Ira Levin explained what it was like writing Rosemary's Baby
“The idea for Rosemary’s Baby developed gradually,” said Levin.
Much like the birth of an actual child, Ira Levin’s preparation for Rosemary’s Baby was lengthy and dutiful. Previously, the author had been responsible for writing books like A Kiss Before Dying, released in 1953. The book would later enjoy not one, but two Hollywood adaptations, in 1956 and 1991. Over a decade later, Levin released Rosemary’s Baby. By 1968, the novel would be adapted into what is considered today to be one of the most popular horror films of all time.
During an interview, Levin admitted that due to the actual content of the novel, he had his own reservations about whether the story would ever see the light of day. “The idea for Rosemary’s Baby developed gradually,” said Levin during an interview with the Ridgefield Press, “over a period of five or six years. I read books on witchcraft and obstetrics before I wrote it. I thought the book wouldn’t sell because of the subject.”
Even while writing, Levin took his time. “I tried to start this book two years ago, but I had to be sure of the ending to know where I was going,” said the writer. “I work from about the middle of the morning to 5. I write in longhand, then type it. It takes a long time to polish it; I only write about two pages a day.”
This tender care was worth the extra time; Levin’s book was extremely well-received, as was its film adaptation.
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