Ahead of his lecture, Stine immersed himself in the charm of St. Augustine, even joining a ghost tour the night before his talk. He also engaged in an intimate discussion with a select group of creative writing students and participated in a student-led interview at the College's WFCF radio station.
His lecture on the evening of Nov. 19 drew an eager audience to Lewis Auditorium, excited to hear from the master of children's horror writing. Introducing Stine, President John Delaney highlighted his monumental impact on young readers and his prolific career, which includes over 400 million books sold worldwide.
“Tonight, I'm honored to introduce an internationally acclaimed author whose books have captivated millions around the world,” Delaney said. “Before there was J.K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, and Suzanne Collins, there was R.L. Stine, the Goosebumps series author who defined horror for a generation of young readers.”
R.L. Stine took the stage with his characteristic humor, immediately captivating the audience. He shared anecdotes about his family and career, setting a lighthearted tone.
"I did a book signing in Baltimore a few weeks ago and a teacher came up to the table and she said, 'Can I have my picture taken with you? The kids in my class all think you're dead!’,” Stine recalled, opening his remarks with a laugh from the audience.
During his lecture, Stine delved into his writing process and the accidental nature of his entry into horror writing. He recounted how a friend's suggestion led him to write his first teen horror novel, "Blind Date," which became a bestseller. This unexpected success shifted his career from humor to horror, a transition that has clearly resonated with readers.
"Everything that's happened to me was an accident and almost in every case, I didn't do it,” Stine said. “I was funny. I was always funny. I never planned to be scary.”
Stine also discussed his daily writing routine, emphasizing his love for the actual process of writing. He revealed that he often starts with a title, which then inspires the story—a method that sets him apart from many other authors.
"I just think of titles and the title will lead me to the story," he said. “Sometimes, I have an idea for a story but I can’t think of a good title. So, I throw it out; just throw out the idea. That’s all I really care about- the titles.”
The Q&A session was moderated by Flagler alumnus C.H. Hooks, a professor of creative writing and director of the Storyteller's Author-in-Residence Program. The lively conversation with Hooks provided further insights into Stine's career and creative process with Stine sharing the inspiration behind some of his most famous works, including "The Haunted Mask," which was inspired by a real-life incident involving his son.
"It was Halloween time, and he tried on a green rubber Frankenstein mask,” Stine said. “He pulled it down over his head, and he couldn't get it off... I should have helped him, right? I didn’t win the good parent award that night. Instead, I started making notes for ‘The Haunted Mask’.”
Before closing the Q&A, Stine excitedly announced that he has signed on to write six more Goosebumps books, ensuring that the beloved series will continue to thrill new generations. Though as the 81-year-old continues to advance in age, he joked that he’ll be 112 by the time he finishes.
“Where am I going to send them from?!” Stine exclaimed, questioning whether one can send manuscripts from beyond the grave.
Stine's visit to Flagler College was a celebration of his contributions to children's literature and his ability to inspire and entertain. His stories, both on and off the page, continue to resonate with readers of all ages, making him a cherished figure in the literary world.
