Stephen King's creative career was defined by numerous hurdles, including early struggles with addiction and writing rejection. After facing multiple rejections of his manuscript for "Carrie," he finally published it with significant success, marking his breakthrough. King's experiences with mental health and personal challenges often manifest in his exploration of fear and the human condition in his works. His subsequent novels, such as "The Shining" and "IT," reflect not just his storytelling prowess but also the resilience he developed from overcoming life's obstacles, ultimately solidifying his status as a master of modern horror literature.