“I believed in the concept of
‘over-performing.’ I believe anyone can
achieve their goals in life if they over-perform, and that means you have to
work ten times harder than anybody you see.”
– Stephen J. Cannell
Stephen
Cannell was one of television’s most successful writers and producers who
ultimately also became one of the country’s best mystery writers before his
death in 2010. Born in the shadow of
the Hollywood hills, he grew up in Pasadena, struggled with his education because
he was dyslexic, and ultimately learned to do “great dictation,” which led to
his scripting more than 450 shows and producing the 1,500 separate episodes of some 40 television series – mostly crime dramas – that he created. Among his biggest successes were The Rockford Files, 21 Jump Street and The Commish.
Tired
of producing, he shifted over to writing mysteries in 1996 and released his
first best-selling novel, The Plan, which was followed by four more
stand-alone novels. In late 2000, Stephen introduced Shane Scully, a
street-wise LAPD detective who followed his instincts and played by his own
rules to catch criminals. The character was such a success that Stephen wrote
nine more best-selling Shane Scully novels.
Stephen J. Cannell
Cannell spoke often about his writing successes being fueled by the support of
others.
“Having a support system is huge for writers,” he said. “My parents were always encouraging and told
me they were behind me, whether or not I made it. And my wife (his high school sweetheart
Marcia) was always there for me – through successeses and failures.” They had been married 46 years at the time
of his death.
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