The 1995 novel Practical Magic served as the foundation for a broad media franchise, including a 1998 feature film adaptation. Alice Hoffman, a United States novelist, writer, and screenwriter, emerged as a significant voice in contemporary literature, often incorporating elements of magic realism, irony, and non-traditional relationships into her extensive body of work.
Formative Years and Education
Born in 1952 in New York City, Hoffman spent her formative years on Long Island. She attended Valley Stream North High School, graduating in 1969. She subsequently earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Adelphi University. Her academic pursuits in creative writing led her to Stanford University, where she served as a Mirrielees Fellow between 1973 and 1974, eventually obtaining a Master of Arts degree.
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During her time at Stanford, the literary magazine Fiction published her inaugural short story, 'At the Drive-In.' This caught the attention of editor Ted Solotaroff, who prompted her to pursue a novel-length project. Her debut, 'Property Of,' was released in 1977 through Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Prior to her full-time writing career, she held a professional position at Doubleday, a company that later published two of her novels.
Screenwriting and Notable Works
Beyond her prose, Hoffman has contributed to cinema as a screenwriter, notably for the 1983 film 'Independence Day.' Her bibliography spans various audiences, ranging from children’s books like 'Moondog'—co-authored with her son Wolfe Martin—to young adult titles such as 'Green Angel' and 'Aquamarine.' In 2019, she released 'The World That We Knew,' a narrative inspired by the history of 'hidden children' during World War II. Her 2020 prequel 'Magic Lessons' further expanded the 'Practical Magic' series by detailing the life of the family matriarch, Maria Owens.
Legacy and Health Advocacy
Hoffman resides in Boston. Following her treatment for breast cancer at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, she assisted in establishing the Hoffman Breast Center at the facility. In 2015, she donated her personal literary archives to Adelphi University, ensuring her records remain at her alma mater. Her work continues to garner recognition, including the 1992 Hammett Prize for her novel 'Turtle Moon' and the New Jersey Notable Book Award for 'Ice Queen.'
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, New York City
- Education: Adelphi University; Stanford University
- Notable Award: Hammett Prize (1992)
- Residence: Boston
- Screenwriting debut: Independence Day (1983)
- Archive location: Adelphi University
- Languages: English
Questions readers ask
What is the inspiration behind The World That We Knew?
The novel was inspired by a story shared by a fan at a book signing regarding 'hidden children' who were protected by non-Jewish families during World War II.
Which institution houses Hoffman's professional archives?
In 2015, Hoffman donated her archives to Adelphi University, where she had previously completed her undergraduate studies.
Achievements
- Hammett Prize — 1992
- Genres: magic realism and romance
