Danielle Steel

Danielle Steel[7†]

Danielle Steel, born August 14, 1947, in NYC, is an American writer celebrated for her romance novels. With 190 books, including 140 novels, she's sold over 800 million copies worldwide, making her a bestselling author. Despite criticism, all her novels have been bestsellers, often revolving around affluent families in turmoil. Her works have been translated into 43 languages, with 22 adapted for television, garnering two Golden Globe nominations[1†][2†].

Early Years and Education

Danielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Steel was born on August 14, 1947, in New York City[2†][3†]. She was the only child of Norma da Câmara Stone dos Reis and John Schulein-Steel[2†][3†]. After her parents divorced, she was raised primarily by relatives and family employees in Paris and New York City[2†][3†].

From a young age, Steel developed a love for writing. She started writing stories as a child, and by her late teens, she had begun writing poetry[2†]. This passion for literature would become a defining aspect of her life and career[2†].

Steel completed her schooling from the Lycée Français de New York in 1963[2†][4†]. After graduating, she went on to study literature design and fashion design, first at Parsons School of Design and then at New York University[2†][3†][4†]. However, illness prevented her from finishing her studies[2†].

Despite the challenges she faced, Steel’s early years and education laid the foundation for her future success as a writer. Her experiences during this time not only shaped her worldview but also influenced her writing style and the themes she would explore in her novels[2†][3†].

Career Development and Achievements

Danielle Steel’s career began while she was still attending New York University. She completed her first manuscript at the age of 19[1†]. She worked for a public relations agency in New York called Supergirls, and a client, Ladies’ Home Journal editor John Mack Carter, encouraged her to focus on writing[1†].

Steel’s first novel, “Going Home,” was published in 1973 but sold only moderately well[1†][2†]. However, her fourth novel, “The Promise” (1978), was an instant bestseller[1†][2†]. This marked the beginning of her successful career as a romance novelist[1†][2†].

Based in California for most of her career, Steel has produced several books a year, often juggling up to five projects at once[1†]. Despite a lack of critical acclaim, all of her novels have been bestsellers, including those issued in hardback[1†]. Her books often involve rich families facing a crisis, threatened by dark elements such as prison, fraud, blackmail, and suicide[1†][2†][1†].

As of 2021, she has written 190 books, including over 140 novels[1†][2†][1†]. Her works have been translated into 43 languages, with 22 adapted for television, including two that have received Golden Globe nominations[1†][2†][1†].

Steel’s 75th novel, “One Day at a Time,” was published in 2009, at which time she had more than 500 million books in print[1†][2†]. Several of her works also became popular television movies, including “Kaleidoscope” (1990), “Jewels” (1992), “Mixed Blessings” (1995), and “Safe Harbour” (2007)[2†].

First Publication of Her Main Works

Danielle Steel’s writing career began with her first novel, “Going Home”, which was published in 1973[2†]. However, it was only moderately successful[2†]. Her subsequent works gained more recognition and became bestsellers. Here are some of her early works:

• “Going Home” (1973)[2†][5†][2†]
• “Passion’s Promise / Golden Moments” (1976)[2†][5†][6†]
• “Now and Forever” (1977)[2†][5†][6†]
• “The Promise” (1977)[2†][5†][6†]
• “Season of Passion” (1979)[2†][5†][6†]
• “Summer’s End” (1979)[2†][5†][6†]
• “The Ring” (1980)[2†][5†][6†]
• “Palomino” (1981)[2†][5†][6†]
• “To Love Again” (1981)[2†][5†][6†]

Each of these novels contributed to Steel’s reputation as a prolific romance novelist. Her books often involve rich families facing crises, threatened by dark elements such as prison, fraud, blackmail, and suicide[1†]. Despite a lack of critical acclaim, all of her novels have been bestsellers[2†][1†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Danielle Steel’s work is characterized by her ability to write honestly about “the things that hurt us or scare us” while always giving her characters “safe harbor” and her readers "a sense of hope"[7†]. This approach has resonated with millions of readers worldwide, contributing to her status as one of the best-selling authors of all time[7†][8†][9†].

Steel’s novels often involve rich families facing crises, threatened by dark elements such as prison, fraud, blackmail, and suicide[7†][8†]. Despite a lack of critical acclaim, all of her novels have been bestsellers[7†][8†][9†]. Her books have been translated into 43 languages, with 22 adapted for television, including two that have received Golden Globe nominations[7†][8†].

