If you are a fan of young adult fantasy novels, chances are you have heard of Cassandra Clare. She is the author of the best-selling series The Mortal Instruments, which follows the adventures of a group of teenage demon hunters in a hidden world of magic and danger. But how much do you know about the woman behind the books? In this article, we will explore Cassandra Clare’s life, career, and net worth, and find out what makes her one of the most successful and influential writers of our time.
Early Life and Education
Cassandra Clare was born Judith Rumelt on July 27, 1973, in Tehran, Iran. Her father, Richard Rumelt, was a business professor, and her mother, Elizabeth Rumelt, was a travel agent. Cassandra grew up in a multicultural family, as her father was American and her mother was Iranian. She also has a brother, who is a novelist and game designer.
Cassandra spent her childhood traveling around the world with her family, living in France, England, Switzerland, and the United States. She developed a love for reading and writing at an early age and was especially drawn to fantasy and science fiction genres. She attended high school in Los Angeles, where she befriended future author Holly Black, who would later become her collaborator and friend.
Cassandra went on to study English at Barnard College, a liberal arts college for women in New York City. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995 and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment journalism. She worked for various magazines and newspapers, covering topics such as Hollywood, celebrities, and pop culture.
Writing Career and Achievements
Cassandra’s writing career began in the late 1990s when she started posting fan fiction online under the pen name Cassandra Claire. She wrote stories based on popular books and movies, such as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars. She gained a large following of readers, who praised her for her witty and imaginative style.
In 2004, Cassandra decided to write her original novel, inspired by her love for urban fantasy and mythology. She came up with the idea of The Mortal Instruments, a series about a hidden world of Shadowhunters, who are half-human, half-angel warriors who protect the world from demons and other supernatural creatures. She also created a rich and complex universe, with different races, cultures, histories, and magic systems.
Cassandra’s debut novel, City of Bones, was published in 2007 and became an instant hit. It received rave reviews from critics and readers alike and was nominated for several awards, including the Locus Award, the British Book Award, and the ALA Teens’ Top Ten. It also topped the New York Times bestseller list and sold millions of copies worldwide.
Cassandra followed up with five more books in The Mortal Instruments series, which concluded in 2014. The series has been translated into more than 35 languages, and has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. It has also spawned several spin-off series, such as The Infernal Devices, The Dark Artifices, The Las Hours, and The Eldest Curses, as well as companion books, graphic novels, and short stories. Cassandra has also co-written other series with other authors, such as The Magisterium with Holly Black, and The Bane Chronicles and Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy with various writers.
Cassandra’s books have also been adapted into other media, such as film and television. In 2013, a movie based on City of Bones was released, starring Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Robert Sheehan. However, the movie was a commercial and critical flop, and the planned sequel was canceled. In 2016, a TV show based on The Mortal Instruments was launched, titled Shadowhunters. The show was more successful than the movie, and ran for three seasons, ending in 2019. The show starred Katherine McNamara, Dominic Sherwood, and Harry Shum Jr., and won several awards, including the GLAAD Media Award, the People’s Choice Award, and the Teen Choice Award.
Cassandra is currently working on her next series, The Wicked Powers, which will be the final installment in The Shadowhunter Chronicles. She is also involved in other projects, such as a video game, a musical, and a web series, based on her books. She is also an active supporter of various charities and causes, such as the Trevor Project, the Malala Fund, and the ACLU.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Cassandra is married to Joshua Lewis, a writer and literary critic. They met in college and tied the knot in 2007. They live in Amherst, Massachusetts, with their three cats. Cassandra is bisexual and has been open about her sexuality and her support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Cassandra is one of the richest and most successful authors in the world, with a net worth of $8 million. She earns her wealth from the sales of her books, royalties, and adaptations of her works. She also owns several properties, such as a penthouse in New York City, and a mansion in Massachusetts.
Cassandra Clare is a remarkable writer, who has created a phenomenal legacy in the fantasy genre. She has inspired millions of readers with her stories, characters, and themes, and has influenced a generation of writers and artists. She is truly the queen of fantasy, and we can’t wait to see what she will do next.
