Stephen King wrote The Running Man in one week in 1973 and then left it in a drawer for 10 years. Published in 1982 under his pseudonym, Richard Bachman, who was revealed as King in 1985. Here is the writing legend himself, telling the lore:

English filmmaker Edgar Wright adapted the dystopian action thriller set in 2025, The Running Man released theatrically last month, making it Stephen King’s 4th story to be adapted for screen in a single calendar year (The Monkey, Life of Chuck, The Long Walk, The Running Man) ! Could that be a record? Trailer below:

Buy the book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Running-Man/Stephen-King/9781668208120