Ruby M. Ayres Biography
Ruby Mildred Ayres (28 January 1881 – 14 November 1955) was a British romance novelist, celebrated as one of the most popular and prolific romantic writers of the early 20th century. Born in Watford, Hertfordshire, she was the third daughter of Charles Pryor Ayres, a London-based architect, and his wife Alice (née Whitford).
Ayres began writing at a young age and claimed to have been expelled from school at 15 for penning an "advanced love story." Her first story was published shortly after her marriage to insurance broker Reginald William Pocock in 1909. She debuted her first novel, Castles in Spain, in 1912, and gained significant popularity with Richard Chatterton, V.C. in 1915, which sold over 50,000 copies in its first three years.
Throughout her career, Ayres authored over 135 novels, many serialized in newspapers like the Daily Chronicle and the Daily Mirror. Several of her works were adapted into films, and she also contributed to screenwriting. Despite personal tragedies, including the death of her husband in a train accident in the 1940s, Ayres continued to write prolifically until her death in Weybridge, Surrey, in 1955.
Trivia About Ruby M. Ayres
- Ayres reportedly wrote between 15,000 to 20,000 words a day, showcasing her remarkable productivity.
- She has been cited as a possible inspiration for P.G. Wodehouse's fictional romance novelist Rosie M. Banks.
- Her novels have sold over eight million copies worldwide, reflecting her widespread popularity.
- Ayres wrote serials for prominent newspapers, including the Daily Chronicle and the Daily Mirror.
Famous Quotes by Ruby M. Ayres
- "I begin each new book by first setting the price. Then I fix the title. Then I write the book."
- "Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Ruby M. Ayres?
Ruby M. Ayres was a British romance novelist, renowned for her prolific output of over 135 novels in the early 20th century.
What are some of Ruby M. Ayres' notable works?
Some of her notable works include Castles in Spain (1912), Richard Chatterton, V.C. (1915), and The Second Honeymoon (1918).
Did Ruby M. Ayres' works receive adaptations?
Yes, several of her novels were adapted into films, and she also contributed to screenwriting for motion pictures in the United States and England.
Related Literary Movements
Ruby M. Ayres' work is associated with early 20th-century romantic fiction, characterized by its focus on love, relationships, and societal norms of the time. Her prolific writing contributed significantly to the popularity of romance novels in that era.
Ruby M. Ayres books
Title | Published |
---|---|
The Second Honeymoon | 1930 |
The Beggar Man | |
The Phantom Lover | 1921 |
A Bachelor Husband | 1920 |
Other authors you may like
[[Ethel M. Dell]] | [[Barbara Cartland]] |
[[Georgette Heyer]] | [[Mazo de la Roche]] |