Dean Koontz Biography and Quotes

Famously Known For

Dean Koontz is an accomplished American author. Most of his literary work has a suspense thriller feel to it, and also includes elements of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. A good number of his books have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list.

He has written and published over a hundred and five novels and has a record sale of more than 45 million copies of his works sold.

Early Life

Koontz was born in Everett, Pennsylvania, to Florence and Raymond Koontz. Growing up, Koontz indicates that he was often abused by his alcoholic father who significantly shaped his writings. Additionally, the courage that his small-sized mother had for standing up against his father also influenced his writing.

Dean Koontz undertook his university education at the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated from in 1967.

Personal Life

While in college, Koontz converted to Catholicism, and his religious stand has always been part of his writing. 

He is married to Gerda Ann Cerra.

Career

After graduating in 1967, Koontz’s first employment was as a teacher at Mechanicsburg High School. His first novel, Star Quest, published in 1968, was written during Koont’s spare time as a teacher. 

In 1970, Koontz shifted to horror fiction novels using his real name and others using pen names. He opted to use pen names because most editors convinced him that authors that focused on different genres found it challenging to get new fans and also alienating the existing fans.

Koontz wrote for ten years before he finally published his breakthrough novel, Whispers, in 1980. He went on to publish other successful novels such as the Demon seed, and Strangers. 

Koontz grew up with premature baldness which he was not proud off; he underwent hair transplant surgery in the late 1990s.

Quotes by Dean Koontz

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