We all remember a time when Twilight was a really big thing. When teen girls and moms would gush over who Bella would choose; either the creepy stalkerish vampire, Edward, or the equally creepy werewolf, who apparently had imprinted on her daughter before she was even born, Jacob. When we were all talking about what would happen next between Edward and Bella, when we were all beside ourselves over the books and the movies, all the while taking to the internet to write our fantasies, one of these fans was a woman named Erika Leonard, an author who would later become E.L James, author of Fifty Shades of Grey.

James was born on March 7th, 1963. She had a relatively normal upbringing, and soon attended the University of Kent. Eventually, she was hired to the National Film and Television School. She started writing books, and when she discovered Fanfiction.Net, continued writing there. When she stumbled across Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, she was inspired to write what would later become the Fifty Shades series.

The series started off as a series of fanfictions known as Master of the Universe. There were many similarities between the two stories, including the developing romance between the two characters. What’s more, many readers have pointed out that the characters were essentially the same; the only difference is their name. A brief comparison between Twilight and Fifty Shades of Grey showed approximately an 89% similarity rating. Even so, when her books were released, she was shocked by her success.

The books have launched James into an international spotlight. In 2012, Times Magazine named her as one of the world’s most influential people. In that same year, Fifty Shades of Grey won the National Book Award in the UK. She was even able to release two more books for the Fifty Shades trilogy, both of which are from Christian Grey's point of view. As of now, James is worth an astonishing $150 million.

The impact of James’s writing made it clear that there was a much-needed outlet for many people. Erotica and erotic romances began garnering a more mainstream audience. It brought the BDSM community to light, as well as sparked discussions involving sex, power imbalances, and fantasies, as well as what could be described as healthy and unhealthy relationships. While many critics argued over the awkward dialogue and unrealistic situations, as well as the lack of graphic scenes in the movie, nonetheless, the series found their way to dedicated fans, many of which fell in love with the characters.

While the books might not live up to that of Shakespeare, Stephen King, or Anne Rice, they left a legacy that encouraged writers to follow their own passions, whether or not they’re socially acceptable. What’s more, it forces people to look at their own guilty pleasures and embrace them for what they are. James helped pave a way that allowed the general audience to look at erotica as a source of entertainment, even art.

All in all, not bad for a fanfic writer.