Stephen King's Colorado
Looking for a program that's very visual, interactive,
and features the work of a wildly popular author?
I've done this program in a number of Northeast Ohio
Libraries, including Twinsburg, Hudson, Brookpark, Rocky River, Columbiana
and Shaker Heights. Scene Magazine Get Out! editor Elaine T. Cicora interviewed
me in August. Read her Ode
to Stephen King.
| One of Stephen King's most popular works, The Stand,
has
as one of its main settings the picturesque town of Boulder Colorado. In
1989, with Stephen King's permission, I filmed a documentary about scenes
used in the book. I've incorporated my original photography used
in that to develop a travelogue that shows the beauty of Boulder, and will
talk about the themes of community, the importance of education, and other
concepts discussed in his apocalyptic story, The Stand. |
 |
| Other books using Colorado as a backdrop, Misery
and The Shining, will also be discussed, especially the parts emphasizing
literature and the writing craft.
My program would begin with a handout of Stephen
King trivia-type challenges to warm up the crowd and put King's career
and writing into context. Title jumbles, guess the character, crosswords,
those types of games. Then follow with the Boulder presentation and commentary.
Programs could be 1-2 hours long, depending on how much interaction is
desired. |
 |
Nothing for sale, except the idea that knowledge is power,
an important theme in the post-apocalyptic world The Stand brought
to life. Audiences will take away some fun games, more knowledge about
Stephen King, his stories, and thoughts on writing.
This travelogue is perfect for library, campus activity
and planned living community programming. With its' mix of education and
entertainment, it's bound to please any Stephen King fan, or those wishing
to see beautiful scenery and hear interesting discussion.
With 15 years of library and teaching experience at the
adult/college levels, I am an adept presenter, able to hold any audiences'
attention and motivate their thinking processes. Clicking on Home
below will take you to the main web page for my book, Castles Against
Ignorance: How to make libraries great educational environments, where
you can read my biography along with my presentation experience.
 |
At dawn, 2 of the main characters looked out over the
town, and discussed the future of the survivor's society. |
 |
Near the center of Boulder, two characters meet clandestinely
at the Bandshell to mull over unfolding events, as well as good vs. evil. |
 |
The Hotel Boulderado is a bastion of elegance in a frontier
setting. Used in both The Stand and Misery. |
 |
Sunrise Amphitheater. A spot known for it's beauty, but
where two of
The Stand's characters come to cause mayhem. |
|
Mom and I enjoying the view outside of The Stanley Hotel,
inspirational setting of The Shining. |
I'm looking forward to sharing these pictures and more
with your group!
Libraries could coordinate this with book clubs, or make
it a magnet for Halloween or other programming.
Jack asks:
What better way to spark interest in reading than this?
*
For more information please contact me via email, erossman74@yahoo.com
* image from http://thisdistractedglobe.com/2008/09/03/the-shining-1980/
Castles home page
Last update 10/06/11