15 Surprising Facts About Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments series was inspired by fanfiction.

Did you know that Cassandra Clare’s popular “The Mortal Instruments” series was actually inspired by her own fanfiction? Originally writing stories within the Harry Potter fandom, Clare eventually transformed her fanfiction into original fiction, creating one of the most beloved urban fantasy series of all time.

Cassandra Clare chose her pen name based on Victorian poet Algernon Charles Swinburne.

When it came time to choose a pen name, Cassandra Clare drew inspiration from the works of Algernon Charles Swinburne, a prominent Victorian poet. She combined “Cassandra,” the prophetess of Greek mythology, with “Clare,” the protagonist of Swinburne’s poem “Clorinda” to create her unique pen name.

She has written under multiple pseudonyms.

In addition to Cassandra Clare, the author has also written under various other pen names, including Cassandra Claire and Judith Rumelt. These different names allowed her to explore different genres and writing styles, showcasing her versatility as an author.

“City of Bones” was initially intended to be a single book.

Contrary to popular belief, the first book in “The Mortal Instruments” series, “City of Bones,” was originally meant to be a standalone novel. However, due to its immense success, Clare continued the series, eventually expanding it to six books, capturing the hearts of readers worldwide.

The Shadowhunter world extends beyond “The Mortal Instruments.”

The Shadowhunter Chronicles, created by Cassandra Clare, includes several interconnected series and spin-offs set in a supernatural world filled with demons, angels, and shadowhunters. In addition to “The Mortal Instruments,” there are also “The Infernal Devices,” “The Dark Artifices,” and more.

The characters from “The Infernal Devices” make an appearance in “The Mortal Instruments.”

Cassandra Clare created an intricate web of connections between her various book series. Fans of “The Infernal Devices” will be delighted to discover that characters from this series, set in Victorian England, make appearances in “The Mortal Instruments” series, bridging the gap between the two.

Cassandra Clare became involved in controversy over alleged plagiarism.

The success of Cassandra Clare’s books was met with accusations of plagiarism. However, after investigations and discussions, the controversy was eventually resolved, and Clare was able to continue writing and sharing her stories with the world.

“Clockwork Angel” was nominated for a Teen Choice Award.

The first book in “The Infernal Devices” series, “Clockwork Angel,” received recognition and was nominated for a Teen Choice Award in the Choice Book category. This acknowledgment further solidified Cassandra Clare’s place as a prominent author in the young adult genre.

Cassandra Clare’s books have been adapted into a television series.

“The Mortal Instruments” was adapted into a television series titled “Shadowhunters” that aired from 2016 to The show brought the world of shadowhunters and Downworlders to life, captivating fans with its unique blend of action, romance, and supernatural elements.

Cassandra Clare collaborates with other authors in her writing.

Cassandra Clare has teamed up with other talented authors, such as Holly Black and Sarah Rees Brennan, to create collaborative works set in the Shadowhunter universe. These collaborations have expanded the world and added new layers of storytelling for fans to enjoy.

She originally wanted to become a journalist.

Before becoming a bestselling author, Cassandra Clare had aspirations of becoming a journalist. Although she decided to pursue fiction writing instead, her background and training in journalism might have influenced her storytelling style and attention to detail.

The Infernal Devices series was inspired by Charles Dickens.

In creating the Victorian-era setting for “The Infernal Devices” series, Cassandra Clare drew inspiration from the works of Charles Dickens. The atmospheric ambiance and vivid descriptions found in Dickens’ novels helped shape the world of steampunk-infused London in Clare’s series.

Cassandra Clare has a strong presence on social media.

With a dedicated following of fans, Cassandra Clare actively engages with her readers through various social media platforms. She frequently shares updates, interacts with fans, and provides insights into her writing process, creating a vibrant online community of Shadowhunter enthusiasts.

Her writing often explores themes of identity and self-discovery.

Cassandra Clare’s novels delve deep into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the duality of human nature. Through her characters’ struggles and personal journeys, she encourages readers to reflect on their own paths and embrace their true selves.

Cassandra Clare has received numerous literary awards.

Throughout her career, Cassandra Clare has been honored with multiple literary awards, including the Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers and the Children’s Choice Book Award. These accolades recognize her contribution to the young adult fiction genre and the impact her books have had on readers.

Conclusion

Ah, the enigmatic Cassandra Clare. Through this article, we’ve delved into the fascinating world of this beloved author and explored some surprising facts about her. From her early writing career to her rise to international fame, Cassandra Clare has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

As we’ve discovered, she not only has a talent for creating compelling stories but also for captivating her readers with her unique perspective on fantasy and adventure. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to her works, Cassandra Clare continues to enchant and captivate readers with her imaginative storytelling.

So, the next time you pick up a book by Cassandra Clare, remember these intriguing facts and let them add an extra layer of depth to your reading experience.

FAQs

Q: How did Cassandra Clare get her start as an author?

A: Cassandra Clare began her writing career as a fanfiction author, gaining recognition for her work in the Harry Potter fan community. This eventually led to her publishing career and the creation of her widely popular series, The Mortal Instruments.

Q: What is Cassandra Clare’s most famous work?

A: Cassandra Clare’s most famous work is The Mortal Instruments series, which includes City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, and several other installments. This series has garnered a massive following and has been adapted into a movie and television series.

Q: Does Cassandra Clare write under any other pen names?

A: Yes, Cassandra Clare has also published books under the pen names of Cassandra Jean, Judith Rumelt, and Claire North. However, her most well-known works are published under her primary pseudonym.

Q: Are there any upcoming releases from Cassandra Clare?

A: Yes, Cassandra Clare has announced several upcoming releases, including the highly anticipated final installment of The Dark Artifices series. She continues to expand the Shadowhunter universe with new stories, so fans have plenty to look forward to.

Q: Is Cassandra Clare involved in the adaptations of her books?

A: Yes, Cassandra Clare is involved in the adaptations of her books. She has served as an executive producer for both the movie adaptation of City of Bones and the television series adaptation of Shadowhunters. Her involvement ensures that the adaptations stay true to her original vision.