British Author and Jockey, Dick Francis, Author Biographies

There is a story that Dick Francis leaned how to ride a donkey at the tender age of five. He collected his “first riders fee” when his older brother bet him a sixpence that he could not jump a fence while sitting backward on the donkey.

Dick (Richard) Francis was born on October 31, 1920, in the village of Lawreny, Pembrokeshire, Southwest Wales, the son of a Jockey and stable manager. As a child, he always loved horses and loved to ride. When he was 15, wanting nothing more than to become a jockey, and with poor grades and school attendance, Francis dropped out of school. In 1938, he became a trainer.

During World War II, Dick wanted to join the cavalry but wound up in the Royal Air Force. He was stationed in the Egyptain desert. He became a fighter pilot and flew Lancasters, Wellingtons and Spitfires.

In 1945, Dick met Mary Margaret Benchley, a stage manager and publisher’s reader. Mary says it was love at first sight. They married almost two years later in London. They have two sons, Felix and Merrick.

After fulfilling his enlistment with the RAF, Dick worked as a steeplechase trainer’s assistant and a jockey for two years.

At age 28, Dick turned professional and won over 350 races. He rode Queen Elizabeth’s (the Queen Mother) horses for Cazalet, the royal trainer. He was a champion jockey in the 1953-1954 season. He was forced to retired at age 36 after he was injured in a particularly bad fall.

In 1963, Francis’ first book, ‘Dead Cert,’ was published. He went on to publish over 40 more suspense novels. Most of Francis’s novels revolve around the horse industry. He got many of his story ideas while traveling the racing circuit.

In 1968, Francis’ autobiography was published. This brought him high acclaim and a 16 year gig as racing correspondent for the ‘Sunday Express.’ In 1984, Queen Elizabeth named him to the Order of the British Empire and in 2000 named him Commander.

In 1992, Francis and Mary moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Because of her health and his many injuries, they were searching for gentler winter climates. Later they moved to Grand Cayman. Mary died in 2000.

There are those who believe, and it is rumored that Mary was the true author of the Dick Francis novels. After all, Mary, they claim, was the educated one. It is said that originally Francis wanted Mary to be named coauthor. Their sons say their parents worked together. What ever the truth, Mary claims that she did much of the research and editing, only.

Dick Franicis, 89 years old, transitioned on February 14, 2010, at his Caribbean home in Grand Cayman. He is survived by his sons, five grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Felix has written the last four books with his father. He stated, “I very much hope I can continue the tradition. There will be future Dick Francis books because it is a brand.”

Books by Dick Francis:

Series:

Sid Hadley

Odds Against (1965)

Whip Hand (1979)

Come to Grief (1995)

(2006)

Odds Against, Whip Hand, Come to Grief (omnibus) (2002)

Kit Fielding

Break In (1985)

Bolt (1986)

Break In, Bolt (omnibus) (2003)

Stand Alone Novels:

(1962)

Nerve (1964)

For Kicks (1965)

Flying Finish (1966)

Blood Sport (1966)

Forfeit (1968)

Enquiry (1969)

Slay Ride (1970)

Rat Race (1970)

Bonecrack (1971)

Smokescreen (1972)

Knockdown (1974)

High Stakes (1975)

In the Frame (1976)

Risk (1977)

Trial Run (1978)

Reflex (1980)

Twice Shy (1981)

Banker (1982)

The Danger (1983)

Proof (1984)

Hot Money (1987)

The Edge (1988)

Straight (1989)

Longshot (1990)

Comeback (1991)

Driving Force (1992)

Decider (1993)

Wild Horses (1994)

To the Hilt (1996)

10 lb. Penalty (1997)

Second Wind (1999)

Shattered (2000)

Dead Heat2007) (w/Felix Francis)

Silks (2008) (w/Felix Francis)

Crossfire (2010) (w/ Felix Francis)

Collections

Field if 13 (1998)

Non Fiction

The Sport of Queens: The Autobiography of Dick Francis (1968)

Racing Man’s Bedside Book (1969) (w/John Welcome)

Lester (1986)

Jockey’s Life: The Biography of Lester Piggott (1986)

Catherine Coulter, Author Biographies

Catherine Coulter has two distinct genres that she loves writing. If you enjoy romance, she writes both historical and contemporary romances. For those that like contemporary mysteries she writes some very intense FBI suspense novels with unexpected plot twists. She says that writing in such totally differe

nt genres keeps her from burn out.

Catherine was born Jean Catherine Coulter on December 26,1942, and was raised on a horse ranch

in Texas. She hales from an artistic family. Her father being an artist and singer and her mother a concert pianist. Her grandmother, however, was a writer.

