Len Handeland's creativity took him from attending FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) in Manhattan to hair. He studied fashion illustration, then years later to a long and successful 27-year career in the hair industry as a sought-after hairstylist, hair colorist, and salon owner. Len owned a salon in San Francisco's Union Square for nine years and two salons in Sonoma, Wine Country; for eight years; now fully retired from hair, Len became a full-time writer in the spring of 2021.

Len is an award-winning writer specializing in fiction, specifically horror, paranormal, and crime drama novels. His books have won several awards, including The Spring 2022 Booksfest, Literary Titan, and Firebird awards. Len has enjoyed writing as far back as middle school.

 

To further enhance and better his writing, Len has taken many creative writing classes and, in 2017, attended The San Francisco International Writer's Conference, which inspired him to write his first book, "The Darkest Gift," based on his love of vampires. He credits the late Anne Rice as the author who inspired him the most to write his dark vampire story. His first book earned him 5-star reviews from readers and professional book reviewers. His first novel became a finalist in the American book fest contest in the fall of 2021. 

 

In the spring of 2022, Len's novel "The Darkest Gift" was awarded first place in the Bookfest 2022 awards in the category of Fiction/Horror. In addition, Len's book and author interview was featured in the fall literature issue of "DeMode" magazine, with Len's book named one of the ten must-read books of 2021. With the completion of Len's second novel, which recently won the Literary titan award, "Requiem for Miriam," he's just finished writing his third book ("Tales from the Chair"), which is a collection of sordid tales, gossip, and advice to both hair professionals and those that see someone professionally for their hair. It is based on Len's 27 years in the hair industry. The book was released in mid-July.

Last June, Len started writing his fourth novel, "Transplanted Evil," a supernatural thriller set in Boston involving teenage suicide, demonic possession, Satanic worship, and paranormal activity which he hopes to release in June of 2023.  When Len isn't writing, his hobbies include hiking, biking, playing billiards, and vegetarian cooking. Len has trained in various forms of Martial Arts for over 20 years and has also appeared on stage in several plays in Sonoma's Community Theater. In addition, Len is also a singer who performed at numerous Wineries in the North Bay and Rotary events.

The writer lives full-time in Palm Springs

with his husband, Byron Hancock, and their two cats and siblings (Felix and Felicia.)