**Andrew Neiderman**
**Definition:**
Andrew Neiderman is an American novelist and screenwriter, best known for his prolific output in the horror and thriller genres. He gained notable recognition as the ghostwriter for the late V.C. Andrews, continuing her literary legacy after her death.
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# Andrew Neiderman
Andrew Neiderman (born April 26, 1940) is an American author and screenwriter renowned for his work in horror, suspense, and psychological thriller fiction. Over his career, Neiderman has written numerous novels, many of which have been adapted into films and stage productions. He is perhaps most famously known for serving as the ghostwriter for V.C. Andrews, continuing the popular author’s series after her death in 1986. Neiderman’s writing is characterized by its exploration of dark themes, complex characters, and often gothic atmospheres.
## Early Life and Education
Andrew Neiderman was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1940. Details about his early life are relatively private, but it is known that he pursued higher education and developed an early interest in literature and storytelling. He attended Brooklyn College, where he earned a degree in English. His academic background laid the foundation for his career as a writer, and he initially worked in various capacities related to writing and editing before becoming a full-time novelist.
## Literary Career
### Early Works
Neiderman began his writing career in the late 1960s and early 1970s, initially publishing novels that explored themes of psychological horror and suspense. His early works often featured intricate plots and dark, sometimes disturbing subject matter, which helped establish his reputation within the horror genre. Some of his early novels include *The Devil’s Advocate* (1990), which later gained widespread attention through its film adaptation.
### Ghostwriting for V.C. Andrews
In 1987, following the death of V.C. Andrews, the bestselling author known for gothic family sagas such as *Flowers in the Attic*, Andrew Neiderman was selected to continue writing novels under her name. This arrangement was kept confidential for many years, with Neiderman producing numerous sequels and new series that maintained the distinctive style and tone of Andrews’ original works.
Neiderman’s role as Andrews’ ghostwriter significantly expanded his readership and influence. He wrote dozens of novels attributed to Andrews, including continuations of the Dollanganger series and new series such as *The Casteel Series* and *The Landry Series*. His ability to emulate Andrews’ voice and narrative style was widely praised by fans and critics alike.
### Original Novels and Themes
Alongside his ghostwriting, Neiderman continued to publish novels under his own name. His original works often delve into themes of identity, morality, and the supernatural. He frequently explores the darker aspects of human nature, including obsession, madness, and the consequences of hidden secrets.
Notable original novels by Neiderman include:
– *The Devil’s Advocate* (1990): A legal thriller with supernatural elements, which was adapted into a successful 1997 film starring Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino.
– *Pin* (1981): A psychological horror novel about a medical dummy that exerts a sinister influence over two siblings, which was adapted into a film in 1988.
– *Tender, Loving Care* (1984): A psychological thriller that was later adapted into an interactive movie.
Neiderman’s writing style is often described as accessible yet atmospheric, combining suspenseful plotting with character-driven narratives.
## Film and Television Adaptations
Several of Andrew Neiderman’s novels have been adapted for film and television, contributing to his prominence beyond the literary world.
– **The Devil’s Advocate (1997):** Directed by Taylor Hackford, this film adaptation brought Neiderman’s work to a wide audience. The story centers on a young lawyer who discovers his new employer is the Devil himself.
– **Pin (1988):** This cult horror film closely follows the plot of Neiderman’s novel, exploring themes of childhood trauma and psychological disturbance.
– **Tender, Loving Care (1998):** An interactive movie based on Neiderman’s novel, notable for its innovative use of viewer choice to influence the narrative.
These adaptations have helped cement Neiderman’s reputation as a significant figure in horror and thriller storytelling.
## Writing Style and Influence
Andrew Neiderman’s writing is marked by a blend of gothic horror, psychological suspense, and melodrama. His narratives often feature morally ambiguous characters, intricate family dynamics, and elements of the supernatural or uncanny. He is skilled at creating tension through atmosphere and pacing, often building to dramatic and sometimes shocking conclusions.
His influence is particularly notable in the continuation of V.C. Andrews’ literary legacy, where he successfully maintained the tone and appeal of her work for new generations of readers. Neiderman’s own novels have contributed to the horror genre by exploring the psychological underpinnings of fear and evil.
## Personal Life
Andrew Neiderman is known to be a private individual, with limited public information about his personal life. He has lived in the United States throughout his career and has focused primarily on his writing and related projects.
## Legacy and Impact
Andrew Neiderman’s impact on contemporary horror and thriller literature is significant. Through his original works and his continuation of V.C. Andrews’ novels, he has reached millions of readers worldwide. His ability to write compelling, suspenseful stories that explore dark and complex themes has earned him a dedicated following.
His work has also influenced adaptations in other media, demonstrating the versatility and enduring appeal of his storytelling. Neiderman’s career exemplifies the role of genre fiction in exploring human psychology and societal taboos through engaging narratives.
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## Selected Bibliography
### Novels by Andrew Neiderman
– *Pin* (1981)
– *Tender, Loving Care* (1984)
– *The Devil’s Advocate* (1990)
– *The Need* (1991)
– *Blood Sisters* (1992)
– *The Maddening* (1996)
– *The Immortals* (1998)
– *The Devil’s Workshop* (2004)
### V.C. Andrews Novels Ghostwritten by Neiderman
– *Garden of Shadows* (1987)
– *Seeds of Yesterday* (1984, completed posthumously)
– *Heaven* (1985, completed posthumously)
– *Dark Angel* (1989)
– *Falling Hearts* (1990)
– *Gates of Paradise* (1991)
– *Web of Dreams* (1995)
– *Twilight’s Child* (1992)
– *Midnight Whispers* (1994)
– *Darkest Hour* (1995)
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## See Also
– V.C. Andrews
– Gothic fiction
– Horror literature
– Psychological thriller
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## Meta Description
Andrew Neiderman is an American novelist and screenwriter known for his horror and thriller novels, as well as for continuing the literary works of V.C. Andrews as her ghostwriter. His novels have been adapted into films and have influenced contemporary genre fiction.