Jeff Somers
Expertise
American History, 19th & 20th Century Literature, Fiction And Freelance Writing
- Drawing on his knowledge of history, Jeff co-wrote a comic book about a group of people who slide into an alternate dimension where the Aztec Empire never fell called "Sliders: Blood and Splendor," published by Acclaim Comics in 1996.
- Jeff Somers' short story "Ringing the Changes" was included in "Best American Mystery Stories 2006," edited by Scott Turow.
- Obsessed with history but also deeply creative, Jeff has read so many historical fiction novels he fears he's blurred the line between reality and a really good plot twist involving 19th century technology.
Experience
Jeff Somers has been writing professionally on a wide range of topics for more than a decade. He's been a Contributing Editor at Writer's Digest Magazine since 2016. His work has appeared there as well as on the Barnes & Noble Book Blog, Lifehacker, Bookbub, and Thrillest, and he reviews books from independent publishers professionally. A history minor in college, his reading list is still populated with books on history, historical fiction, and biographies of fascinating people, making him both a formidable trivia team member and a writer who can deep dive into topics ranging from famous battles to the scandalous lives of roaring twenties movie stars. Jeff's first novel, "Lifers," was published in 2001, and his most recent book, "Writing Without Rules" was published by Writer's Digest Books and covers the craft and business sides of professional writing.
Education
Graduating with a Bachelor's in English from Rutgers University, Jeff Somers minored in history and continues his education through reading on a constant basis. His combination of writing skill and infinite curiosity makes him the ideal writer to explore the nooks and crannies of history that are often overlooked.
The unique content on Grunge is a result of skilled collaboration between writers and editors with a broad array of expertise in everything from history to classic Hollywood to true crime. Our goal is to provide accurate and diverse content bolstered by expert input.
Focused on accuracy and ethical coverage, the Grunge editorial team consistently fact-checks and reviews site content to provide readers with an informative, entertaining, and engaging experience. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By Jeff Somers
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The story of Thomas Randolph, known as the "The Black Widower" has mystery, murder, and a fascinating suspect at the center of it all you can't look away from.
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For many Westerners, there's still a lingering sense of mystery around Japanese culture and history, including the Japanese imperial family.
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Antone Charles Costa, known as Tony, killed at least two and probably eight women between 1966 and 1969. Here is the crazy true story of the Cape Cod Vampire.
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The kids who become famous at a very young age skip a lot of the drudgery most people go through in order to become famous. But some of them disappear.
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Despite the song's popularity, few people know the full details of how it came to be such a force in society. Here's the history of "Amazing Grace" explained.
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Behind the hilarious lines, Dorothy Parker was a fascinating woman who lived a pretty wild life. Here's the crazy true story of satirist Dorothy Parker.
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No one agrees on what constitutes "good" music. And even legendary musicians have produced work that falls flat with their most dedicated fans.
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Any large movement or organization will have its share of downsides, but the "mega" in megachurches means those downsides can be pretty huge.
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There have been few constants throughout human history. Sadly, throughout our entire existence, war has been an inescapable constant.
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The purpose of terrorism is right there in the name. They are designed to sow fear, and the main way they achieve that goal is through destruction and death.
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We find snipers fascinating because they're shrouded in mystery. Hidden, calm, and coolly professional, they bide their time and strike with deadly force.
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The Amish are well-known for their shunning of most modern conveniences, but there are quite a few misconceptions about them. Here's what people get wrong.
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It is surprisingly not uncommon for women to still be barred from entering specific places around the world, often for pretty dubious reasons.
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Def Leppard spent years slaving over a single album, and they have withstood more than their fair share of tragedy, including divorce, addiction, and more.
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Richard II should have been a great king, but instead he was a disaster whose legacy includes a prolonged aristocratic civil war and destabilizing policies.
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More than a fake band made to replicate the Beatles, the Monkees were a valuable part of TV history. Here's the untold truth of "The Monkees" TV show.
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Among the novels described as the best ever, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy is gets mention. Here's why Anna Karenina is considered the best novel of all time.
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Even the best writer will turn out a few disappointing efforts over the course of their career. Here are the worst books by famous authors.
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Leo Tolstoy was one of the greatest writers of all time. His classics "Anna Karenina" and "War and Peace" cemented his reputation as a literary genius.
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For every state funeral, there's a story of callous disregard and unmarked graves. Here's what happened to the bodies of the most famous kings in history.
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The 1950s was a time rich with surprisingly good shows covering a wide range of genres and styles. Here are the best TV shows of the 1950s.
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Shah Jahan's mausoleum for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is an iconic landmark. But the Taj Mahal still has surprises. Here are the hidden secrets of the Taj Mahal.
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He was an American military icon, but his legacy includes some controversial actions. Here's the untold truth of General Douglas MacArthur.
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The Bible has been interpreted in many different ways through the ages, sometimes controversially. Here are the theories about the Bible that change everything.
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Without gravity and in a vacuum, our bodies don't work the same. Here's what would happen if you fell into space.
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Unlike some haunted things, there's really no mystery surrounding the origins of "The Hands Resist Him," a painting so creepy it became an internet meme.
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He was one of the biggest and best-paid stars in the world, but today he's largely forgotten. Here's the tragic real-life story of Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle.