Born Judith Rumelt in Tehran in 1973, Cassandra Clare emerged as a prominent figure in young adult speculative fiction through her extensive Shadowhunter Chronicles. Before her debut novel, she navigated a career in journalism and entertainment media in Los Angeles and New York City, eventually pivoting to professional authorship with the publication of her first fantasy title in 2007.
Early Background and Education
The daughter of Richard Rumelt and Elizabeth, Clare spent a peripatetic childhood traveling through Switzerland, England, and France. She attended Barnard College and later pursued a career in the media sector. Her professional history includes editorial roles at publications like The Hollywood Reporter, providing her with industry experience prior to her transition into full-time creative writing.
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Clare gained recognition with The Mortal Instruments series, initiated by the 2007 release of City of Bones. The franchise expanded significantly, encompassing multiple trilogies including The Infernal Devices and The Dark Artifices, alongside collaborative short story collections such as The Bane Chronicles. The narratives follow the lives of shadowhunters in contemporary and Victorian settings, often utilizing the urban landscape of Manhattan or Los Angeles as a backdrop. Her works have seen adaptations in film and television, notably the 2013 motion picture produced by Constantin Film and a multi-season series airing from 2016.
Legal and Professional Challenges
Clare faced significant controversy during her early writing career regarding allegations of plagiarism during her time active in online fan fiction communities. In 2001, she was removed from FanFiction.Net following a review of her work, The Draco Trilogy. Later, she was involved in a legal dispute with author Sherrilyn Kenyon, who alleged copyright infringement regarding character concepts and branding. That lawsuit concluded with an out-of-court settlement after the primary claims were removed.
Fast facts
- Born: 27 July 1973, Tehran
- Education: Barnard College
- Field: Speculative fiction
- Notable series: The Mortal Instruments
- Spouse: Joshua Lewis
- Religion: Judaism
- Citizenship: United States and Iran
Questions readers ask
What is the primary setting for The Mortal Instruments?
The series is primarily set in an urban fantasy version of Manhattan.
Did Clare work in journalism before writing novels?
Yes, she worked for various entertainment magazines and tabloids, including The Hollywood Reporter.
