Title: Author
Company: Self-Employed
Location: Bonney Lake, Washington, United States
Terrence D. Brooks, self-employed author, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Artists for dedication, achievements, and leadership in writing and publishing.
As a child, Mr. Brooks expressed a fascination with storytelling from a young age, playing games with action figures and devising imaginative scenarios for his friends. By age 6, he was obsessed with reading, as well as movies and other forms of narrative entertainment. Mr. Brooks began writing at the age of 10. He was published for the first time at 13, having penned a competition-winning essay on the death of Abraham Lincoln that was showcased in the Illinois Historical Journal. This accomplishment sparked his determination to pursue a career as an author.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Mr. Brooks dedicated more than 15 years to practicing law. His first novel, “The Sword of Shannara,” was published in 1977 and became the first fictional book to appear on the New York Times Trade Paperback Best Seller List. Establishing himself as a premier author in the fantasy genre, Mr. Brooks wrote two more books set in the world of Shannara in the 1980s, both of which also became bestsellers. By the mid-1980s, he was able to retire from law and focus entirely on writing.
Demonstrating a rare work ethic, Mr. Brooks has produced approximately one book per year, now boasting 50 published books. His extensive bibliography includes more than 30 volumes in the Shannara series, the six-book “Magic Kingdom of Landover” series, and a memoir titled “Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons From a Writing Life.” Though he likens picking a favorite book to choosing a favorite child, Mr. Brooks is particularly fond of 1997’s “Running with the Demon,” which is set in his Illinois hometown. Recognized for his skill, he was chosen to write the novelization for “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” in 1999.
Prior to venturing onto his vocational path, Mr. Brooks developed his talents through his academic journey. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Hamilton College in 1966. Subsequently, Mr. Brooks earned a Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University in 1969. He credits much of his success to his attention to detail and organizational skills — strengths that he developed during his initial professional work as a lawyer.
Mr. Brooks has received a range of accolades and awards for his writing, including an Inkpot Award and a World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement. However, he considers his greatest honor to be the huge following he has built. Having attended numerous major science fiction and fantasy conventions, Mr. Brooks notes that he has reached thousands of people and has consistently had positive experiences with fans. He reflects on his career with deep gratitude for the good luck that has enabled him to have this unique life.
In addition to his writing, Mr. Brooks has been happily married to his wife, Judine, since 1986. He is a loving father to two children and two stepchildren, as well as a grandfather to one grandchild.
2025 marked a major turning point in Mr. Brooks’ storied career, as he announced that he would be retiring from full-time writing. However, he intends to remain active in shepherding the future of the Shannara series alongside Delilah S. Dawson, a coauthor he handpicked as the best choice to continue his world into the future. Mr. Brooks’ final volume as the sole writer, “Galaphile: The First Druids of Shannara,” was published in 2025. He plans to be involved with at least five more books, providing guidance, storyline ideas and revisions to his new coauthor.
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