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Laurell HamiltonAmerican writer of horror stories with elements of fantasy and erotica.
Date of Birth: 19.02.1963
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early Life and Family
Laurel K. Hamilton was born on February 19, 1963, in Heber Springs, Arkansas, but grew up in Sims, Indiana. Within months of her birth, her father abandoned the family, leaving Laurel with her mother, Susie Kline. When Laurel was six years old, her mother died in a car accident on her way home from work. Hamilton states that her mother's death was preventable as she was not wearing a seatbelt.
Childhood and Adolescence
After her mother's death, Laurel moved in with her grandmother. There is some uncertainty surrounding the men who lived with her during this time. According to Hamilton, "my mother's death, being raised by my grandmother, and being raised in a house of no men – those are the three things that made me what I am." However, another account suggests that her grandfather also lived with them and was physically abusive towards her grandmother, but affectionate towards Laurel. Hamilton has reflected, "That's why I create monsters. The same man who helped me catch butterflies and catch frogs was beating up my grandmother. But I loved him, and he loved me. So there's this unity and disunity of tenderness and brutality."
Education and Career
Hamilton attended Marion College in Indiana, where she earned degrees in biology and English literature. During her time at college, she met and married Harry Hamilton. She began writing her early books and short stories as a hobby while working for Xerox.
Writing Career
Hamilton's writing career took off after the publication of her first Anita Blake novel, "Guilty Pleasures," in 1993. The series follows Anita Blake, a vampire hunter who possesses the ability to awaken the dead and other supernatural abilities. The Anita Blake books have become a bestseller and have spawned numerous sequels. Hamilton has also written other series, including the "Merry Gentry" novels and "Stark Trek" novelizations.
Personal Life
Hamilton currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband. She is an avid animal lover and has three pugs and a large number of tropical fish. Prior to becoming a successful author, she worked at an animal shelter. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to volunteer for animal welfare organizations.
