I probably read 100 times more than I write, but that way when I move my characters through it, I know.

She received honorary degrees from her alma mater as well as the University of Maine and the Mount Vernon College for Women. Auel attended Portland State University. [citation needed] While a student Jean M. Auel joined Mensa and worked at Tektronix as a clerk (1965–66) a circuit board designer (1966–73) technical writer (1973–74) and a credit manager (1974–76).

As of 2010 her books have sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. She is best known for her Earth's Children books a series of novels set in prehistoric Europe that explores interactions of Cro-Magnon people with Neanderthals.