Kathleen Thompson Norris

Kathleen Thompson Norris

Kathleen Thompson Norris
1880 -1966

Kathleen Thompson Norris Biography

Kathleen Thompson Norris (July 16, 1880 – January 18, 1966) was a prominent American novelist and newspaper columnist, recognized as one of the most widely read and highest-paid female writers in the United States from 1911 to 1959. Born in San Francisco, California, she was the daughter of James Alden Thompson, a bank manager, and Josephine Moroney. Following the deaths of her parents in 1899, Norris took on various jobs to support her siblings, including working at a hardware store and the Mechanics Institute Library.

           

In 1909, she married Charles Gilman Norris, an editor and writer, and the brother of novelist Frank Norris. Kathleen Norris began her writing career with short stories and gained significant attention with her first novel, Mother (1911), which became a bestseller. Over her prolific career, she authored 93 novels, many of which were serialized in magazines before being published in book form. Her works often explored themes of romance, family dynamics, and societal issues, resonating with a broad audience.

           

Some of her notable works include The Rich Mrs. Burgoyne (1912), Saturday's Child (1914), The Story of Julia Page (1915), and Sisters (1921). Norris's storytelling and relatable characters contributed to her widespread popularity during the early 20th century. She passed away on January 18, 1966, in San Francisco, leaving behind a legacy as a significant figure in American literature.

           

Trivia About Kathleen Thompson Norris

  • Norris was a regular contributor to leading magazines such as Atlantic Monthly and Ladies' Home Journal.
  • She was a pioneer of serialization, with many of her novels appearing in magazines before book publication.
  • Her husband, Charles Gilman Norris, was also a novelist, and the couple often supported each other's literary careers.
  • Norris's works were translated into several languages, expanding her readership internationally.
           

Famous Quotes by Kathleen Thompson Norris

  • "Just the knowledge that a good book is waiting at the end of a long day makes that day happier."
  • "In the business of life, man is the active partner, woman the passive partner."
           

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Kathleen Thompson Norris?

Kathleen Thompson Norris was an American novelist and newspaper columnist, known for her popular novels and short stories that often explored themes of romance and family life.

           

What are some of her most famous works?

Some of her notable works include Mother (1911), Saturday's Child (1914), and Sisters (1921).

           

How many novels did she write?

Kathleen Thompson Norris wrote 93 novels during her career.

           

Related Literary Movements

Norris's work is associated with early 20th-century American literature, focusing on domestic realism and exploring the lives and challenges of women during that era. Her stories often highlighted societal expectations and the evolving roles of women in the early 1900s.

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