Picture an American storyteller who brought the fearless Nancy Drew to life, captivating generations with her daring mysteries—meet Mildred A. Wirt! Born in 1905 in Ladora, Iowa, Mildred Wirt Benson was a trailblazing journalist and author whose adventurous spirit shaped one of the most iconic heroines in children’s literature. As the original ghostwriter behind the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, she penned 23 of the first 30 Nancy Drew mysteries, infusing them with a bold, independent energy that resonated with readers worldwide.
But Mildred’s story goes far beyond Nancy Drew. With over 130 novels to her name and a 58-year journalism career, she lived a life as thrilling as her fictional creations. From exploring Mayan ruins to earning her pilot’s license in her sixties, Mildred was a real-life adventurer whose legacy continues to inspire.
The Making of Mildred A. Wirt
Mildred Augustine was born on July 10, 1905, in the small town of Ladora, Iowa, to Lillian and Dr. J.L. Augustine. A tomboy at heart, she preferred outdoor adventures and boys’ books over dolls, foreshadowing the spirited heroines she’d later create. Her writing talent emerged early—by age 13, she published her first short story, 'The Courtesy,' in St. Nicholas Magazine. Mildred’s ambition led her to the University of Iowa, where she earned an English degree in 1925 and, in 1927, became the first woman to earn a master’s in journalism there. During college, she honed her craft at The Daily Iowan and sold stories to magazines, setting the stage for her prolific career.
Mildred A. Wirt’s Unforgettable Stories
In 1927, Mildred caught the eye of Edward Stratemeyer, founder of the Stratemeyer Syndicate, which produced popular series like The Hardy Boys. Tasked with ghostwriting the new Nancy Drew mysteries under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, Mildred breathed life into the teenage sleuth with her debut, The Secret of the Old Clock (1930). She crafted Nancy as a confident, resourceful heroine—qualities that mirrored Mildred’s own personality. Her favorite, The Hidden Staircase, showcased Nancy’s daring spirit as she unraveled secrets in a haunted mansion.
Beyond Nancy Drew, Mildred created the Penny Parker series under her own name, featuring a bold young reporter who solved mysteries with wit and grit. Penny, Mildred once said, was 'a better Nancy Drew,' reflecting her preference for this edgier character. She also wrote for series like The Dana Girls and Kay Tracey, often for flat fees of $85–$250, signing away royalties. Mildred’s fast-paced, engaging style and knack for strong female leads made her stories timeless, appealing to young readers seeking adventure.
Her work wasn’t limited to fiction. As a journalist for the Toledo Blade, Mildred covered courts, wrote obituaries, and penned a weekly column, 'On the Go,' for decades. Her dual career as a writer and reporter showcased her versatility and tireless work ethic, producing 13 novels in a single year at her peak.
Why Mildred A. Wirt Matters
Mildred Wirt Benson’s impact on children’s literature is undeniable. By creating Nancy Drew’s fearless persona, she offered young readers—especially girls—a role model who defied the era’s expectations of women. Fans like Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, and Supreme Court justices Sandra Day O’Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Sonia Sotomayor credit Nancy Drew with inspiring their ambition. The series’ success, with over 200 million copies sold, owes much to Mildred’s vivid characterization.
Her adventurous life—flying planes, exploring Central America, and writing until her final days—embodied the independence she championed in her heroines. Recognized later in life with awards like the Edgar Allan Poe Special Award (2001), Mildred’s legacy endures in the Nancy Drew series and the countless readers she empowered.
- Born: July 10, 1905, Ladora, Iowa
- Key Works: The Secret of the Old Clock, The Hidden Staircase, Penny Parker series
- Awards: Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame (1993), Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame (1994), Edgar Allan Poe Special Award (2001)
- Died: May 28, 2002, Toledo, Ohio
Snag The Secret of the Old Clock or a Penny Parker mystery and dive into Mildred A. Wirt’s thrilling world of adventure!