Fanie Viljoen Biography: Age, Education, Books, Awards, Wife, Family, Net Worth

WikiStars July 28, 2024

Fanie Viljoen Biography

Fanie Viljoen is a South African author known for his contributions to children’s and young adult literature. Writing predominantly in Afrikaans, he has published numerous books that cater to a young audience, focusing on themes relevant to children and teenagers.

Fanie Viljoen has written over fifty books, including “Dreamers,” “Scarred Lions,” and “Jump” in English. Fanie’s creative journey spans children’s books, graphic novels, and short stories, making him a versatile and imaginative storyteller. He resides in Bloemfontein, South Africa, where he continues to explore new ideas for stories and create captivating illustrations.

Fanie Viljoen Age

Fanie Viljoen was born on January 2, 1970, making him 53 years old as of 2024.

Fanie Viljoen Educational Background

Fanie Viljoen completed his high school education at Goudveld High School in Welkom, South Africa, where he matriculated in 1987. He then studied graphic design at the Technical College Welkom from 1993 to 1995. Additionally, Viljoen holds a BA degree in social sciences from the University of South Africa.

Fanie Viljoen Career

Fanie Viljoen began his professional journey in the corporate sector, working as a training consultant at Sanlam from 1990 until 2006. During this period, he honed his skills in communication and education, which later influenced his writing career. His transition from the corporate world to a full-time writer and artist in 2006 marked a significant shift, allowing him to dedicate himself entirely to his passion for storytelling and illustration.

Viljoen’s first foray into the literary world was through short stories published in the woman’s magazine Sarie. This initial success paved the way for him to explore various forms of writing, including radio plays. Over the years, he has written numerous plays for the South African radio station RSG, showcasing his versatility and talent in adapting his storytelling for different mediums.

As an author, Viljoen has made a substantial impact on Afrikaans children’s and young adult literature. His works often address complex themes in an accessible manner, making them popular among young readers. Some of his notable titles include “Onderwêreld,” “BreinBliksem,” and “Pynstiller.”

In addition to his work in children’s literature, Viljoen has also written non-fiction, poems, rhymes, and television plays. His diverse body of work reflects his broad interests and his commitment to exploring different forms of storytelling.

Viljoen’s background in graphic design has also influenced his career as an illustrator. He has illustrated several of his own books, adding a personal touch to his storytelling. This combination of writing and illustrating allows him to create a more immersive experience for his readers.

Fanie Viljoen Books

Fanie Viljoen has written an extensive range of books, spanning various genres, primarily focusing on children’s and young adult literature. Below is a list of his works:

Betower (2012)
Uit (2014)
Jump (2013)
Sacrifices to the Flies (2020)
Scarred Lions (2011)
Dreamers (2017)
The Last Time I Died (2020)
The Day the Dragon Came: A Book for Boys (2019)
Band-aids for the Dead (2024)
La Di Da, Lulu (2017)
Pixel (2020)
Sacrifice to the Flies (2022)
Die Groot Boek van Spoke en Grille (2019)
Sneeman-swem
Aksieheld Austin: Doodskreet van die Dino’s
Wêreld van Wolwe: Tweede Asem
Vampierhokkie
Briewe van Mieliepit
Flippie word ‘n vlieg
Ouma Mollie en die Mensvreter
Coucou, Lulu
Wêreld van Wolwe: Eerste Bloed
Offers vir die Vlieë
Laaste Lewe
Donker Web
Doendinge
Iemand wat verdrink en ander verhale
Aksieheld Austin: Onheil op Skedelbaai
Nova omnibus 2
Krappie en die Kroon
Aksieheld Austin: Operasie Sabotasie
Oepse Daisy, Lulu
Kaptein Verdwyn
Nova: Eindspel
Slym en die Towertapyt
Nova: Sterreloper
Nova: Bloedbroers
Betower

Fanie Viljoen Awards

Fanie Viljoen has received numerous awards throughout his literary career, recognizing his contributions to children’s and young adult literature. Here’s a list of his awards:

Golden Sanlam Prize for Children’s Literature – BreinBliksem (2005)
MER Prize for Children’s Literature – BreinBliksem (2006)
ATKV Children’s Book Award – Geraamte in die klas (2007)
MER Prize for Illustrated Children’s Books – Geraamte in die klas (2007)
Silver Sanlam Prize for Children’s Literature – Onderwêreld (2007)
ATKV Children’s Book Award – Slym en die gogga-sirkus (2008)
ATKV Children’s Book Award – Onderwêreld (2009)
ATKV Children’s Book Award – Die geheime bestanddeel in Petra Pienk se piesangbrood (2009)
ATKV Children’s Book Award – Slym en die beker van geluk (2010)
Runner-up in LAPA Publishers’ youth novel competition – Poenk (2010)
ATKV Children’s Book Award – Nova: Die Begin (2011)
ATKV Children’s Book Award – Grilbrigade (2012)
ATKV Children’s Book Award – Klou (2012)
ATKV Children’s Book Award – Spring (2014)
IBBY Honor Roll – Leeus met Letsels (2014)
Runner-up in LAPA Publishers’ youth novel competition – Afkop (2015)
ATKV Children’s Book Award – Plons (2015)
IBBY Honor Roll – Uit (2015)
Tienie Holloway Medal for Children’s Literature – Die dag toe die draak kom (2021)

Fanie Viljoen Wife and Family

Fanie Viljoen is married, but details about his wife and family life are not publicly disclosed. He currently resides in Bloemfontein with his family.

Fanie Viljoen Net Worth

Fanie Viljoen has an estimated net worth of $500,000 as of 2024.

Fanie Viljoen Social Media Presence

Fanie Viljoen is active on social media platforms where he engages with his readers and shares insights into his work. Here are his social media handles:

Instagram: @fanieviljoen_author
Twitter: @FanieViljoen