Celebrate Halloween in R.L. Stine’s Spine-Chilling New York Home
R.L. Stine, celebrated for his iconic “Goosebumps” series, has a unique relationship with Halloween. Despite being synonymous with the spooky season, he admits that he does not particularly enjoy the holiday. Stepping into his New York apartment reveals an enchanting mix of his literary world and Halloween spirit.
Exploring R.L. Stine’s Spooky Office
Upon entering Stine’s home, visitors might find the hardwood floors attractive, but the real magic lies further in. Down the hallway, a collection of spooky memorabilia greets you. His office features items that reflect his works, with a giant plastic cockroach on one side and an assortment of Slappy the Dummy figures scattered throughout. Despite the eerie decor, practical items like a bin labeled “mail + stuff to deal with” also occupy the space.
Among the decorations is a life-size skeleton received from his publisher to mark a bestseller milestone. Stine humorously remarks that he assembled it himself, resulting in a knee that faces backward. His walls are adorned with posters of his book covers, creating a vibrant atmosphere reflective of his creative achievements.
Halloween Traditions and Memories
On Halloween night, Stine participates in a community tradition by handing out candy and his books to local children. He notes that most kids opt for the candy, downplaying his connection to the spooky holiday. “Everyone thinks it’s my favorite holiday, but I’m always working on Halloween,” he shared.
Stine’s childhood memories of Halloween are quite different from what he creates in his books. As a child, he wanted a frightening costume but ended up with a fuzzy yellow duck suit due to financial constraints. These experiences, along with the sight of his son struggling to remove a green Frankenstein mask, inspired his story “The Haunted Mask.”
R.L. Stine’s Approach to Writing
Stine’s stories captivate younger readers, especially those aged 7 to 11. He believes this age group is the last to fully embrace enthusiasm for books. His writing, designed to thrill, avoids real-world themes like divorce and drugs, opting instead for fantastical elements. He aims to create a safe space for children, allowing them to experience fear without real-life implications.
Reflecting on his own childhood fears, Stine recalls a basement freezer that resembled a coffin. Such memories fuel his writing, as he taps into the feelings of terror he once experienced. Today, Stine continues to create, unburdened by the dreams of being chased that once plagued him.
Current Work and Future Plans
Despite facing personal challenges, including his wife’s Alzheimer’s, Stine remains prolific. He is currently writing an adult thriller, a genre he claimed he would not revisit. His career as a writer shows no signs of slowing down, even as he encounters nostalgia from fans who read “Goosebumps” in their youth. He humorously notes that he now receives questions about retirement, a concept he had never previously considered.
As Halloween approaches, R.L. Stine continues to be a central figure in the celebration of all things spooky, reminding us of the joy and thrill that stories can bring to generations of readers.
