15 Interesting Facts About Neal Shusterman

Introduction:

When it comes to great authors, Neal Shusterman is one of the most recognizable names. He has written dozens of books over the years, many of which have been bestsellers and award winners. It’s no surprise that so many readers and fans are so interested in learning more about Neal and his works. Here are 15 interesting facts about Neal Shusterman, sure to delight his many admirers.

Fact 1: Neal Shusterman Started Writing at Age 15

The talented author began writing at a precocious age. In his teens, Neal would often write before or after school and continue for several hours at a time. These long hours paid off; at age 18, Neal sold his first novel, The Shadow Club. To this day, it remains one of his most memorable and popular works.

Fact 2: His Fascination With Writing Goes Back to Age 4

Although he didn’t start serious writing until his teenage years, Neal had an ongoing love of writing from a very young age. He remembers being just four years old and spending hours trying to make his own books and stories. His creativity and passion eventually blossomed into a successful career as an author.

Fact 3: He Enjoys Spending Time With His Family

Neal has two children—a daughter and a son—and a wife, Lisa, who have always been a big part of his life. In addition to being a successful author, Neal also takes great pride in being a parent, making time to spend with his children.

Fact 4: Neal Shusterman’s Top-Selling Book Was Dystopia-Themed

One of Neal’s most popular and highly-lauded works was a novel about a dystopian future called Unwind. This book was a huge hit, reaching number one on the New York Times Bestseller list and spawning a film adaptation.

Fact 5: He is a Member of Several Professional Organizations for Authors

Neal is a longstanding and active member of several professional organizations including the Authors Guild, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and the Mystery Writers of America. He is also a charter member of the International Thriller Writers Association.

Fact 6: He Attended High School With Saxon Bamforth

Before turning to writing novels, Neal attended high school with Saxon Bamforth. Largely due to this close connection, he ended up writing a novel titled Saxon’s Challenge that was later adapted into a television movie in 1990.

Fact 7: He Writes Novels, Short Stories, and Screenplays

Neal has an impressive portfolio of works, ranging from novels to short stories to film and television scripts. He has even written the story for some video games, such as The Netherworld.

Fact 8: He is Deeply Passionate About Education

In addition to writing, Neal is an advocate for education and promotes various literacy campaigns through his social media accounts, website, and speaking engagements.

Fact 9: Neal Shusterman Was the First Young Adult Author to Win the National Book Award

In 2019, Neal became the first ever young adult author to win the prestigious National Book Award for his dystopian novel The Schwa Was Here. The book was widely praised and cemented his status as one of the best authors in the industry.

Fact 10: The Characters in His Books Are Based on Real People

Neal often draws inspiration for his characters from real people, many of whom are people he knows in real life. His vivid and entertaining characters bring his stories to life, and readers know that their favorite characters have some basis in reality.

Fact 11: He Has Been Nominated for Numerous Literary Awards

Neal is an incredibly decorated author. He had been nominated multiple times for the Newberry Honor Award, the Margaret A. Edwards Award, and the National Book Award, and has even won the Schneider Family Book Award on three separate occasions.

Fact 12: He Has Collaborated With Others

In addition to writing solo, Neal has also collaborated with other authors to produce stories. For example, he co-wrote a horror novel titled Fistful of Heathers with his son Jarrod, which was published in 2012.

Fact 13: He Teaches Writing Classes

Neal is a popular teacher, giving writing classes at different schools and at various events across the United States. He has taught at places such as the American Library Association and many other places across the US.

Fact 14: Neal Shusterman is an Activist for Teen Empowerment

Neal is also a fierce advocate for teenage empowerment, often participating in events and speaking engagements that focus on this topic. He firmly believes that young adults should be given an opportunity to have their voices heard and make an impact on the world.

Fact 15: He Takes Inspiration From His Own Life Experience

Neal is unashamedly open about taking inspiration from his own life experiences for his works. He has written books about growing up, discussing themes such as identity and difficult family dynamics. As such, his works are often introspective and provocative.

Conclusion

Neal Shusterman is an incredibly talented author, with numerous accolades and awards and decades of experience in the writing world. With bestselling books, television shows, and plenty of awards, Neil’s name and works are sure to be remembered for years to come. From his start writing fantasy stories at the age of 4 to his current activism and successes in the literary world, Neal Shusterman remains one of fictional writing’s brightest stars.