### Ruby Jean Jensen: A Life of Horror and Imagination
Ruby Jean Jensen, a luminary in the world of pulp horror fiction, left an indelible mark on the genre. Her life was a tapestry woven from threads of family, love, and a fervent passion for storytelling.
#### Early Years and Family
Born on March 1, 1927, in McDonald County, Missouri, Ruby Jean Hendrickson Jensen was the offspring of James and Gretchen E. (Schell) Hendrickson. Her early years were spent in Missouri before the family relocated to Northern California, where she developed a predilection for reading and writing. It was during these rainy days in California that Ruby would often find solace in stories and penned her first novel at the tender age of eleven.
#### Move to Arkansas
Later in life, Ruby Jean and her husband, Vaughn Jensen, moved to Arkansas, settling in the Rogers area. The late 1950s marked the beginning of their life in this new state, where they lived for over five decades. This period saw Ruby continue her writing journey, with a significant portion of her work set against the backdrop of Arkansas’ lush landscapes.
### Career and Literary Milestones
Ruby Jean Jensen’s literary career was marked by a remarkable transition from Gothic romance to unmitigated horror. Her journey into the world of publishing began with the occult Gothic romance *The House That Samael Built*, published in 1974 by Warner Paperback Library. She continued to produce works with Warner, publishing four more novels before moving on to Manor Books in 1978. Her style diversified further with publications under the names R.J. Hendrickson and R.J. Jensen, reflecting her exploration of various themes.
#### Association with Zebra Books
In 1983, Ruby Jean Jensen broke into a new phase of her career when she began publishing with Zebra Books, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp. Known for its pulp horror, this move solidified her status as a prominent horror author. She went on to publish twenty books with Zebra, many of which were centered around the “creepy children” trope or “evil dolls.” Titles like *Annabelle* (1987) and *Baby Dolly* (1991) became iconic in the horror genre, earning her an enthusiastic following and establishing her as a mainstay of the genre.
#### Last Works and Legacy
Ruby Jean’s final novel, *Night Thunder*, published in 1995, bid farewell to her illustrious writing career. By the time she published this book, more than two million copies of her works were in print. Her legacy extends beyond the books; many have become collector’s items, symbolizing a golden age of horror fiction that includes Stephen King and V.C. Andrews.
Ruby Jean Jensen passed away on November 16, 2010, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate readers. Her story is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of horror fiction.
Ruby Jean Jensen: Major Works
- The House That Samael Built (1974)
- Seventh All Hallows’ Eve (1974)
- The Girl Who Didn’t Die (1975)
- MaMa (1983)
- Annabelle (1987)
- Baby Dolly (1991)
- Chain Letter (1987)
- Night Thunder (1995)