While growing up, Catherine loved reading the novels of Georgette Heyer (1902 - 1974), creator of the Regency England genre of romance novels. As a young teenager, Catherine wrote two unpublished, 15 page romances.

Catherine earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas where she enjoyed writing poetry. She went onto Boston College where she earned her Master’s degree in early Nineteenth Century European History with emphasis on the Napoleonic period.

After college, Catherine began her career as a speech writer for a large Wall Street firm. Challenged by her husband, a then medical student, she began another career as a gothic romance writer.

Catherine Coulter first appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list in 1988 for her book, ‘Moonspun Magic.’ Her books have appeared on the list numerous times since then.

Catherine is married to physician, Dr. Anton Pogany. They live in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. She loves watching professional football, working out, reading, skiing and travel. Another love, her two cats.

Catherine says, “If you can support yourself with your writing and feed your cats, the rest is gravy.”

Series:

Historical Regency Romances

The Rebel Bride (1979)

Lord Deverill’s Heir (1980)

Lord Harry’s Folly (1980)

The Generous Earl (1981)

The Countess (1999)

Baron Series

An Honorable Offer (1981)

An Intimate Deception (1983)

The Deception (1998)

Devil’s Duology

(1982)

Devil's Daughter (1985)

Medieval Song

Chandra (1984)

Fire Song (1985)

Earth Song (1990)

Secret Song (1991)

Rosehaven (1996)

The Penwyth Curse (2002)

Star Quartet

Sweet Surender (1984)

Midnight Star (1986)

Wild Star (1986)

Jade Star (1987)

Magic Trilogy

Midsummer Magic (1987)

Calypso Magic (1988)

Moonspun Magic (1988)

Night Trilogy

Night Fire (1989)

Night Shadow (1989)

Night Storm (1990)

Viking Era

Season of the Sun (1991)

Lord of Hawkfell Island (1993)

Lord of Raven’s Peak (1994)

Lord of Falcon Ridge (1995)

Bride

The Sherbrooke Bride (Bride Series) (1992)

The Hellion Bride (1992)

The Heiress Bride (1993)

Mad Jack (1999)

The Courtship (2000)

The Scottish Bride (2001)

Pendragon (2001)

The Sherbrooke Twins (Bride Series) (2004)

(2005)

Wizard’s Daughter (2007)

The Bride Trilogy: The Heiress Bride / The Hellion Bride / The Sherbrooke Bride (omnibus) (1995)

Pendragon / Sherbrooke Twins / Lyon’s Gate (omnibus) (2008)

Legacy Trilogy

The Wyndham Legacy (1994)

The Nightingale Legacy (1994)

The Valentine Legacy (Legacy Series) (1995)

FBI Thriller

(1996)

The Maze (1997)

The Target (1998)

The edge (1999)

Riptide (2000)

Hemlock Bay (2001)

Eleventh Hour (2002)

Blind Side (2003)

Blowout (2004)

Point Blank (2005)

Double Take (2005)

Tailspin (2008)

Knockout (2009)

Whiplash (An FBI Thriller) (2010)

Te Beginning (omnibus) (2005)

Double Jeopardy: The Target / The Edge (omnibus) (2008)

The Autumn Countess (1979)

Aftershocks (1985)

The Aristocrat (1986)

Afterglow (1987)

False Pretenses (1988)

Impulse (1990)

Beyond Eden (1992)

Born to be Wild (2006)

Robert Crais, Author biographies

Robert Crais is serious and passionate about his writing. He has been called easygoing and affable with much charm and cool. He says it took him 15 years and many rejection notices later, to become ‘an overnight success.’

Robert Crais was born on June 20,1953, in Baton rouge, Louisiana. He hales from a long line of blue collar workers and police officers. He was trained as a mechanical engineer with dreams of being a writer.

For Robert Crais, Los Angeles has lived up to its promise of being ‘the city of dreams.’ He moved there in 1976,

to pursue a career writing. He got a job collaborating on television shows and pilots. Robert says of all the shows he worked on, Cagney and Lacey was his favorite.

While writing for television, Robert wrote two novels, both he recognizes, were terrible and unpublishable. Even so, he says that his disposition is more suited for writing novels. He left television in the mid 80’s to pursue writing full time.

Robert says the writers that inspired him the most in his teen years were the mystery masters, Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, Ross Macdonald, Robert B. Parker and Archie Goodwin. He says he especially likes Raymond Chandler’s Marlowe character.

