Sara Shepard

Sara Shepard, born in 1977, is an American writer recognized for her successful book series, most notably "Pretty Little Liars" and "The Lying Game." Both of these series were adapted into popular television programs that aired on Freeform.

Shepard's early life included growing up with a sister named Alison and graduating from Downingtown High School. She pursued higher education, earning a B.S. from New York University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College. Prior to her full-time writing career, she worked in magazine publishing and began freelance ghostwriting in 2002 before launching her own books in 2005. She currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Beyond her most famous works, Shepard has had other books adapted for television, including "The Perfectionists" and "The Heiresses." She has also ventured into producing and creating other media, such as the web series "Crown Lake" and the podcast series "Cruise Ship."

Sara Shepard is primarily recognized for her prolific career as a young adult fiction author. Her most significant contributions include the "Pretty Little Liars" and "The Lying Game" book series, both of which achieved bestseller status. These narrative successes led to their adaptation into television series that garnered considerable viewership on the Freeform network. The "Pretty Little Liars" series, in particular, was noted for being loosely inspired by Shepard's own experiences growing up in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The television adaptation of "Pretty Little Liars" ran for seven seasons, featuring a cast that brought the main characters to life. Shepard herself made brief cameo appearances in the show, portraying a substitute teacher and a news reporter. The television adaptation of "The Lying Game" also premiered on ABC Family, though its run was shorter, concluding after its second season. Shepard's other book series, such as "The Perfectionists" and "The Heiresses," were also optioned for television development, with "The Perfectionists" serving as a sequel to the "Pretty Little Liars" television series.

Born on April 8, 1977, Sara Shepard spent her formative years in Pennsylvania, where she grew up alongside her sister, Alison. Her educational journey included graduating from Downingtown High School in 1995. She then attended New York University, completing her undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999. Continuing her academic pursuits in creative writing, Shepard earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Brooklyn College in 2004. Her professional background before establishing herself as a full-time author includes a period working at Time, Inc. Custom Publishing from 2000 to 2005, where she was involved in producing lifestyle magazines for various corporate clients. This experience in publishing likely provided a foundation for her later career in writing and developing her own literary works, which she began in 2005 after gaining freelance ghostwriting experience starting in 2002.