Charles Dickens
Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed readings extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.
Eric Jerome Dickey
Author of over 30 novels, novellas, and short stories. All but the first two made the New York Times list, as well as many local lists such as The Washington Post and The LA Times. Also has written a shorter eBook, contributed to 7 anthologies, written an original screenplay (Cappuccino), and a graphic novel for Marvel Entertainment (Storm, part of the X-Men series).