Terry McMillan
- Born:
- October 18, 1951, Port Huron, Michigan, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author, Screenwriter
Early Life and Education
- Grew up in Flint, Michigan.
- Worked as a library clerk to support her passion for reading.
- Attended University of California, Berkeley, earning a B.A. in Journalism.
- Studied film at Columbia University.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began writing short stories and essays before publishing her first novel.
- Gained significant recognition for her honest and relatable portrayals of African-American women.
- Self-promoted her early work, achieving independent success before mainstream recognition.
- Several of her novels have been adapted into successful films.
Notable Works
Novels
- Mama (1987)
- Disappearing Acts (1989)
- Waiting to Exhale (1992)
- How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1996)
- A Day Late and a Dollar Short (2001)
- The Interruption of Everything (2005)
- Getting to Happy (2010)
- I Almost Forgot About You (2016)
Film Adaptations
| Title | Year | Based On |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting to Exhale | 1995 | Waiting to Exhale (novel) |
| How Stella Got Her Groove Back | 1998 | How Stella Got Her Groove Back (novel) |
| Disappearing Acts | 2000 | Disappearing Acts (novel) |
| A Day Late and a Dollar Short | 2014 | A Day Late and a Dollar Short (novel) |
Legacy and Impact
Terry McMillan is celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to contemporary literature, specifically for centering the lives and experiences of Black women. She has influenced a generation of writers and readers, contributing to a greater understanding of race, gender, and relationships. As demonstrated by the success of her books and film adaptations, the influence of this 'terry mcmillan bio' extends far beyond literature into popular culture.