Alan Dean Foster

Date of Birth: November 18, 1946

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Biography

Alan Dean Foster is a prolific American writer known primarily for his science fiction and fantasy novels. Born in New York City, Foster grew up in Los Angeles, California. He attended UCLA, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master of Fine Arts in Cinema. Foster’s writing career began in the early 1970s with his novel “The Tar-Aiym Krang,” part of the Humanx Commonwealth series. Foster has written numerous original works, but he is perhaps best known for his novelizations of popular films, including “Star Wars,” “Alien,” and “Star Trek.” His ability to expand on existing universes while staying true to the original material has made him a favorite among fans of these franchises. Over the years, Foster has also written short stories, essays, and articles, contributing to a variety of publications. In addition to his writing, Foster is an avid traveler, having explored regions such as the Antarctic, the Amazon, and various parts of Africa and Asia. His adventures often inspire elements of his stories, contributing to the rich and diverse settings found in his novels.

5 Interesting Facts about Alan Dean Foster

1. Alan Dean Foster wrote the first ever “Star Wars” novel, “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye,” which was published in 1978.

2. He has written more than 130 books, spanning various genres including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and adventure.

3. Foster has traveled to more than 100 countries, and his experiences often influence the exotic settings in his novels.

4. His novelization of “Alien” was so well-received that it led to him writing the novelizations for the entire “Alien” series.

5. Foster has also written under pseudonyms, including “James Lawson” for his novel “Shadowkeep.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alan Dean Foster

1. “The thing about science fiction is that it’s always about the future, but it’s always written in the present.”

2. “Writing is a solitary occupation. Family, friends, and society are the natural enemies of the writer. He must be alone, uninterrupted, and slightly savage if he is to sustain and complete an undertaking.”

3. “I write what I would like to read. That’s really all the qualification you need.”

4. “A good book is the best of friends, the same today and forever.”

5. “Imagination is the key to my writing. Most of what you read in my books is a product of my own fantasy world.”