SOUTH PORTLAND — Fans of best-selling author Stephen King began lining up Monday night at Books-A-Million for the chance to purchase the Maine writer’s latest book, “Revival.”
Lark Frias, 49, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, grabbed his spot along with Matt Frias, 19, and Paige Mello, 17, at 8 p.m. They came equipped with coats, blankets and chairs and were 30th in line among an estimated 900 who waited in a queue that wrapped around three sides of the store building near the Maine Mall. Lark Frias, a social worker who lists “Pet Sematary” as his favorite King book, said he drove up from New Bedford because he’s always wanted to meet King.
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Frias was one of the lucky ones Tuesday morning. The line moved quickly once the store opened, but many people left disappointed because only 400 books and 400 tickets to participate in a book signing with King next Monday were being sold Tuesday. King will appear at Books-A-Million that day at 4 p.m. and will sign copies of “Revival” only.
“Everyone has been calm and peaceful and nice to one another,” Lark Frias said.
King, who grew up in Durham and splits his time between homes in Florida and Maine, has sold an estimated 350 million books since publishing “Carrie” in 1974. He will participate in a six-city book tour to promote “Revival.”
His fans recently have had plenty of opportunity to experience his works: The movie “A Good Marriage,” based on a short story, hit theaters in October, and the Lifetime TV movie “Big Drive” began airing last month. The musical King wrote with John Mellencamp, “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County,” comes to Portland’s Merrill Auditorium on Nov. 20.
Kate Winant, 52, a teacher from Waterboro, arrived at 5 a.m. on her day off from school for the Veterans Day holiday and was 150th in line.
By the time the doors opened at 9 a.m. she had made friends with 10 to 20 other King fans in line and knew their names and where they are from.
She may run into them again next week when the man they all want to meet makes his appearance.
Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at:
rrouthier@pressherald.com
Twitter: RayRouthier
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