Author. The name "Andre Norton" was the pseudonym for science fiction author Mary Alice Norton, who was known as “the Grand Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy”. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, her plans to be a history teacher were cut by the Great Depression. She began working as a librarian in Cleveland and had her first book, “The Prince Commands”, published in 1934 at the age of 22, using the pen name “Andre Norton” because she thought a male sounding name would increase sales in her genre. She wrote eight more novels while working at the library, before leaving for Maryland to open “Mystery House” a bookstore. Although this business venture failed, she got a job with the Library of Congress and became a proofreader for Gnome Press. Norton began writing full-time in 1958. Her most famous writings were the “Witch World” series which began in 1963. She won many awards during her long career, including the Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer’s Association in 1977 (The first woman to win this award) and the Nebula Grand Master’s Award (1984). She was also honored by having an award named for her to be presented to new novelists in her genre beginning in 2006. She moved to Tennessee in 1996 and began a research library for authors interested in fantasy and science fiction writing. She died in Murfreesboro, Tennessee just before her last novel, “The Hands of Scorpio” was to be released.
Author. The name "Andre Norton" was the pseudonym for science fiction author Mary Alice Norton, who was known as “the Grand Dame of Science Fiction and Fantasy”. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, her plans to be a history teacher were cut by the Great Depression. She began working as a librarian in Cleveland and had her first book, “The Prince Commands”, published in 1934 at the age of 22, using the pen name “Andre Norton” because she thought a male sounding name would increase sales in her genre. She wrote eight more novels while working at the library, before leaving for Maryland to open “Mystery House” a bookstore. Although this business venture failed, she got a job with the Library of Congress and became a proofreader for Gnome Press. Norton began writing full-time in 1958. Her most famous writings were the “Witch World” series which began in 1963. She won many awards during her long career, including the Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer’s Association in 1977 (The first woman to win this award) and the Nebula Grand Master’s Award (1984). She was also honored by having an award named for her to be presented to new novelists in her genre beginning in 2006. She moved to Tennessee in 1996 and began a research library for authors interested in fantasy and science fiction writing. She died in Murfreesboro, Tennessee just before her last novel, “The Hands of Scorpio” was to be released.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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