Nora Roberts, born in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a prolific American author renowned for her extensive body of work, comprising over 225 romance novels. Under her own name, she has captivated readers with her compelling storytelling, while also writing under the pseudonyms J.D. Robb, Jill March, and Sarah Hardesty (in the U.K.). The youngest of five siblings, Nora grew up in a reading-focused household and was influenced by her time in Catholic school, where she was shaped by the discipline of the nuns.
After a brief stint as a legal secretary, where she humorously admits to being “the worst legal secretary ever,” Nora transitioned to full-time motherhood and explored various crafts. The pivotal moment in her career came during a February 1979 blizzard, when she, snowed in with her young children and a dwindling chocolate supply, turned to writing. This stormy challenge ignited her passion for storytelling, leading to the publication of her debut novel, *Irish Thoroughbred*, in 1981.
Nora met her second husband, Bruce Wilder, when she hired him to build bookshelves, and they married in July 1985. Together, they have expanded their home, traveled extensively, and even opened a bookstore. Nora’s unique perspective on the male psyche, honed from growing up as the only girl among four brothers and raising two sons, adds depth to her characters and resonates with readers.
A celebrated member of several writer groups, Nora has garnered numerous industry awards and accolades. Recently, *The New Yorker* lauded her as “America’s favorite novelist,” affirming her enduring impact on the romance genre.