In his books, Robert hits on many of societies issues. He says, “Victimization ticks me off...When people are not allowed or are in some way prevented from achieving a fullness in their lives. Assholes piss me off.”

While the wit of his earlier books is still there, he has delved into the darker side with a greater degree of cynicism. Robert calls himself a method writer. He has said, “Thematically, again and again, my books are about people who are trying to be better than they have been.”

Robert likes to write short stories, and in fact, published a volume of short stories. These days, he says while he doesn’t rule out writing more short stories, because he writes very slow, he really doesn’t feel that he has enough time.

In 2005, Roberts book, Hostage, was made into a television movie starring Bruce Willis. Robert sold the film rights to his novel, ‘Demolition Angel,’ and is writing the screenplay. While he has worked on screenplays in the past, this is the first time he has adapted his own work.

At this point, Robert says he has no desire to sell the rights to his book series characters, Elvis Cole or Joe Pike.

Robert still likes to stay physically active and is an aerobatic pilot, gourmet cook and backpacker. He and his wife, Pat, share their home, in California, with several fat cats, in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Books by Robert Crais:

Series:

Elvis Cole:

(1987)

Stalking the Rainbow (1988)

Lullaby Town (1992)

Free Fall (1993)

Voodoo River (1995)

Sunset Express (1996)

Indigo Slam: An Elvis Cole Novel (1997)

L.A. Requiem (1999)

The Last Detective (2003)

The Forgotten Man (2005)

Chasing Darkness: An Elvis Cole Novel (Elvis Cole Novels) (2008)

Omnibus:

Three Great Novels 1: The Early Years (2001)

Three Great Novels 2: (2002)

Robert Crais CD Collection 3: Voodoo River, Sunset Express, Indigo Slam (Elvis Cole) (2005)

Joe Pike:

The Watchman (2007)

(2010)

Novels:

Demolition Angel (2000)

Hostage (2001)

(2006)

Short Stories:

Weigh Station (1982)

Robert Ludlum, Author Biographies

At an early age, Robert Ludlum started working on the Broadway stage as both an actor and, later on, a producer. He jokes that since the good actors were drafted in the armed forces, he had no trouble finding acting jobs. He also served in the U.S. Marines as a soldier, from 1945 through 1947.

Robert was a television star in the 1950s, starring in as many as 200 dramas. He was a producer at the North Jersey Playhouse in 1957 and opened the Playhouse-on-the-Mall in Paramus in 1960. It is estimated that he wrote 300 stage productions.

Robert Ludlum was born on May 25,1927, in New York City, New York, but spent most of his childhood in New Jersey. His father, George Hartford Ludlum, a business man, died when Robert was only seven years old.

Robert was educated both privately and at the Cheshire Academy, Connecticut. He participated in high school plays even though he really wanted to be a football quarterback.

Robert earned his B.A. in 1951, from Wesleyan University in Middleton Connecticut. Robert and actress, Mary Ryducha, married in 1951, and had three children. In the 1970s, they bought a farmhouse in Long Island and a second home in Florida.

Although Robert Ludlum was a ‘closet writer’ for many years, it wasn’t until he was 40 years old that, getting bored with show business, he started writing his first novel. To support his family during this time, he did voice overs.

Roberts first novel, ‘The Scarlatti Inheritance,’ was published in 1971, after ten rejections, and became an immediate best seller. He says everyone has a story to tell, so this novel was easy for him to write. The second novel was more difficult.

Robert writes violent, fast paced books. It is said of his writing, “He captures the imagination of his readers from the first pages and keeps them absorbed in the story.”

He died on March 12, 2001. A ghost writer has continued his work. This note appeared with ‘The Tristan Betrayal,’ “Since his death, the Estate of Robert Ludlum has worked with a carefully selected author and editor to prepare and edit this work for publication.”

Books by Robert Ludlum:

Series:

Road To:

The Road to Gandolfo (1975) (as Michael Shepherd)

The Road to Omaha (1992)

Matarese Dynasty:

(1979)

The Matarese Countdown (1997)

Bourne:

The Bourne Identity (Bourne Trilogy, Book 1) (1980)

The Bourne Supremacy (1986)

The Bourne Ultimatum (1990)

The Bourne Legacy (2004) (w/Eric Van Lustbader)

The Bourne Betrayal (2007) (w/Eric Van Lustbader)

The Bourne Sanction (2008) (w/Eric Van Lustbader)

Robert Ludlum's (TM) The Bourne Deception (2009) (w/Eric Van Lustbader)

The Bourne Objective (2010) (w/Eric Van Lustbader)

The Bourne Reality (2011) ( w/Eric Van Lustbader)

