Buzz
The authors of our childhood often occupy a cherished spot in our memories, sometimes even elevated to idol status. This compilation delves into ten remarkable figures, revealing lesser-known anecdotes. Did you know one of your adored authors was bisexual? Or that another would flee their workspace at the sight of visitors? We even explore the behind-the-scenes tensions on the set of Mary Poppins! Prepare to have your admiration for these authors deepened—or perhaps shaken—by these revelations.
10. From Poultry to the Land of Oz
Did you know? L. Frank Baum’s literary journey began with a book dedicated to poultry farming
The Book of the Hamburgs: A Brief Treatise upon the Mating, Rearing, and Management of the Different Varieties of Hamburgs. This incredibly lengthy title was entirely dedicated to chickens—quite the riveting subject. Published in 1886, it was penned by none other than L. Frank Baum, the celebrated author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. At thirty, Baum found himself immersed in the trendy world of breeding fancy poultry.
Hamburgs—the central theme of Baum’s book—were both rare and highly prized. Baum considered himself an authority on the breed, and his affection for chickens was undeniable. Prior to this publication, he edited a monthly trade journal focused solely on poultry. It wasn’t until 1900 that Oz, the work that would cement his legacy, would emerge.
Although Baum kept chickens out of Oz initially, his enthusiasm eventually surfaced: in the sequel, Ozma of Oz, he swapped Toto the dog for Billina the chicken, who later settles in the Emerald City adorned with a pearl necklace gifted by the King of Ev.
9. From Laughter to Chills
Fact: R. L. Stine was once a humorist before becoming a master of scares
Before his name became iconic in the realm of youth horror through the Goosebumps series, Stine was known as Jovial Bob Stine, a comedic writer and creator of children’s jokes. He authored whimsical tales, joke books, and even launched a humor magazine. This early comedic background likely contributed to his knack for blending humor with horror, a skill that has helped him sell close to half a billion books.
While Stine’s jokes are surprisingly hard to find online, reviews of his comedy books on Amazon suggest his humor might not have been as strong as his horror. If you’ve come across any of his jokes or own one of his comedy books, we’d love for you to share a few in the comments.
8. Days of Leisure
Fact: E. B. White had no desire to work in an office.
E. B. White was perfectly happy submitting his manuscripts to The New Yorker, but the magazine insisted on having him join their team. It took months of persuasion to get him to visit, and even longer to convince him to work there. Eventually, he agreed but made it clear he preferred to avoid the office. The editors compromised, and White agreed to come in just once a week.
This weekly routine shaped White’s entire relationship with The New Yorker. He wrote his pieces, showed up every Thursday, and bolted for the fire escape whenever an unfamiliar face entered the office. In his spare time, he crafted stories for children. His first children’s book, Stuart Little, was published in 1945.
7. The Integrity of Journalism
Fact: Neil Gaiman abandoned journalism due to his disdain for newspapers fabricating stories and facing no consequences.
The British press has, at times, been notorious for lying, deceiving, and even creating fictional stories. (Of course, American media outlets like Fox News would never engage in such practices.) Gaiman initially pursued a career in journalism, conducting interviews and writing reviews and articles for various publications. However, he grew disillusioned with the rampant fabrication in newspapers and chose to leave the field entirely. Instead, he turned to crafting his own stories, writing iconic comic books like The Sandman.
6. The Adventurer
Fact: Roald Dahl served as a spy and was a celebrated flying ace during World War II.
Roald Dahl, the beloved author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was more than just a storyteller—he was a real-life action hero. Despite his unassuming appearance, Dahl once single-handedly engaged six enemy planes in combat. In another mission, he played a key role in destroying twenty-two German aircraft. As a Wing Commander and a certified flying ace, his military career was cut short only when he was medically discharged from the Royal Air Force.
But his wartime contributions didn’t stop there. Dahl was dispatched to the US with a team of elite operatives to counter isolationist sentiments among prominent Americans. Britain was determined to bring the US into the war, and Dahl and his team ensured that those opposed to the idea received a clear message. In essence, it wasn’t just Pearl Harbor that drew the US into the war—it was also the influence of the man who later created the Oompa Loompas.
5. A Hidden Identity
Fact: Carolyn Keene is a fictional name, not an actual person.
While Carolyn Keene’s name graces every Nancy Drew book, the series is actually the work of multiple authors. Carolyn Keene is simply a pseudonym, a strategic marketing tool to maintain a consistent byline. Each writer who contributed to the series was contractually obligated to surrender all rights to their work to the Stratemeyer Syndicate, the entity responsible for the Nancy Drew books. In the early days, authors were paid a modest $125 per book.
4. Conflict Over Mary Poppins
Fact: P. L. Travers and Walt Disney had a far from amicable relationship.
P. L. Travers was deeply dissatisfied with Disney’s adaptation of her book Mary Poppins. She disapproved of the music, criticized the watered-down portrayal of the main character, and saw no reason for the inclusion of animated scenes. Despite her vocal objections, her concerns were largely ignored.
Travers wasn’t even invited to the film’s premiere and had to plead with Walt Disney for entry. After viewing the movie, she didn’t hold back her criticisms. Disney, however, dismissed her, stating it was too late for any alterations. Travers subsequently refused to let Disney adapt any more of her works—a decision that seemed prudent, considering Disney’s reputation for ruining everything it touches and corrupting children.
3. Enchanted Stories
Fact: Hans Christian Andersen was romantically inclined toward both genders.
Andersen, though passionate, was unlucky in love. He adored women but also harbored deep affections for men. While his fairy tales are celebrated for their simplicity, his personal life was far more complex, embodying both the hero and the vulnerable. Many believe his Little Mermaid—heavily altered by Disney—was, in fact, a love letter to his own experiences.
Andersen’s affections were vast, extending to both women and men. Yet, despite his deep capacity for love, he received little in return. His tall, awkward demeanor made him unappealing to women, while men were often unable to reciprocate his feelings. In his fifties, he may have shared a brief, intimate connection with a young dancer, but it was fleeting. Andersen spent much of his life yearning for love that never fully materialized.
He carried to his grave a letter from a girl he had adored in his youth. Tragically, the man who gifted the world so many joyous conclusions never experienced one himself.
2. The Man Behind Peter Pan
Fact: J. M. Barrie often pretended to be his deceased brother.
At just six years old, J. M. Barrie lost his brother David in an ice-skating accident. The tragedy devastated their mother, as David had been her favorite child and died two days before his fourteenth birthday. To comfort her, young Barrie began imitating his late brother. He wore David’s clothes, mimicked his walk, and even learned to whistle like him.
Barrie’s mother eventually found solace, though not because of his efforts. She clung to the idea that David would remain eternally young, a boy who would never age. This concept resonated deeply with Barrie, inspiring him to create his own timeless character: Michael Jackson.
1. C. S. Lewis and His Friend’s Mother
Fact: C. S. Lewis had a complicated relationship with his deceased friend’s mother.
The story began with a solemn promise: Lewis and his friend, Paddy Moore, pledged to look after each other’s families if tragedy struck. With World War I raging, both men braced for the worst. When Paddy fell in battle, Lewis honored their pact without hesitation.
Rumors swirled that Lewis went beyond the terms of the agreement. He shared an unusually close bond with Paddy’s mother, Jane King Moore, who was 26 years his senior. Despite the age gap, Lewis grew deeply attached to her. While neither openly acknowledged the nature of their relationship, those around them sensed there was more to it.