Steel’s work ethic is also noteworthy. She is known to work for at least 20 hours a day, with a full 24-hour day a few times a month[7†][8†][9†]. This intense dedication to her craft is reflected in her prolific output, with up to seven books published in a year[7†][8†][9†].

However, some critics have questioned the sustainability of such a demanding schedule and the impact on her productivity[7†][8†][9†]. Despite these concerns, Steel’s enduring popularity and the consistent demand for her novels suggest that her approach has been successful[8†][9†].

Personal Life

Danielle Steel has led a rich and eventful personal life, which has been marked by multiple marriages and a large, blended family[10†]. She has been married five times[10†][11†][10†]. Her first marriage took place when she was just 18 years old[10†]. Despite the challenges in her personal life, she has raised nine children, seven of whom are biological, and two step-children[10†][1†].

Steel’s personal life has often mirrored the romantic narratives she crafts in her novels. With two proposals on Valentine’s Day and five marriages, her life has been as eventful as the lives of her characters[10†][12†]. She splits her time between San Francisco, where she owns a $10 million-dollar mansion, and her Paris apartment[10†][12†].

In addition to her successful writing career, Steel has made significant contributions to society through her foundations. She has two foundations, which raise money for child abuse prevention and mental illness[10†][12†].

Despite the ups and downs, Steel has remained resilient, channeling her experiences into her writing and philanthropic efforts. Her personal life, like her professional one, is a testament to her strength and determination[11†][10†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Danielle Steel’s legacy is one of prolific writing, with over 190 books to her name[13†]. Her novels, often centered around romance and family, have touched the hearts of millions of readers worldwide[13†]. Despite the lack of critical acclaim, her works have consistently been bestsellers, demonstrating her ability to connect with readers on a deep level[13†].

One of her notable works, “Legacy”, is a testament to her storytelling prowess. This compelling, centuries-spanning novel brilliantly interweaves the lives of two women—a writer working in the heart of modern academia and a daring young Sioux Indian on an incredible journey in the eighteenth century[13†][14†][15†]. The result is an unforgettable story of courage in the face of the unknown[13†][14†][15†].

Steel’s work extends beyond her novels. She has also made significant contributions to society through her foundations, which raise money for child abuse prevention and mental illness. This shows her commitment to using her platform to make a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, Danielle Steel’s legacy is not just about her bestselling novels, but also about her impact on society. Her works have provided comfort and entertainment to millions of readers, and her philanthropic efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of many. She is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit[13†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Danielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Steel[1†][2†]
• Born: August 14, 1947, New York City, New York, U.S.[1†][2†]
• Nationality: American[1†][2†]
• Occupation: Novelist[1†][2†]
• Notable Works: Danielle Steel has written 190 books, including over 140 novels[1†]. Some of her notable works include “Beauchamp Hall”, “His Bright Light”, “Lost and Found”, and "The Apartment"[1†][2†].
• Notable Achievements: Danielle Steel is the bestselling living author and one of the best-selling fiction authors of all time, with over 800 million copies sold[1†]. She has produced several books a year, often juggling up to five projects at once[1†]. All of her novels have been bestsellers, including those issued in hardback[1†]. Her books have been translated into 43 languages, with 22 adapted for television, including two that have received Golden Globe nominations[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Danielle Steel [website] - link
2. Britannica - Danielle Steel: American writer [website] - link
3. The Famous People - Danielle Steel Biography [website] - link
4. Wealthy Persons - Danielle Steel Net Worth 2024: Age, Height, Weight, Husband, Kids, Bio-Wiki [website] - link
5. Book Series - Danielle Steel Books In Publication & Chronological Order [website] - link
6. Hooked to Books - The Complete List of Danielle Steel Books in Order [website] - link
7. Harvard Business Review - Life’s Work: An Interview with Danielle Steel [website] - link
8. The Guardian - Is it possible to work 22-hour days? Danielle Steel says it is the secret of her success [website] - link
9. The Guardian - Danielle Steel works 20 hours a day, but is that to be envied? [website] - link
10. PennBookCenter.com - What Is Danielle Steel Net Worth: Wiki, Bio 06/12/2024 [website] - link
11. SunSigns - Danielle Steel Biography, Life, Interesting Facts [website] - link
12. Forbes - Danielle Steel [website] - link
13. Goodreads - Book: Legacy [website] - link
14. Penguin Random House Canada - Legacy by Danielle Steel [website] - link
15. Google Books - Legacy: A Novel - Danielle Steel [website] - link