More often than not, the only thing stopping you from writing a best-selling horror novel is finding the time and inspiring location to do so. Well, that, and also having the kind of ideas that separate the Stephen Kings of the world from the rest of us. 

The man behind modern classics like It, The Shining, Carrie, Salem's Lot, and too many other books to list here can't help you on the original-ideas front. But he's decided to step up as far as giving the future masters of horror the time and space to let their imaginations run free.

Rolling Stone has reported that Bangor city council has approved a request from King and his author wife, Tabitha, to turn their home into a nonprofit writers' retreat. Up to five writers at a time will be able to work on the premises, which will also house an extensive collection of King's work. So as to not disrupt the neighbourhood, and, presumably, writers, that collection and the house will only be viewable to the general public by appointment. 

Preferring to spend time in Florida and their Oxford County, Maine, lakefront retreat, the Kings are rarely at the 47 West Broadway abode where some of the world's most famous books were written. The couple also raised three children at the home—two of whom became the authors Joe Hill and Owen King.

King's house—famous for its ornate gates and crimson-red paint—has long been one of the most gawked-at ones in Maine, especially around Halloween. King finally took it off the trick-or-treat list after being deluged by visitors when he became famous. 

On his website he notes that it didn't take long for things to get out of control on October 31. "One time we had 1,400 people show up for candy and treats and it’s fun, it’s great to see everyone," he wrote, "but it wears everybody out and it plays hell with the law so we’re not doing that anymore.”