I’ve written about Mary Higgins Clark before. I came across her first suspense novel, Where Are The Children in the late seventies and was hooked. In a recent post, I named some of my favorite novels written by her.
So, I was saddened to learn the Queen of Suspense passed away on January 31 at the age of 92 from complications of old age.
Not only did I enjoy reading her books, but she also inspired me as a writer. Here are a few things about her.
- Each of her fifty-six novels have become best sellers
- There are over 100 million copies of her books in print
- She remained with the same publisher, Simon & Schuster, her entire writing career
- Like many authors, she had numerous rejections before her first novel was accepted for publication, but she never gave up.
I could write more, but I’ll let you listen to her own words. I think they will inspire you. She is a testiment to the fact we should never give up our dreams.
27 Responses
This is a lovely post in remembrance of a great author, Joan š
Thanks, Harmony. She was an inspiration to many.
She was classy for sure.
Yes, she was.
I think she inspired many budding writers and she certainly entertained readers for decades. She was definitely a star. Beautiful post, Joan.
I saw an interview clip with her. She had spoken at some writer’s convention where she encouraged others. Great lady.
I love this post, and her description of her earliest writings is exactly how I remember my first poems at age 5. Sooner or later, something that much a part of you has to find it’s way out, even if it takes decades to do so. I’m so glad she found her way MUCH sooner, and left behind such a wonderful legacy! Bless her for inspiring so many of us and for writing such wonderful books. I read a ton of them over the years. And now I’m in the mood to re-read some in her honor.
Thanks for a great post, Joan! Sharing!! š
And I swear, I do know the difference between it’s and its! Old eyes!! Sorry. š
These eyes didn’t even notice! LOL
I loved how she phrased that. I can recall scribbling stories here and there when I was around ten. I knew that I wanted to be a writer. And like you, I feel like digging out some of her books and reading them again.
Wonderful tribute post.
Thanks, Craig.
She was one of my favorites through the years. I think of her raising a family and finding time to write, even if it had to be out in the car. Thanks for doing a tribute.
She was widowed at a young age but made sure her four children all went to college. One strong lady!
Oh, no. I hadn’t heard. I also read Where are the Children back in the day. Thanks for this lovely tribute.
That’s the novel that got me hooked. I was saddened by her passing, but she lived a long and full life.
Reblogged this on Loleta Abi Author & Book Blogger and commented:
She was simply-legendary!
Thanks for the reblog, Traci. She was a legend!
Yes. I have stacks of her books.
Great post. She was a class act. I got to listen to her at a Bouchercon once a long time ago. She was encouraging and funny, and writers on other panels had great stories to tell about her. I got the impression that anyone who knew her well really liked her.
That would have been a treat to listen to her. She seemed like a nice person who didn’t let success go to her head.
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What a great testimony! Visualization is a powerful tool!
Pretty amazing!
A wonderful tribute to a great writer, Joan.
Yeah, she was one of the best.