Lee Child is a name that is synonymous with the bestselling books in the Jack Reacher series. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into over 40 languages. But who is the man behind the iconic character of Jack Reacher? In this article, we will delve into the story of Lee Child and uncover the real person behind the books.
Lee Child, whose real name is Jim Grant, was born in Coventry, England in 1954. He grew up in a small village in Birmingham, where his family owned a few pubs. As a child, he was an avid reader and spent most of his free time devouring books from the local library. He also had a keen interest in music and wanted to become a rock star when he grew up.
After completing his education, Child landed a job as a production manager for Granada Television in Manchester. However, the job did not fulfill him creatively, and he soon quit to start a new career as a writer. His first attempt at writing was a novel called “Killing Floor,” which he wrote under the pen name Lee Child. The novel, which was published in 1997, introduced readers to Jack Reacher, a former military police officer turned drifter.
The success of “Killing Floor” paved the way for a series of books featuring Jack Reacher as the protagonist. Child’s writing style, which is fast-paced and action-packed, gained him a large following, and his books became instant bestsellers. His books have been praised for their intricate plots, vivid characterizations, and the raw intensity of Reacher’s actions.
When asked about the inspiration behind the character of Jack Reacher, Child reveals that the idea came to him while he was on vacation in the United States. He saw a man hitchhiking and wondered what would happen if that man turned out to be a dangerous ex-military cop. That thought sparked the creation of Jack Reacher, a character who is a man of few words but possesses incredible skills and a strong moral code.
Child’s writing process is heavily influenced by his background in television. He approaches each book as if it were a season of a TV show, with a beginning, middle, and end. He also takes inspiration from real-world events and incorporates them into his books. For example, in “Make Me,” Reacher investigates a small town where everyone seems to be hiding a dark secret, a concept that was inspired by a real-life incident where a town in Wyoming mysteriously disappeared.
Apart from writing, Child is also known for his charity work. In 2008, he and his brother formed the “Grant Family Charitable Trust,” which supports multiple causes, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the International Thriller Writers’ Organization.
In 2012, Child stepped down from his role as president of the Mystery Writers of America, where he had been an active member for many years. He also served as chairman of the Crime Writers’ Association in the UK. Child has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including multiple Anthony and Barry Awards and a Diamond Dagger for Lifetime Achievement from the Crime Writers’ Association.
In 2018, Child handed over the writing reins of the Jack Reacher series to his brother Andrew Grant, who now writes under the pen name Andrew Child. However, Lee Child continues to be involved in the series as an executive producer and collaborates with his brother on the outlines and plots for the books.
In conclusion, Lee Child’s journey from an unhappy production manager to a bestselling author is a testament to his determination and passion for writing. His books have entertained and captivated readers for over two decades, and his legacy will continue to live on through the iconic character of Jack Reacher. It’s safe to say that Child’s decision to pick up a pen and start writing has changed the literary world forever.