10 Things You Didn't Know About Daniel Handler

Daniel Handler, best known as Lemony Snicket, author of A Series of Unfortunate Events, has revolutionized the way people write fiction and nonfiction prose over his career. Despite being so well-known, there things that some of his fans might not know about him. We’ve compiled a list of 10 general, yet interesting facts, that people might not know about Daniel Handler. Check them out below!

1. An affinity for writing is all in the family

Daniel Handler is distantly related to renowned 20th-century author Hugh Walpole. Walpole was an English novelist who encouraged young, talented writers to pursue writing as a serious career. Perhaps that spirit lives on in Handler today.

2. Handler is a San Francisco native

Handler is a San Francisco native, having been born and raised there. And after a brief stint in the northeast, he is currently residing there with his family.

3. He often works with illustrators and artists for his books and novels

Many of Handlers works, like Hurry Up and Wait and The Composer is Dead, are illustrated. He collaborates with many illustrators, one of which is his wife, to bring his stories to life and give them even more depth.

4. Daniel Handler has even cameoed as the Pope

Lemony Snicket isn’t his only foray into writing under a different name. Handler wrote, How to Dress for Every Occasion under the guise of the Pope. That’s right - the head of the Catholic Church.

5. Handler had not found instant success until A Series of Unfortunate Events

When his first novel did not perform as well as hoped, Handler transitioned into writing children’s novels under the name Lemony Snicket. The story resonated with young audiences and became an overnight sensation. That success has only increased with each passing year, as the novels have been adapted into an acclaimed movie and award-winning TV show.

6. The Basic Eight was initially rejected by publishers

Speaking of Handler’s first novel, Handler did not have an easy time starting out. The Basic Eight was rejected by a number of published due to its dark subject matter. Those publishers are probably kicking themselves now that they know how much success Daniel Handler has gained since his early years.

7. Handler is an accomplished musician

When Daniel Handler isn’t writing, he dabbles in music. He has played the accordion in several bands and projects and even has several albums available for download.

8. He married his college sweetheart

Handler is married to popular illustrator Lisa Brown, who he met in college. They live together in San Francisco with their son, Otto.

9. He’s tried his hand at being a playwright

Daniel Handler not only writes books and short stories, but he has also dabbled in writing plays. His play, “Imaginary Comforts, or The Story of The Ghost of The Dead Rabbit”, gained reasonable success and was performed at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre.

10. Handler contributed to the Netflix show based on his book series

Even though A Series of Unfortunate Events is over, Daniel Handler’s involvement surely isn’t. When the book series was developed into a show for Netflix, Handler contributed more than the character and the plot. He also wrote the lyrics to the show's theme song, which varied with each episode.

So, when you’re watching it, be sure to listen carefully!

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