Date of Birth: December 5, 1936
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Biography
James Lee Burke is an American author best known for his mystery novels, particularly the Dave Robicheaux series. Burke’s work is celebrated for its lyrical prose, complex characters, and vivid descriptions of the American South. Born in Houston, Texas, Burke has spent much of his life in Louisiana and Montana, places that frequently serve as settings in his novels. He earned a B.A. in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and an M.F.A. from the University of Missouri. Burke’s career as a writer took off later in life, after he had worked various jobs, including as a social worker, a landman for Sinclair Oil Company, and a college professor. His first novel, “Half of Paradise,” was published in 1965, but it wasn’t until the late 1980s that he gained widespread recognition with “The Neon Rain,” the first book in the Dave Robicheaux series.
5 Interesting Facts about James Lee Burke
1. James Lee Burke’s first novel, “Half of Paradise,” was published in 1965, but it wasn’t until 1987 that he achieved significant success with “The Neon Rain.”
2. He has won the Edgar Award for Best Novel twice, once for “Black Cherry Blues” in 1990 and again for “Cimarron Rose” in 1998.
3. Burke’s novels often explore themes of social justice, morality, and the human condition, influenced by his diverse life experiences.
4. Several of his books have been adapted into films, including “Heaven’s Prisoners” and “In the Electric Mist.”
5. Despite facing numerous rejections early in his career, Burke persisted and became a highly respected and successful author.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Lee Burke
1. “Every rejection is incremental payment on your dues that in some way will be translated back into your work.”
2. “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
3. “There’s nothing like rejection to make you do an inventory of yourself.”
4. “We learn from failure, not from success!”
5. “If you want to write, you write. The only way to learn to write is by writing.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
James Lee Burke’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
James Lee Burke has four children. His daughter, Alafair Burke, is also a successful author known for her crime novels.
Relevant Links
1. [James Lee Burke’s Official Website](https://jamesleeburke.com/
2. [James Lee Burke’s Goodreads Page](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/41997.James_Lee_Burke
3. [James Lee Burke’s IMDb Page](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0121647/
4. [James Lee Burke’s Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/JamesLeeBurkeAuthor/
