his work continues to resonate with readers, establishing him as a master of horror literature.