The Bourne Trilogy (omnibus) (2003)

The Second Bourne Trilogy (omnibus) (2009) (w/Eric Van Lustbader)

Covert-One

The Hades Factor (2000) (w/Gayle Lynds)

The Cassandra Compact (2001) (w/Phillip Shelby)

The Paris Option (2002) (w/Gayle Lynds)

Robert Ludlum's The Altman Code: A Covert-One Novel (2003) (w/Gayle Lynds)

The Lazarus Vendetta (2004) (w/Patrick Larkin)

The Moscow Vector (2005) (w/Keith Farrell, Patrick Larkin)

The Arctic Event (2007) (w/James H. Cobb)

The Infinity Affair (2009) (w/James H. Cobbs)

Stand Alone Novels:

The Scarlatti Inheritance (1970)

The Osterman Weekend (1972)

The Matlock Paper (1973)

Trevayne (1973) (as Jonathan Ryder)

The Cry of the Halidon (1974) (as Jonathan Ryder)

The Rhinemann Exchange (1974) (as Jonathan Ryder)

The Gemini Contenders (1976)

The Chancellor Manuscript (1977)

The Holcroft Covenant (1978)

The Parsifal Mosaic (1982)

The Aquitaine Progression (1984)

The Icarus Agenda (1988)

The Scorpio Illusion (1993)

The Apocalypse Watch (1995)

The Prometheus Deception (2000)

The Sigma Protocol (2001)

The Janson Directive (2002)

The Tristan Betrayal (2003)

The Amber Warning (2005)

(2006)

John Irving, Author Biographies

John Irving was born John Wallace Blunt, Jr., on March 2, 1942, in Exeter, New Hampshire. His father was serving as an airman stationed in the Pacific. John never did meet his father.

John’s parents were divorced when he was only two years old. When his mother married Colin Irving in 1948, Colin adopted John. His mother changed his name to John Winslow Irving. Winslow was her maiden name.

John lived with his grandmother, in a large old house, until he was six years old when his mother remarried. When he was growing up, he was a moody and aloof child and that house provided many places where he could get off by himself. He said that no adult would talk to him about his father. So, in his mind, he demonized his father.

John says that it was when he was almost 40 years old and in the process of a divorce from his first wife, that his mother gave him a packet of letters that his father had written in 1943. This is when he found out that his dad had wanted contact with him. By this time his father had already died.

John had his first novel, ‘Setting Free the Bees,’ published when he was only 26 years old. In 1972, after his second

novel was published, he was appointed Writer-in-Residence at the University of Iowa. While there John received a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.

It was in 1976 that he moved to Massachusetts to become Assistant Professor of English at Mount Holyoke College. He served as Writer-in-Residence at the Bread Loaf Writers Conference.

It wasn’t until 1978, when ‘The World According to Garp,’ was published, that John Irving was catapulted onto the ‘Best Seller’ realm. All his books since then have been best sellers. His later works have been compared to the work of Charles Dickens.

It has been said that John often uses the literary technique of a story within a story and he uses it masterfully. A few his novels have a character who is a writer. John Irving is considered one of the best novelists in modern literature. He is a master storyteller and comic genius of our age.

John had been active in wrestling while he was growing up and in college. In the 1980s, he coached wresting at prep schools all while he continued his writing.

In 1999, John wrote the screenplay for his novel, ‘Cider House Rules,’ and ultimately won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Since then he has continued to adapt his works into motion pictures.

John is known for is strong opinions and is anticensorship. John says, “If you feel so strongly about what’s on television, don’t have one. If you feel so strongly about people having abortions, don’t have one. But, we are a country that likes to be punitive. We want to restrict. It is a kind of religious fervor run amok.”

In 1987, John Irving John married his literary agent, Janet Turnbull. They live in Toronto and Southern Vermont. John has two sons.

Books by John Irving:

Novels:

Setting Free the Beas (1968)

The Water-Method Man (1972)

The 154-Pound Marriage (1974)

(1974)

The Hotel New Hampshire (19810

(1985)

A Prayer for Owen Meany (Modern Library) (1988)

A Son of the Circus (1994)

A Widow for One Year (1998)

(2001)

Until I Find You (2005)

Last Night in Twisted River: A Novel (2009)

Omnibus:

3 by Irving (1980)

Three Complete Novels (1995)

Collections:

Trying to Save Piggy Sneed (1993)

Picture Books:

A Sound Like Someone Trying Not to Make a Sound (2004)

Non Fiction:

The Imaginary Girlfriend (Ballantine Reader's Circle) (1996)

My Movie Business: A Memoir (1999)