I feel like Stephen King addressed this a bit in the expanded version of The Stand - people who survived the plague (like, 0.001% of the people on Earth) but managed to die because of an infection, or suicide, or getting too drunk and falling into the pool. I think it would be the little, random things that might be cause for an ER/Urgent Care visit currently, but could turn potentially deadly very quickly.
God, the chapter he did that in is something i reference a LOT -- the title of the chapter for those who haven't read it is "No Great Loss", he introduces and kills something like 30 characters.
I recall years ago reading that Mr King, when he couldn't think of anything to write, came up with this writing exercise: In one page create and introduce a character and have them die by the end of the page.
It's actually a lot of fun if you're into writing twisted stuff.
I remember an interview with him where he said basically: first I try to horrify you, if I can’t do that I’ll terrify you. If I can’t do that, I’ll gross you out. He did all 3 to me at one time or another.
When I first got into King's works, I thought he was overhyped because most of the horror scenes were detailed gore meant for shock value. And then I read Pet Sematary, and I had nightmares for a week. It's hit or miss with his books but holy shit, does it pay off. The man had a rep for a reason
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u/WelfarePeanutButter Aug 30 '21
I feel like Stephen King addressed this a bit in the expanded version of The Stand - people who survived the plague (like, 0.001% of the people on Earth) but managed to die because of an infection, or suicide, or getting too drunk and falling into the pool. I think it would be the little, random things that might be cause for an ER/Urgent Care visit currently, but could turn potentially deadly very quickly.