If you grew up during the 1990s, you probably are very familiar with the work of R.L. Stine. A writer of the scariest stories for both children and adults, he frightened an entire generation with his Goosebumps series.
Beginning in 1992 with “Welcome to Dead House” and concluding in 1997 with “Monster Blood IV,” Stine was a major force in the publishing industry. His books sold more than 350 million English language copies worldwide, as well as more than 50 million translated editions. The original 62 books inspired a TV show, clothing, and a board game.
When they were originally published, educators were not receptive to his books. No one had done a scary series for seven to twelve year olds. Today,
teachers and librarians support the “Goosebumps” series because they get kids reading.
Stine returned to the franchise several years ago with a spinoff series “Goosebumps Horrorland.” These stores are set in a theme park where nightmares come to life.
His personal favorite of all the books he has written is “The Haunted Mask.” He believes it is his best Haloween story.
When asked what scares him personally, Stine replied that jumping into a pool is top on his list. “I grew up in the middle of Ohio. We didn’t have any water. I didn’t even see the ocean until I was 19.