Candace Bushnell was born on January 12, 1958, in Glastonbury, Connecticut, to Camille and Calvin Bushnell. Growing up in a small town, she developed a love for storytelling from a young age. As a teenager, she dreamed of becoming a writer and set her sights on pursuing a career in the literary world.
After graduating from high school, Bushnell attended New York University, where she studied English literature and honed her writing skills. She later transferred to Rice University to further her education and immerse herself in the world of academia.
At the age of nineteen, Bushnell caught the attention of the Simon & Schuster publishing house, who bought one of her children's stories. This early success fueled her passion for writing and inspired her to pursue a career as a professional writer.
Before making a name for herself as a humor columnist, Bushnell worked tirelessly to establish herself in the competitive world of publishing. She honed her craft and gained valuable experience writing for various publications, including the New York Observer.
It was during her time writing for the New York Observer that Bushnell's career took a significant turn. Her popular column caught the eye of producers at HBO, who saw the potential for a television series based on her work.
Inspired by Bushnell's writing, the hit show Sex and the City was born, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show's success catapulted Bushnell to fame and solidified her status as a prominent figure in the world of pop culture.
Building on the success of Sex and the City, Bushnell decided to try her hand at writing novels. Her books, including Lipstick Jungle, The Carrie Diaries (a prequel to Sex and the City), and Trading Up, became bestsellers and further cemented her reputation as a talented storyteller.
One of Bushnell's most iconic characters, "Mr. Big," was inspired by New York-based publisher Ron Galotti, adding a touch of realism to her fictional world.
Despite her professional success, Bushnell faced challenges in her personal life. Her marriage to professional ballet dancer Charles Askegard ended in divorce, leaving her to navigate the ups and downs of relationships while balancing her career.
Throughout her life, Bushnell has remained true to her roots, drawing inspiration from her upbringing in Glastonbury, Connecticut, and using her experiences to weave captivating stories that resonate with readers around the world.
Following the success of Sex and the City, Bushnell's work continued to captivate audiences, with her novel Lipstick Jungle being adapted into a short-lived NBC series starring Brooke Shields.
Today, Candace Bushnell remains a prominent figure in the literary world, continuing to inspire and entertain readers with her unique blend of humor, wit, and insight.