John Saul is a name synonymous with suspense and psychological thrillers. His journey to becoming a best-selling author is a compelling narrative of perseverance and talent, proving that the path to success isn’t always linear. From his early days in California to his current life split between the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii, Saul’s life experiences have subtly woven their way into his gripping novels.
Born and raised in Whittier, California, John Saul’s early life was rooted in the suburban landscape of Southern California. He graduated from Whittier High School in 1959, marking the end of his formal education in his hometown. His academic journey then took him through a series of varied collegiate experiences. He explored different paths at Antioch College in Ohio, Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, Montana State University, and San Francisco State College. His majors were as diverse as the institutions he attended, ranging from anthropology to liberal arts and theater. Despite this broad exploration of subjects, Saul never completed a degree.
Upon leaving college, John Saul faced the quintessential question of many who find themselves without a traditional career path. He decided to embrace his passion for writing, embarking on a fifteen-year period dedicated to honing his craft. During this time, while striving to pen a publishable book, Saul worked in a variety of jobs. These experiences, though seemingly unrelated to his literary aspirations, provided him with a rich tapestry of real-world knowledge. He jokingly suggests he could write extensively about the intricacies of the car-rental industry or the challenges faced by temporary office workers, drawing from his firsthand experiences. These years were productive in terms of manuscript creation, although they didn’t immediately translate into financial success. He amassed a collection of unpublished works, a testament to his dedication despite facing initial setbacks.
Eventually, John Saul’s persistence led him to a literary agent in New York. This marked a turning point, albeit a slow one initially. For several years, his agent diligently submitted Saul’s manuscripts to publishers, navigating the often-challenging world of publishing rejections. The rejections, while discouraging, were part of the process. Then, in 1976, a pivotal moment arrived. One of his manuscripts landed at Dell Publishing. While Dell wasn’t interested in that particular manuscript, they saw potential in Saul’s writing and inquired if he would consider writing a psychological thriller. Seizing the opportunity, John Saul crafted an outline and hoped for the best.
This outline proved to be the catalyst for John Saul’s breakthrough. His agent recognized the bestseller potential, a sentiment echoed by Dell Publishing. In a bold move for a debut novel by an unknown author, Dell backed “Suffer the Children” with television advertising, a then-uncommon strategy for paperback originals. This gamble paid off handsomely. Within a month of its release, “Suffer the Children” soared onto bestseller lists across the United States and reached the coveted number one spot in Canada. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary and consistent career. Remarkably, every one of John Saul’s subsequent 32 books has achieved bestseller status, and his works have been published worldwide, captivating readers across cultures and languages. While many of his earlier works were published under the Bantam/Doubleday/Dell umbrella, his later fourteen novels have been released by Ballantine/Fawcett/Columbine, demonstrating his continued success and adaptability within the publishing industry.
Beyond his prolific career as a novelist, John Saul harbors a deep appreciation for the theater. He has actively participated in theater both as an actor and a playwright. Several of his one-act plays have been staged in Los Angeles and Seattle, showcasing his dramatic writing talents beyond novels. Furthermore, two of his plays have been optioned in New York, indicating recognition within the competitive theater world. His foray into screen adaptation includes one of his novels being produced as a CBS movie by Gerber Productions Company and MGM, bringing his storytelling to a visual medium. Currently, another of his novels is in development for adaptation, suggesting continued interest in bringing his works to the screen.
John Saul’s contributions extend beyond his writing. He has served on the Expansion Arts Panel of the National Endowment for the Arts, demonstrating his commitment to supporting and fostering artistic growth within the broader arts community. He is also actively involved in nurturing emerging writers, sharing his expertise and experience as a lecturer at both the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference and the Maui Writers Conference. His dedication to the writing community was further recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Northwest Writers Conference. Adding to his philanthropic endeavors, John Saul is a trustee and Vice President of The Chester Woodruff Foundation in New York, a philanthropic organization focused on charitable giving.
Currently, John Saul divides his time between residences in the Pacific Northwest, specifically Seattle and the San Juan Islands, and a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. This geographic diversity reflects his appreciation for different environments and lifestyles. In his leisure time, he enjoys motor homing, travel, and golf, pursuits that offer relaxation and exploration beyond his writing life. He is also described as an avid reader, bridge player, and golfer, and possesses a love for cooking, indicating a well-rounded personality with diverse interests.
John Saul’s career trajectory is an inspiring example of turning a passion into a successful and enduring career. From his early struggles to his consistent bestseller status, his story resonates with aspiring writers and readers alike. His dedication to his craft, coupled with a diverse range of interests and philanthropic activities, paints a picture of a multifaceted individual who has made a significant mark on the world of thriller literature.
