Tabitha Jane King, born Tabitha Jane Spruce in 1949, is an American author and social activist. She is the daughter of Raymond George Spruce and Sarah Jane Spruce and was born in Old Town, Maine. Tabitha attended the University of Maine, where she met her future husband, renowned author Stephen King. The two met while working together at the Raymond H. Fogler Library through a work-study program.
Tabitha and Stephen King were married on January 7, 1971. Notably, their first child, Naomi Rachel King, was born in 1970. They went on to have two more children: Joseph Hillstrom King, born in 1972, and Owen Philip King, born in 1977. Both Joseph (who writes under the pen name Joe Hill) and Owen have followed their parents into the literary world.
Tabitha King has published more than eight novels as well as two nonfiction works. Her first novel, Small World, was published by Signet Books in 1981. Her latest published work, Candles Burning, was released by Berkley Books in 2006. The novel was originally written by author Michael McDowell, who passed away before completing the manuscript. At the request of McDowell’s family, Tabitha King completed the novel.
Tabitha King’s work spans various genres, including science fiction, horror fiction, and fantasy. Her storytelling often explores complex themes involving women, society, and internal emotional experiences. Her literary contributions have earned her recognition for addressing topics often considered unconventional, such as the portrayal of women’s private experiences in Small World, noted for its candid approach to menstruation.
