Not much information is available on Steel's personal life. Most of it concentrates on the professional aspect. Born in August of 1947 in New York City, Steel began her career in the earrly 1970's by writing ad copy and publishing poems in women's magazines. Her first romance novel was published in 1973. Her second, published in 1979, became a best seller and has launched a string of successes.
Danielle Steel recently had her 53rd novel published. Steel has also written children's and nonfiction books. She has written the "Max and Martha" series for young reades. These are a series of ten illustrated books that deal with real issues in a child's life, such as the loss of a grandparent, a new stepfather or a new sibling. In addition to the, she has also written the "Freddie" books, a series of four books dealing with important issues to a child, such as the first visit to a doctor or the first night away from Mom.
Daniele Steel's nonfiction books include Having A Baby and a volume of love poems. Her book His Bright Light, about the son she lost to manic depression when he was 19, became an immediate bestseller.
Twenty-one of Steel's 53 novels have been adapted as television movies, earning two Golden Globe nominations. Since 1981, she has been a permanent fixture on the New York Times hardcover and paperback best seller list. In 1988, she received an award from Guiness Book for having at least one of her books on the best seller list for 381 consecutive weeks. Guiness was a bit premature; at least one of Danielle Steel's novels has been on the best seller list for 390 consecutive weeks. Her books are read by men and women, young and old, in 28 different languages in 47 countries.
Ms. Steel is also concerned with the prevention of child abuse and proper treatment of animals. She has done several television and radio ads for children's rights and is the spokeswoman for the American Humane Association.
Ms. Steel maintains a high interest in the well-being of children; she has raised nine of her own. She lives a quiet, simple life, jugglind children and career, and spends most of her time writing.
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