You’re a writer. Do you have a parent who writes? Do your own children dabble with words? My mom writes; one of her poems was published when she was still in high school. Though I’ve encouraged her over the years to continue with poetry, she’s more into art and home design these days. My dad wrote a science fiction story when he was younger, which I’ve read with a critical eye, and it’s really good. He’s also gotten a Sudoku puzzle published in a magazine. One of my brothers writes, and I also have extended family members who write.
The following well-known writers had parents who write or have children who write. Truly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! (See next Friday for a Fun Fact post about writers whose spouses are also writers!)
The Trees: Stephen King (September 21, 1947) and Tabitha King (March 24, 1949). Stephen King published several short stories before his first novel in 1974. Since then, he’s published too many novels, short stories, collections, screenplays, and collaborations for me to count. Feel free to do so yourself! Tabitha King published her first novel in 1981 and since then has published eight novels, two nonfiction books, and several short stories and poetry.
The Apples:
– Joseph Hillstrom King aka Joe Hill (June 4, 1972) began writing short stories for magazines, literary journals, and anthologies in the 1990s. He published his first story collection in 2005. Since then he’s written two novels (one of which is being adapted into a film) and a comic book series.
– Owen King (February 21, 1977) published a collection of short stories and a novella in 2005.
The Tree: Carolyn See (January 13, 1934) published her first novel in 1970. Since then she’s published seven novels, four nonfiction books, and three novels with her daughter, Lisa See, and partner, John Espey.
The Apple:
– Lisa See (February 18, 1955) has published eight novels since her first in 1995. Her most recent novel is Shanghai Girls (2009), to which she’s currently writing a sequel.
The Tree: Janet Evanovich (April 22, 1943) published her first novel in 1987. Since then, she’s published a nonfiction book about writing, seven stand-alone romance novels, and numerous novels for five different series.
The Apple:
– Alex Evanovich created, wrote, and maintains her mom’s website, helped her mom write How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, and has co-authored a graphic novel, Troublemaker, with her mom.
The Tree: Kenneth Lamott. I couldn’t find a lot about the late novelist and nonfiction writer. I know he played a profound and vital influence on his daughter’s successful writing career. Anne Lamott says she learned the importance of perseverance and commitment to writing by watching her dad sit down to write at the same time every day. Please share whatever you may know about Kenneth Lamott!
The Apple:
– Anne Lamott (April 10, 1954) published her first novel in 1980. Since then, she has published seven novels and five nonfiction novels, including the ever-popular Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life.
The following is a bit confusing because the Tree published after her Apple! However, the daughter grew up watching her mother write letters and diaries daily and hearing hundreds of stories about her family’s pioneering past, which certainly had influence.
The Tree: Laura Ingalls Wilder (February 7, 1867 – February 10, 1957) wrote eight novels in the famous Little House series. A ninth was published posthumously, and diaries and letters were also published after her death.
The Apple:
– Rose Wilder Lane (December 5, 1886 – October 30, 1968) was a highly paid journalist, short story writer (several were nominated for O. Henry prizes), travel writer, and bestselling novelist of Let the Hurricane War (retitled Young Pioneers) and Free Land.
Have a fabulous and fun weekend, zigzaggers!!!
Who else can you add to this list? Do your parents or someone in your family write who may have influenced your writing career? Might your children be potential writers?
17 comments:
Fascinating!
Ironically, I'm the only one in my family who writes.
This is so awesome Laura. I love the research and time you put into these posts, they are always so cool!
My dad wrote some stories but never looked to be published, he decided to go a more practical route and be an electrician.
That's very fascinating! I have a cousin who writes non-fiction articles for on-line magazines, but that's it.
High Drama Blogfest-Giveaway
This is so interesting! I'm the only writer in my family that I know of, and I'm pretty okay with that. :) Can't wait for the spouses post.
To add to the list, I can think of mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark and her daughter Carol Higgins Clark.
Interesting. My parents were both actors.
Thanks for introducing yourself Laura! What a fun place you have here! Love the zebras! (of course!) Susan
Fascinating post. I write in verse and one of my sons also loves reading and writing poetry. It's such fun to share our writing and thoughts about writing with each other! - Stasia
Interesting stuff! I'm the only one who enjoys writing in my family line. An anomaly in more ways than one! :)
That's funny you say this.
My mom is a librarian.
Most of the people on her side of the family are writers and poets and musicians. None of them are famous or even published. It's a whole nest of storytellers.
When people meet that side of my family, they always say the same thing: "They have so many stories!"
And I say: "So does your family. They just don't know how to tell em."
I'm not an apple from a tree -- I'm an apple from an orchard.
- Eric
Interesting, Laura!
My father is very academic but much more in a scientific way. That said, both he and my mum are teachers and really encouraged reading and writing - and imagination. I'm sure that helped a great deal!
L. Diane- And that means you must be the most awesome person in your family!!! ;)
Jen- Thanks! I have fun coming up with these posts. Good for your dad. He's a smart man, LOL!
DL- That's pretty cool, though! You have a fellow writer in the family! :)
Shelley- Ack, I can't believe I forgot about the Clarks! I've read both of their stuff too, LOL. Thanks for sharing!
Matthew- Actors are a form of artist though! Actually, you could argue any profession is a form of art and creativity.
Susan- Thanks for stopping by, Susan! I figured you'd like the zebra theme! I appreciate the comment. :)
Stasia- Ooo, that's wonderful! I like hearing about kids who love the written word. Good for him!
Jemi- LOL, like I said to Diane, you must be the awesomest person in your family then! Heehee! ;)
Eric- Thanks for sharing this!!! That's really wonderful. Both sides of my family are storytellers, too (I have a huge family and there are A LOT of stories!). Only a few of them write down those stories, though!
Talli- I'm sure it did make a difference! I'm glad to hear your parents were so encouraging. I think I discovered my interest and eventual passion for writing because my parents encouraged reading, creativity, and imagination. It certainly is a big influence!
This was such a fun post to read! I had no idea that some authors, like Stephen King and Laura Ingalls Wilder, had children who were writers.
Two of my three sons like to write. They've written stories that we're polishing, then we'll send them to places that accept kids work. It's fun to see them tapping away on the computer, creating their own little world.
Thanks for your input on my blog. I like the addition of your kitchen overflowing with food. Just one more thing that I sometimes take for granted!
What an interesting list. Thank you so much for sharing! I'm the only writer in my family but there is a line of performers on my father's side, of which I am proud to say I am one.
Also, wanted to let you know that I have a little something for you at my blog. :o)
This is so fun! My daughter is a writer (she's only seven!), and sometimes I let her write on my posts. She loves it!
Isn't this interesting?
My father wrote a little, nothing serious. Don't know why I was bitten with the bug. My son has been writing on several novels. It will be interesting to see what happens.
This is interesting. Well my dad used to write some songs. My uncle used to write drama.And i always wanted to write and ended up with poetry.
Julie- That's wonderful a couple of your kids write! When I was a kid I always thought it was so cool seeing other kids published in the magazines I read. I was too shy to submit my own work! I hope your sons get into the mags!
E.Elle- Ooo, thanks!!! I'm heading over to your blog now! And that's cool you have performers in your family. I bet that's a lively bunch!
Amy- That's awesome! I like hearing about kids who love writing and reading!
Kathi- That's so cool. I bet it's pretty amazing watching your child do what you do and seeing what comes out of it!
Nithin- Hello and welcome! Looks like you have writing in the blood then! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Post a Comment