Date of Birth: February 10, 1953
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Biography
John Shirley is an American author known for his work in the genres of science fiction, horror, and cyberpunk. Born in Houston, Texas, Shirley has been a prolific writer since the late 1970s. He is considered one of the pioneers of the cyberpunk subgenre, contributing to its development alongside other notable authors like William Gibson and Bruce Sterling. Beyond his novels, Shirley has written numerous short stories, screenplays, and lyrics for bands. His works often explore themes of dystopia, technology, and the human condition, making him a significant voice in speculative fiction. Shirley’s first novel, “Transmaniacon,” was published in 1979, and he quickly followed it with other influential works such as “City Come A-Walkin’” and “Eclipse.” He has also written for television, including episodes for “The Real Ghostbusters” and “Deep Space Nine.” In addition to his writing, Shirley has been involved in the music scene, contributing lyrics to the Blue Öyster Cult and collaborating with various musicians.
5 Interesting Facts about John Shirley
1. John Shirley is often credited with coining the term “cyberpunk,” although it was popularized by other authors in the genre.
2. He has written over 50 novels and more than 100 short stories.
3. Besides his writing career, Shirley has been a vocalist for several punk bands.
4. He won the Bram Stoker Award for his horror novel “Demons” in 2002.
5. Shirley’s work has been adapted into films, including the screenplay for “The Crow,” which became a cult classic.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Shirley
1. “Writing is not just a job. It helps me to realize myself.”
2. “The future is always a little terrifying, but it’s also where all the possibilities lie.”
3. “I write about the dark side because it’s there, and it’s a part of us. To ignore it is to be incomplete.”
4. “Technology is a tool. It’s how we use it that determines its value.”
5. “In the end, all storytelling is about the human experience, no matter how fantastical the setting.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
$2 million (estimated at the peak of his career)
Children
John Shirley has three children: twins Byron and Perry Shirley, and a daughter, Tessa Shirley.
Relevant Links
1. [John Shirley’s Official Website](http://www.darkecho.com/JohnShirley/
2. [John Shirley’s Goodreads Profile](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11707.John_Shirley
4. [John Shirley’s Profile on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0795090/
