What does it take to be the bestselling author alive? Danielle Steel opens up about typewriters, 20-hour workdays, and the secret side of her no one knows.
- Danielle Steel’s 185th novel, Spy, came out on November 26.
- Steel, who has been writing novels on the same typewriter since she was 19 years old, has sold over 800 million copies and is the bestselling author alive.
- In this candid Q&A, Steel opens up about her legendary career, her beloved brood of nine children, and the secret side of her no one knows.
The events of Danielle Steel’s life read like a modern-day fairy tale. Or perhaps they read like the plot of one of her own bestselling books—sagas about ordinary people whose lives turn sharply in the direction of adventure.
After her first book, Steel’s next five books didn’t sell—but the sixth one did. “I always say to young people who are writing: If I had quit after three, I wouldn’t have the career I have today,” Steel says.
She adds that as much as her jet-setting life seems glamorous, there’s also an isolation that accompanies literary fame.
I got hooked on writing books. I love it. Now, it’s my dream job. I can’t think of another job I’d enjoy as much. Writing books makes you more interested in people’s problems, because we all have those problems. It doesn’t matter who you are—you’re subject to the same worries and problems and illnesses and losses.
I try to be in my office by 8 every day. If I’m in San Francisco, I meet with my staff. If I’m not working on a book, I answer emails, work on an outline, do research. I pretty much stay at my desk all day. I eat at my desk, which I’m sure is very unhealthy and uncivilized. If I am working on a book and haven’t had a chance to write that day, I usually start writing around 8 pm and go until about 3 am. But if I start writing in the morning, whenever that is, I’ll start on the book and keep going through the day. I work on average, 20 hours a day. Sometimes 22. Occasionally 24. And then whatever time of day it is, I sleep for four hours, then I go back to the book. I think my body is used to it.
So, after 179 books, you’re still not satisfied?
185 books.
Sorry, 185 books. Will you ever be able to rest?
I hope not. I can do that when I’m dead.
Article by Elena Nicolaou.
