# Author Backstories

> Sourced backstories of authors and their books, built from interviews, archives, publisher records and reporting. Every factual statement is linked to its source.

Guidance for AI tools using this site:

- Opinions, anecdotes and disputed accounts are attributed to the person who made them. Keep that attribution when you summarize.
- Numbered references like [3] point to the numbered source list at the end of each page.
- Each page has a "Latest news" section with dated items. Check those dates before repeating them as current.
- Each page lists the author's books in reading order: by first publication, with each series kept together in series order. Use that order when someone asks what to read first or next.
- ISBNs identify one edition a reader can buy today; first-publication years are given separately.
- Every page shows a "last updated" date. Check it before stating anything about a living author as current.
- Classic authors (under /classic/) have a "Myth and record" section that sets popular anecdotes against the record; report the record, not the myth.
- Each page is available as Markdown by adding ".md" to its address, for example https://authorbackstories.com/authors/<author>.md
- To report an error: corrections@authorbackstories.com

## Authors

- [Anne Carson](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/anne-carson.md): Poet, classicist and translator · Autobiography of Red · Nox. 25 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/anne-carson/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/anne-carson/reading-list.pdf
- [Brandon Sanderson](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/brandon-sanderson.md): Fantasy novelist · Mistborn · The Stormlight Archive · The Wheel of Time. 52 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/brandon-sanderson/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/brandon-sanderson/reading-list.pdf
- [Colleen Hoover](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/colleen-hoover.md): Novelist · It Ends with Us · Verity. 25 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/colleen-hoover/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/colleen-hoover/reading-list.pdf
- [Craig Johnson](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/craig-johnson.md): Novelist · Walt Longmire mysteries. 26 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/craig-johnson/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/craig-johnson/reading-list.pdf
- [Danielle Steel](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/danielle-steel.md): Novelist · Zoya · The Promise · Ruthless. 191 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/danielle-steel/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/danielle-steel/reading-list.pdf
- [Dav Pilkey](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/dav-pilkey.md): Author and illustrator · Dog Man · Captain Underpants. 66 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/dav-pilkey/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/dav-pilkey/reading-list.pdf
- [David Baldacci](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/david-baldacci.md): Novelist · Absolute Power · Memory Man · The 6:20 Man. 62 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/david-baldacci/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/david-baldacci/reading-list.pdf
- [Dean Koontz](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/dean-koontz.md): Novelist · Watchers · Odd Thomas · Jane Hawk. 107 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/dean-koontz/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/dean-koontz/reading-list.pdf
- [Freida McFadden](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/freida-mcfadden.md): Thriller writer · The Housemaid · Never Lie · The Teacher. 34 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/freida-mcfadden/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/freida-mcfadden/reading-list.pdf
- [Harlan Coben](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/harlan-coben.md): Novelist · Tell No One · Fool Me Once · Myron Bolitar. 40 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/harlan-coben/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/harlan-coben/reading-list.pdf
- [J.K. Rowling](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/jk-rowling.md): Novelist and screenwriter · Harry Potter · Cormoran Strike. 26 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/jk-rowling/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/jk-rowling/reading-list.pdf
- [James Patterson](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/james-patterson.md): Thriller writer · Alex Cross · Women's Murder Club · Maximum Ride. 326 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/james-patterson/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/james-patterson/reading-list.pdf
- [Jodi Picoult](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/jodi-picoult.md): Novelist · My Sister's Keeper · Small Great Things. 33 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/jodi-picoult/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/jodi-picoult/reading-list.pdf
- [Louise Penny](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/louise-penny.md): Novelist · Chief Inspector Armand Gamache · Three Pines. 24 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/louise-penny/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/louise-penny/reading-list.pdf
- [M. John Harrison](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/m-john-harrison.md): Novelist and critic · Viriconium · Light · The End of Everything. 22 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/m-john-harrison/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/m-john-harrison/reading-list.pdf
- [Mick Herron](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/mick-herron.md): Novelist · Slough House · Zoë Boehm. 26 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/mick-herron/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/mick-herron/reading-list.pdf
- [Mitch Albom](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/mitch-albom.md): Author and columnist · Tuesdays with Morrie · The Five People You Meet in Heaven. 19 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/mitch-albom/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/mitch-albom/reading-list.pdf
- [Pierce Brown](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/pierce-brown.md): Novelist · Red Rising Saga. 9 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/pierce-brown/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/pierce-brown/reading-list.pdf
- [Sarah J. Maas](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/sarah-j-maas.md): Fantasy novelist · A Court of Thorns and Roses · Throne of Glass · Crescent City. 18 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/sarah-j-maas/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/sarah-j-maas/reading-list.pdf
- [Stephen King](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/stephen-king.md): Novelist · Carrie · It · The Shining · The Dark Tower. 85 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/stephen-king/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/stephen-king/reading-list.pdf
- [Suzanne Collins](https://authorbackstories.com/authors/suzanne-collins.md): Novelist and screenwriter · The Hunger Games · The Underland Chronicles. 12 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/authors/suzanne-collins/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/authors/suzanne-collins/reading-list.pdf

