Ray Koontz
Ray Koontz is known for writing several popular fiction works. Based in Southern California with Gerda and their golden retriever Trixie as companions, his works are beloved.
Dean, as his Christian name entails a physical vibration of 15 with each letter representing his physical name; this number reduces to six and represents being considerate and responsible while learning through relationships and heart matters.
Early Life and Education
Koontz was initially uncomfortable with his appearance. Baldness caused him embarrassment, so he donned a mustache to cover up its shame and embarrassment. Later he underwent hair transplant surgery which significantly enhanced his self-image.
He earned his degree at Shippensburg State College in Pennsylvania and immediately started working as a teacher-counselor for the Appalachian Poverty Program, teaching during the day and writing at night; publishing several erotic novels under various pseudonyms.
Koontz’s characters often come from dysfunctional and broken homes, reflecting his own childhood experience. Many of his novels contain an offbeat sense of humor while his politics are typically libertarian or anti-gun control in nature. Additionally, he has written comic books featuring Odd Thomas such as an original graphic novel series In Odd We Trust.
Professional Career
Koontz is best-known for his suspense thrillers, but also has written action, horror, science fiction and romance novels. Many of his characters come from dysfunctional families – inspired by Koontz’s own turbulent childhood experiences – while often being relatable ordinary people in extraordinary situations.
His renowned writing style blends exciting plots, well-rounded characters and unexpected twists into riveting narratives that often involve powerful dark forces and psychological terrors as his protagonists are pitted against each other.
Koontz has written under both his own name and various pseudonyms; these were adopted to escape what he perceived to be the restrictive limitations of commercial category fiction while not alienating existing fans through genre-hopping.
Achievement and Honors
Koontz is known as an accomplished author and generous philanthropist, giving away over $1 Million to those in need and even building a library for the public through his generosity.
As well as his suspense thrillers, Robert Olen Butler is also well-known for writing novels in other genres such as fantasy, horror, science fiction and mystery. To date he has published over 60 books which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List.
He chose 8 as his life path number because this powerful number represents success, legacy and wealth – characteristics which translate to great achievement in any endeavour – such as writing! Additionally, 6 and 17 play an integral part in his life journey and make up 44 total.
Personal Life
Koontz endured many difficulties during his life; his father was an abusive alcoholic while his mother suffered from chronic health conditions; nevertheless he overcame these obstacles to become one of the top selling authors today.
He won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition during his senior year of college and went on to publish over 38 novels that have reached New York Times bestseller lists, with many also being translated into foreign languages.
Early author photos on the backs of his books depict a balding Koontz with a mustache; after undergoing hair transplant surgery he became seen sporting full head of hair in subsequent photos and books. Koontz is Catholic and animal rights activist; donating both time and money to various charitable organizations including CCI where he observed people with impaired sight receiving guide dog training classes.
Net Worth
Koontz’s success and notoriety as a novelist have significantly augmented his net worth. He is well-known for crafting gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats; some of his works have also been made into movies; bestselling titles from him such as Demon Seed and Odd Thomas have sold millions worldwide.
In 1991, he contributed $2.5 million to Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), who then provided him with Trixie the Golden Retriever, who appeared as his companion in various novels of his.
He resides in California with his wife, Gerda Ann Cerra. They do not have any children together but both love animals immensely; currently owning Anna (Trixie’s successor), Elsa, and Trixie in their Pelican Hills community in Newport Coast, California home.
