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Terry Goodkind Net Worth: The Life and Legacy of a Best-Selling Author
What is Terry Goodkind’s Net Worth and Salary?
Terry Goodkind was an American author who had a net worth of $14 million at the time of his death. He was primarily known for his best-selling fantasy series, “The Sword of Truth,” which sold over 25 million copies worldwide.
Goodkind’s salary varied from year to year, but at the height of his success, he was earning around $1 million per year from book sales alone. Additionally, the television show adaptation of his book series, “Legend of the Seeker,” brought in additional revenue through royalties and licensing fees.
Early Life and Education
Terry Goodkind was born on January 11, 1948, in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up in a dysfunctional household and dropped out of high school at the age of 17. Over the next several years, he worked a variety of odd jobs, including as a carpenter, artist, and wildlife artist, before returning to school to earn his GED and attend college.
He studied art, literature, and philosophy at the University of Nebraska and later earned a degree in marine biology from the University of Maine. Goodkind later moved to the east coast, where he worked in the field of advertising and eventually became a full-time author.
Career
Goodkind’s writing career began in the mid-1990s, with the publication of his first novel, “Wizard’s First Rule.” The book was an instant success and became the first in an ongoing series of novels, “The Sword of Truth.”
Over the next two decades, Goodkind wrote more than 20 novels, including several stand-alone works in addition to his long-running fantasy series. His books were translated into numerous languages and sold millions of copies around the world.
In addition to his work as an author, Goodkind was also involved in the adaptation of his books into other media. The television series “Legend of the Seeker,” based on his “Sword of Truth” series, aired from 2008 to 2010 and was syndicated around the world.
Personal Life
Goodkind was notoriously private about his personal life, often declining interviews and public appearances. In 1981, he married Jeri Goodkind, and the couple remained together until Terry’s death. They had no children.
Goodkind was an avid fan of Ayn Rand’s philosophy of objectivism and incorporated it into his writing. He was also a supporter of individual rights and free market economics.
Illness and Death
Terry Goodkind passed away on September 17, 2020, at the age of 72. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but sources close to the family confirmed his passing on social media.
Goodkind’s death was met with an outpouring of grief from his fans and fellow authors. Many praised his work and his legacy as one of the most influential voices in modern fantasy literature.
Real Estate
Goodkind was known to be a private person, and little is known about his real estate holdings. He and his wife, Jeri, lived in Nevada for many years, but it is unclear whether they owned their home or were renting.
Legacy
Terry Goodkind’s legacy as an author is one of profound influence in the world of modern fantasy literature. His “Sword of Truth” series has sold millions of copies worldwide and inspired readers of all ages.
Goodkind’s work has been compared to that of other influential authors such as Robert Jordan and George R.R. Martin. He is honored as one of the pioneers of the epic fantasy genre and will always be remembered for his contributions to the world of literature.
FAQs
1. How did Terry Goodkind become an author?
Terry Goodkind got his start in the advertising industry, working as a copywriter and art director. After years of working in various creative fields, he turned his attention to writing fiction and began work on his first novel, “Wizard’s First Rule.”
2. What was Terry Goodkind’s most popular book?
Terry Goodkind’s most popular book was “Wizard’s First Rule,” the first in his “Sword of Truth” series. The book became an instant bestseller and set the stage for a decades-long career in fantasy literature.
3. Did Terry Goodkind ever win any major literary awards?
Terry Goodkind received several awards and nominations throughout his career, including the 1995 New York Times Best Seller List. However, he was never awarded any of the major literary awards such as the Hugo or Nebula Awards.
4. How many books did Terry Goodkind write?
Terry Goodkind wrote over 20 novels in his lifetime, including his long-running “Sword of Truth” series. In addition to his fantasy works, he also wrote several thrillers and standalone novels.
5. Will there be any new books in Terry Goodkind’s “Sword of Truth” series?
Unfortunately, there will not be any more books in Terry Goodkind’s “Sword of Truth” series. The author passed away in 2020, and the series was concluded with the publication of “Warheart” in 2015.
6. Was Terry Goodkind involved in the television adaptation of his books?
Yes, Terry Goodkind was involved in the television adaptation of his books, “Legend of the Seeker.” He served as an executive producer on the show and was involved in the writing and development process.
7. What was Terry Goodkind’s writing style?
Terry Goodkind was known for his epic, sweeping style of storytelling, often infusing his works with philosophical themes and complex world-building. His writing was characterized by a strong narrative voice and a focus on character development.
8. What was Terry Goodkind’s net worth at the time of his death?
Terry Goodkind’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $14 million. The bulk of his income came from the sale of his books, as well as royalties and licensing fees from adaptations of his work.
