David Wong
Biography of David Wong
Full Name and Common Aliases
David Wong, born Jason Pargin, is a renowned author and editor known for his unique blend of humor and horror. He adopted the pen name "David Wong" as a pseudonym, which has become widely recognized in literary circles and among fans of his work.
Birth and Death Dates
David Wong was born on January 10, 1975. As of the latest available information, he is alive and continues to contribute to the literary world.
Nationality and Profession(s)
David Wong is an American author and editor. He is best known for his work as a novelist and for his role as the executive editor of the popular humor website Cracked.com. His writing often combines elements of comedy, horror, and science fiction, making him a distinctive voice in contemporary literature.
Early Life and Background
David Wong was born and raised in Lawrenceville, Illinois. From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in storytelling and humor, often drawing inspiration from the quirky and sometimes eerie aspects of small-town life. He attended Southern Illinois University, where he honed his writing skills and developed a passion for blending genres. His early experiences in Illinois, coupled with his academic background, laid the foundation for his future career as a writer and editor.
Major Accomplishments
David Wong's major accomplishments are highlighted by his successful career as both an author and an editor. His debut novel, "John Dies at the End," initially self-published online, gained a cult following and was later published by Thomas Dunne Books in 2009. The novel's success led to a film adaptation in 2012, further cementing Wong's reputation as a talented storyteller. In addition to his novels, Wong's work at Cracked.com has been instrumental in shaping the site's voice and expanding its reach, making it one of the most visited humor websites globally.
Notable Works or Actions
David Wong's most notable works include his novels "John Dies at the End," "This Book Is Full of Spiders," and "Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits." Each of these works showcases his ability to weave humor with elements of horror and science fiction, creating narratives that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. His writing is characterized by sharp wit, engaging plots, and a unique perspective on the human condition. Wong's role at Cracked.com has also been significant, as he has contributed numerous articles that blend humor with insightful commentary on modern society.
Impact and Legacy
David Wong's impact on the literary world and popular culture is significant. His novels have not only entertained readers but have also challenged traditional genre boundaries, inspiring a new generation of writers to explore unconventional storytelling methods. The success of "John Dies at the End" and its subsequent adaptations have demonstrated the potential of online publishing and the power of a dedicated fan base. Wong's work at Cracked.com has influenced the way humor is presented online, setting a standard for combining comedy with critical analysis.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
David Wong is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to articulate complex ideas with humor and clarity. His writing often addresses existential themes and societal issues, making his quotes resonate with a broad audience. Fans and critics alike appreciate his unique voice and the way he seamlessly blends humor with horror and science fiction. Wong's work continues to be a source of inspiration and entertainment, ensuring his place in the pantheon of influential contemporary writers.
In summary, David Wong's contributions to literature and online media have left an indelible mark on both fields. His innovative approach to storytelling and his ability to engage readers with humor and insight make him a memorable and widely quoted figure in modern culture.
Quotes by David Wong
David Wong's insights on:
The reason why Hollywood cranks out so many sequels and adaptations is because the audience is so overwhelmed with choices, the only way to get them in the theater is to give them something familiar.
For those of us who aren't great with people, we figure that silence is always the safest bet. If you're an introvert, you spend so much of your time wishing that other people would just shut the hell up that you figure you're doing everyone a favor.
There are the people who read my horror novels - the first two of them - and they found them scary or whatever, and then there are some people who are maybe not entirely stable who think that they're real, who think that they're being stalked by the same demons or ghosts that are mentioned in the books.
We've gone from, in the '50s and '60s, being very optimistic about the future, where the future is all spaceships and The Jetsons and flying cars, to where we were just sure the future was going to be a massive pile of rubble.
After being raised as an evangelical Christian, I for years assumed that Christianity was the default - there were Christians, and then there were weirdos. I was shocked when, in college, I found that some people get offended when you tell them, for instance, that their recovery from surgery was a 'miracle.'
New technology is not good or evil in and of itself. It's all about how people choose to use it.
But in those first hours after you take it, your brain is tuned in like nothing you can imagine. Eyes like the Hubble telescope, sensing light that’s not even on the spectrum. You might be able to read minds, make time stop, cook pasta that’s exactly right every time.
That black pool of shame bubbled up in my head again. Then, a spark came along and set it alight. The choice between feeling the toxic ooze of self loathing and the fire of mindless rage is no choice at all.
Ravenous appetites and strange desires lurking just below, like I was bobbing on an inner tube in the middle of the ocean while below me swarmed the swift shadows of a vast school of Cthulhus.
John snatched the rebound, spun, jumped, slammed. He pumped his fist in victory. “Ring it up! Two hundred seventy-four to one thirty-seven!” In John’s game, each shot is worth one hundred and thirty-seven points.