His first published book was a textbook called “Patterns in Popular Culture: A Sourcebook for Writers,” which explores the mythical archetypes such as the alter ego and trickster figure in modern pop culture. “It’s never a dull moment in our household,” Hahn said. They have been married for over 10 years. He began to teach at Queens College in 1975 and still teaches, even after 40 years of service.Īdditionally, he is a husband to fellow QC professor and poet Kimiko Hahn. So I would have time to do my own writing,” “I liked the life that being a college professor seemed to offer. “After trying out different majors in college, I decided I wanted to write,” Schechter said.

He continued his education and earned a master’s degree from Purdue University and PhD in American Literature from the University of Buffalo. His academic pursuit took him to The City College of New York, where he completed his undergraduate studies. I try to project myself to some extent into the minds of these people in order to make them real to me and the reader,” Schechter said.īorn on June 28, 1948, Schechter grew up in a Jewish neighborhood in the Bronx. I have to understand them, feel their motivation. “There have definitely been cases where I’ve had to go to some very dark places in my head in order to get into the heads of the people I’m writing about. His studies influence the crafting of his stories and characters. Schechter is an expert on serial killers during the 19th and 20th centuries, which he researched through old newspapers, court records and museum materials. Like Batman, by day, he works as a college professor but by night, he is a successful true crime author who dwells into the minds of serial killers. One of Schechter’s latest books, “The Mad Sculptor,” was nominated for the Edgar Award, bestowed upon the best American mystery of the year. However, he not only just writes for leisure, but also paved a successful writing career with 36 books under his name. Growing up, he drew an interest in dark materials, which played an important role in shaping the person he is today.ĭuring his free time, Schechter enjoys writing. Queens College Professor Harold Schechter knows serial killers extremely well.Īs a kid, he would stay up to watch Fright Night, where classic horror films such as “Frankenstein,” “Dracula” and “The Werewolf Man” were screened.

Nevermore harold schechter