## Classic authors

- [Agatha Christie](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/agatha-christie.md): Crime novelist and playwright · Murder on the Orient Express · The Mousetrap. 90 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/agatha-christie/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/agatha-christie/reading-list.pdf
- [Arthur Conan Doyle](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/arthur-conan-doyle.md): Novelist and doctor · Sherlock Holmes · The Lost World. 37 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/arthur-conan-doyle/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/arthur-conan-doyle/reading-list.pdf
- [C.S. Lewis](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/cs-lewis.md): Novelist, scholar and Christian writer · The Chronicles of Narnia · Mere Christianity. 55 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/cs-lewis/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/cs-lewis/reading-list.pdf
- [Dr. Seuss](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/dr-seuss.md): Children's author and illustrator · The Cat in the Hat · Green Eggs and Ham. 56 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/dr-seuss/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/dr-seuss/reading-list.pdf
- [Edgar Allan Poe](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/edgar-allan-poe.md): Poet, story writer and critic · The Raven · The Fall of the House of Usher. 10 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/edgar-allan-poe/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/edgar-allan-poe/reading-list.pdf
- [Ernest Hemingway](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/ernest-hemingway.md): Novelist and short-story writer · The Old Man and the Sea · A Farewell to Arms. 23 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/ernest-hemingway/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/ernest-hemingway/reading-list.pdf
- [Frank Herbert](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/frank-herbert.md): Science-fiction novelist · Dune. 37 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/frank-herbert/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/frank-herbert/reading-list.pdf
- [Harper Lee](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/harper-lee.md): Novelist · To Kill a Mockingbird · Go Set a Watchman. 3 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/harper-lee/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/harper-lee/reading-list.pdf
- [Jane Austen](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/jane-austen.md): Novelist · Pride and Prejudice · Emma. 9 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/jane-austen/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/jane-austen/reading-list.pdf
- [Kurt Vonnegut](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/kurt-vonnegut.md): Novelist and essayist · Slaughterhouse-Five · Cat's Cradle. 29 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/kurt-vonnegut/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/kurt-vonnegut/reading-list.pdf
- [Maya Angelou](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/maya-angelou.md): Memoirist and poet · I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings · Still I Rise. 31 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/maya-angelou/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/maya-angelou/reading-list.pdf
- [Octavia E. Butler](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/octavia-butler.md): Science fiction novelist · Kindred · Parable of the Sower. 14 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/octavia-butler/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/octavia-butler/reading-list.pdf
- [Oscar Wilde](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/oscar-wilde.md): Playwright · The Importance of Being Earnest · The Picture of Dorian Gray. 17 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/oscar-wilde/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/oscar-wilde/reading-list.pdf
- [Patricia Highsmith](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/patricia-highsmith.md): Suspense novelist · The Talented Mr. Ripley · Strangers on a Train · Carol. 29 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/patricia-highsmith/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/patricia-highsmith/reading-list.pdf
- [Roald Dahl](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/roald-dahl.md): Children's author and short-story writer · Charlie and the Chocolate Factory · Matilda. 34 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/roald-dahl/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/roald-dahl/reading-list.pdf
- [Sylvia Plath](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/sylvia-plath.md): Poet and novelist · Ariel · The Bell Jar. 20 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/sylvia-plath/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/sylvia-plath/reading-list.pdf
- [William Shakespeare](https://authorbackstories.com/classic/william-shakespeare.md): Playwright and poet · Hamlet · Romeo and Juliet · The Sonnets. 41 books. Updated 2026-11-14. Web page: https://authorbackstories.com/classic/william-shakespeare/ · Reading list (PDF): https://authorbackstories.com/classic/william-shakespeare/reading-list.pdf

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- [About and editorial standards](https://authorbackstories.com/about)
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## Optional

- [Full text of every published page](https://authorbackstories.com/llms-full.txt): all pages in one Markdown file
- [Structured data](https://authorbackstories.com/authors.json): every published page as JSON (books with ISBNs, awards, adaptations, news, sources)