The Prolific Romance Novelist: Danielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Steel, born on August 14, 1947, is a renowned American writer, celebrated for her enchanting romance novels. With over 800 million copies sold, she stands as the best-selling living author and one of the all-time best-selling fiction authors. As of 2021, Steel has penned an astounding 190 books, including more than 140 captivating novels. Let’s dive into the life and career of this literary icon.
Early Life and Inspiration of Danielle Steel
Born in New York City to a German father, John Schuelein-Steel, and a Portuguese mother, Norma da Camara Stone dos Reis, Danielle’s diverse heritage would later influence her storytelling. Her early years were marked by a childhood spent in France, where she was exposed to the lifestyles of the wealthy and famous through her parents’ dinner parties. Her parents’ divorce when she was eight resulted in her primarily being raised by her father, further shaping her unique perspective.
Steel’s journey as a writer began during her childhood, with stories penned from a young age, later transitioning into poetry in her late teens. Raised in a Catholic family, she even contemplated becoming a nun in her early years. Her academic pursuits led her to the Lycée Français de New York, where she graduated in 1965. She delved into literature, design, and fashion design, first at Parsons School of Design and then at New York University.
The Early Career
While still a student at New York University, Steel embarked on her writing career, completing her first manuscript at the tender age of 19. It was during this time that she worked for a public-relations agency in New York named Supergirls. A chance encounter with John Mack Carter, the editor of Ladies’ Home Journal, who was impressed with her freelance articles, led to the suggestion that she should write a book. She took the advice to heart and, in no time, produced her first book.
Afterward, Steel relocated to San Francisco, where she worked as a copywriter for Grey Advertising. Her debut novel, “Going Home,” was published in 1973, setting the stage for a prolific career. The novel explored themes that would become synonymous with Steel’s work—family issues and human relationships. Her personal experiences, including her relationship with her second husband, significantly influenced her early novels, “Passion’s Promise” and “Now and Forever,” which marked the beginning of her remarkable journey in the world of fiction.
Ascension to Literary Stardom
In 1981, Danielle Steel solidified her place in the literary world, securing a spot on The New York Times hardcover and paperback bestsellers lists. She earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989 for having a book on the New York Times Bestseller List for 381 consecutive weeks, a remarkable achievement by any standard. Her writing pace was nothing short of astonishing, often releasing multiple books every year. Each book demanded an average of 2½ years of her time, yet Steel managed to juggle up to five projects simultaneously.
During this period, Steel diversified her portfolio by delving into non-fiction work. She authored “Having a Baby” in 1984, a book that featured her personal chapter about suffering through miscarriage. She also published a book of poetry titled “Love: Poems” in the same year. In her foray into children’s literature, she crafted the “Max and Martha” series, aimed at helping young readers navigate real-life problems.
Personal Life: A Life Woven with Tragedy and Love
Danielle Steel’s personal life has been as intriguing as her novels. She married Claude-Eric Lazard at the age of 18 and gave birth to their daughter, Beatrix. The marriage ended in separation in 1972. During this time, she met Danny Zugelder, an inmate in a California prison, while working on a story. He moved in with Steel after his parole but returned to prison in 1974 due to robbery and rape charges. Following her divorce from Lazard in 1975, Steel married Zugelder in the prison canteen. Unfortunately, this relationship was marred by multiple miscarriages, leading to their divorce in 1978.
Steel’s third marriage was to William George Toth in 1978, and she was pregnant with their child, Nick. However, this marriage also met its end in March 1981. Her fourth and relatively long-lasting marriage was to vintner John Traina in 1981, during which he adopted her son Nick. Together, they welcomed five children into the world, forming a large and close-knit family. Steel’s dedication to her children often meant writing at night, surviving on a mere four hours of sleep. However, even this marriage eventually ended in divorce in 1995.
Over the years, Steel married a fifth time, this time to Silicon Valley financier Thomas James Perkins. This union lasted for four years before coming to an end in 2002. Steel’s life has been marked by her determination to protect her children from the prying eyes of tabloids, resulting in her avoidance of interviews and public appearances.
Literary Legacy and Contributions of Danielle Steel
Despite the “formulaic” nature of her novels, Danielle Steel’s works continue to captivate readers around the world. Her books often revolve around characters facing crises that threaten their relationships. These stories explore a myriad of life’s challenges, including illness, death, loss, family crises, and complex relationships. Some critics argue that her popular storylines are drawn from her own life experiences.
In recent years, Steel’s writing has evolved, with her heroines becoming stronger and more assertive, unafraid to seek the respect and attention they deserve. She has also ventured into more suspenseful plots, breaking away from her traditional romance-centric narratives.
Steel’s writing process is meticulous and time-consuming, with each book taking two to three years to complete. She is known for juggling multiple projects simultaneously, spending extensive periods crafting her stories on her beloved Olympia SG1 standard typewriters.
Philanthropy and Awards of Danielle Steel
Danielle Steel’s contributions extend beyond the realm of literature. She has been honored with numerous awards, including induction into the California Hall of Fame, a “Distinguished Service in Mental Health Award” (the first time awarded to a non-physician), and the “Outstanding Achievement Award” for her work with adolescents. Her dedication to children’s mental health led her to found the Nick Traina Foundation, which funds organizations addressing mental accessibility issues. She also established the Yo Angel Foundation to assist the homeless.
Adaptations and the Future
Danielle Steel’s literary success has transcended the written word, with twenty-two of her books adapted for television, two of which received Golden Globe nominations. Her captivating stories have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, with her novels being considered for film adaptations. Steel’s enduring popularity and unwavering fan base have solidified her legacy in the world of literature.
Conclusion
Danielle Steel’s journey from a young writer with dreams to a literary icon has been nothing short of remarkable. Her ability to weave captivating tales of love, family, and human relationships has touched the hearts of millions around the globe. Beyond her literary contributions, her philanthropic efforts demonstrate her commitment to making a difference in the world. As we continue to immerse ourselves in the pages of her novels, we eagerly await the next chapter in the life and career of this prolific and beloved author.