Anne Rivers Siddons was a highly regarded American novelist, best known for her contributions to Southern literature. She was born as Sybil Anne Rivers in Atlanta, Georgia, and spent her formative years in Fairburn, a small town in the same state. After completing her education at Auburn University, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Siddons gained national attention for writing a controversial column for the student newspaper that advocated for integration.
Siddons' writing career began in earnest in 1976 with the publication of her debut novel, Heartbreak Hotel. Over the course of her career, she wrote numerous bestselling novels that explored the complexities of life in the American South. One of her most well-known works, The House Next Door, is considered to be one of the finest horror novels of the century by none other than Stephen King. The novel was later adapted into a television movie that aired on Lifetime, featuring stars such as Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Lara Flynn Boyle, and Colin Ferguson.
In addition to her work as a novelist, Siddons also held the position of senior editor for Atlanta magazine. She was married to Heyward Siddons and spent her time living in Charleston, South Carolina, as well as summers in Maine. Tragically, Siddons passed away on September 11, 2019, after a battle with lung cancer. Despite her untimely death, her contributions to American literature will live on for generations to come.