Who Is Sarah Dessen? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on June 6, 1970, Sarah Dessen is currently 54 years old. Hailing from Evanston, Illinois, she grew up in a family that nurtured her love for storytelling. Dessen completed her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied creative writing. Over the years, she has published numerous bestselling novels, earning her a prominent place in the world of young adult fiction.
You can learn more about her life and works on her Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Novelist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Sarah Dessen's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Sarah Dessen's physical statistics are not widely publicized. However, she is known for her down-to-earth personality and relatable appearance, which have endeared her to fans. While specifics about her height and weight may not be readily available, her presence resonates more with the stories she shares rather than public image metrics.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Sarah Dessen values her privacy regarding her family and personal life. She was previously married to a fellow writer, but the couple has since separated. As of 2025, there has been no confirmed information regarding her current relationship status, boyfriend, or girlfriend. Dessen often speaks about how her personal experiences influence her writing, giving her an authentic voice in her storytelling.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Sarah Dessen's estimated net worth is around $8 million, stemming from her successful writing career. Her novels have sold millions of copies worldwide, and she continues to earn royalties from her published works. Additionally, her involvement in speaking engagements and literary festivals contributes significantly to her income.
Career, Business and Investments
Dessen's illustrious career began with her debut novel, "That Summer," published in 1998. Since then, she has written several critically-acclaimed books such as "Someone Like You," "The Truth About Forever," and "Once and For All." In 2025, her literary portfolio has expanded to include creative partnerships and possible adaptations of her works for film and television.
Moreover, Dessen is known for her contributions to various literary initiatives and mentorship programs, helping aspiring writers hone their craft.
Dessen waitressed at the Flying Burrito restaurant in Chapel Hill and was Lee Smith's assistant while launching her writing career. It was Smith who passed one of Dessen's manuscripts to an agent. After the 1996 publication of her first book, That Summer, Dessen continued working at the restaurant.
Following the publication of Dreamland, Dessen taught at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill. She became a full-time writer before the 2006 release of Just Listen.
Social Network
Sarah Dessen actively engages with her fans on social media platforms. You can follow her on:
As a teenager, Dessen was very shy and quiet. She became involved with a 21-year-old when she was 15 but cut all contact with him shortly after. In a piece penned for Seventeen, Dessen wrote "for many years afterward, I took total blame for everything that happened between me and T. After all, I was a bad kid. I did drugs, I lied to my mom.
You can't just hang out with a guy and not expect him to get ideas, I told myself. You should have known better. But maybe he should have. When I turned 21, I remember making a point, regularly, to look at teens and ask myself whether I'd want to hang out with them, much less date one. The answer was always a flat, immediate no. They were kids.
I was an adult. End of story."
Education
Dessen's foundational education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been instrumental in her writing career. The university’s supportive environment fostered her passion for literature, ultimately shaping her as one of the leading voices in young adult fiction today.
Sarah Dessen (born June 6, 1970) is an American novelist who lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Born in Illinois, Dessen graduated from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Her first book, That Summer, was published in 1996. She has since published more than a dozen other novels and novellas.
In 2017, Dessen won the Margaret Edwards Award for some of her work. Two of her books were adapted into the 2003 film How to Deal.
