Diana Wynne Jones

Date of Birth: August 16, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: March 26, 2011

Biography

Diana Wynne Jones was an acclaimed British writer, particularly noted for her contributions to fantasy literature for children and young adults. Born in London on August 16, 1934, Jones spent her early childhood moving frequently due to World War II. She attended St Anne’s College, Oxford, where she studied English under the tutelage of notable authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, experiences that deeply influenced her writing. Jones published her first novel, “Changeover,” in 1970, but it was her 1977 novel “Charmed Life” that brought her widespread recognition. This book was the first in her renowned “Chrestomanci” series, which would go on to become a cornerstone of her literary legacy. Over her career, Jones authored more than 40 books, including “Howl’s Moving Castle,” which was later adapted into a popular animated film by Studio Ghibli. Her writing is celebrated for its imaginative plots, complex characters, and the seamless blending of the fantastical with the mundane. Jones received numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize in 1978 and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature in 1999. Jones continued to write and contribute to the literary world until her death on March 26, 2011, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to enchant readers of all ages.

5 Interesting Facts about Diana Wynne Jones

1. Diana Wynne Jones was tutored by both J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis while attending Oxford University.

2. Her novel “Howl’s Moving Castle” was adapted into an acclaimed animated film by Studio Ghibli in 2004.

3. She wrote over 40 books throughout her career, including several series such as “Chrestomanci” and “Dalemark Quartet.”

4. Jones received numerous literary awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award.

5. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a battle with lung cancer, she continued writing until shortly before her death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Diana Wynne Jones

1. “Fantasy for me as a writer is not so much a matter of choosing to write about dragons rather than spaceships; it’s a matter of choosing to write about the human condition in a certain way.”

2. “I think one of the reasons I write is because I was never listened to as a child. I was always being told to shut up.”

3. “It seems to me that anyone whose library consists of a Kindle lying on a table is some sort of bloodless nerd.”

4. “There are no happy endings because nothing ends.”

5. “Writers are not here to conform. We are here to challenge, to question, to explore, and to reveal.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Diana Wynne Jones was estimated to be around $5 million at the peak of her career.

Children

Diana Wynne Jones had three children: Richard, Michael, and Colin Burrow. All three have pursued various professions, and they often reflect on the creativity and inspiration their mother brought into their lives.