Stephen King's upbringing greatly influenced his writing. Growing up in a lower-middle-class family in Maine, King faced various struggles, including poverty and familial instability. These experiences shaped his themes of fear, isolation, and the supernatural in his works. The vivid settings and relatable characters in his novels often reflect his own life experiences. King’s early exposure to literature and his enduring love for storytelling, combined with his personal challenges, drive the authenticity and depth of his writing, contributing to his status as a master of horror fiction.