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About Len Handeland
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.)



Len handeland - Author of "The Darkest Gift and "Requiem for Miriam" and "Tales from the Chair"

Book trailers (below)
"Requiem for Miriam"
"The Darkest Gift"


Tales from the Chair
My third and latest book is my only nonfiction.
Tales from the Chair is the story of my experiences over the past twenty-seven years in a career known for creativity, artistry, and self-expression, a profession known as the hair industry. A job where I was surrounded by equally talented hair professionals who sometimes were entirely off the wall. It's the story of my interactions with some former coworkers and clients that were positive and meaningful and some downright contentious. While some of these individuals endeared themselves, others I barely tolerated. To some former clients, I was not only their hair guru but their therapist as well. This is the story of my humble beginnings, struggles, failures, and triumphs of being a sought-after hairstylist, colorist, best friend to some, and bay area hair salon owner. Welcome to the beautiful, wacky world of hair!


Requiem for Miriam
Award-winning novel (Literary titan award) "Requiem for Miriam" is a story about love, deception, anger, and the dark side some humans possess. Set in Manhattan, Westchester County, New Orleans, and Mexico in the 1980s, it's the story of a man, Sidney Friedlander, trapped in a loveless marriage to a woman he no longer loves. He's desperate to feel love and passion in his otherwise dull existence. Sidney's search leads him to a stunning woman who reignites the passion deep within his soul. Their plot to kill his troublesome wife is sinister and diabolical. His wife's spirit vows revenge and will not rest until he is brought to justice! This novel will surely satisfy those readers looking for suspense, intrigue, mystery, and paranormal activity!

The Darkest Gift
Award-winning novel (Bookfest first place), "The Darkest Gift," is the story of Jack Devereaux, who struggles with his sexual identity and meets elegant yet incredibly mysterious Laurent Richelieu. Jack thinks his stroke of bad luck with men and women has ended, or is it the beginning of a nightmare?
The two begin their courtship—during that time, Jack encounters many horrifying experiences involving vampirism, paranormal experiences, and possible reincarnation, making him question his sanity. The more time Jack spends with his mysterious European love interest Laurent, the more revealed about the dark secret awaiting Jack. Are they destined to be together? —does Laurent honestly care for Jack? Or is a more sinister plot involved with two other vampires from Laurent’s past, Stefan and Fabien? Can the help of a self-described Voodoo High Priestess, “Queen Raphaella,” alter Jack’s predestined future, or is his fate already sealed? The story covers many periods. From 18th century Paris to the later part of 20th century New Orleans and Haiti, where vampires roam and feast on the blood of innocent mortals, spirits appear, physical and spiritual love survives all odds, and good engages evil in an unwinnable battle.




Edgar Allan Poe

“Yes, I now feel that it was then on that evening of sweet dreams, that the very first dawn of human love Burst upon the icy night of my spirit. Since that. I have never seen nor heard your name without a shiver half of delight, half of anxiety"
Edgar Allan Poe