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This unspoken subgenre of casual horror was established by the reigning king of horror: Stephen King. He single-handedly brought horror fiction, not only to the forefront of the publishing industry, but made it completely accessible to the average American adult. Rather than regarding his work as the "fast food" of the literary industry, we would be better served to regard his work as something which has saved professional publishing much fiscal hardship by bringing in millions of new and faithful readers. He was an innovative pioneer that brought an unimaginable wave of interest to reading and writing fiction.

His unbelievable success has not fared well through time with other writers. Spin-offs and copycats have populated the horror industry throughout the decades since. What became a trademark for Mr. King has gone on to become the standard, run-of-the-mill horror fiction novel. So, its time to crank the volume on Waylon Jenning's "Just a Good 'ol Boy," and open the ever-present brew as we discuss the trials-and-errors of this well-used individual.

This formulaic man had an incredible beginning worthy of discussion. Suddenly, people who didn't consider themselves "literary" found a new and innovative venue for enjoyable fiction. Horror was accessible, relevant and interesting. Characters were common, people who you might meet walking down the street everyday. In the 1980s, shelves were filled with imitators and verbal impressionists of Mr. King's original creation, a practice that continues even today.

The good 'ol boy didn't drink expensive cocktails or have millions in the bank. He didn't have tens of women on call at any time or the most expensive automobiles imaginable. He didn't have servants and he didn't live in a mansion. This was a significant period for fiction. The era of the "commoner" had been attained in horror fiction.