Author Andre Norton dies at 93

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Science fiction and fantasy author Andre Norton, who wrote the popular "Witch World" series, died Thursday. She was 93.

Her death was announced by friend Jean Rabe, who said Norton died of congestive heart failure at her home in Murfreesboro.

Born Alice Mary Norton on Feb. 17, 1912, in Cleveland, she wrote more than 130 books in many genres during her career of nearly 70 years. She used a pen name — which she made her legal name in 1934 — because she expected to be writing mostly for young boys and thought a male name would help sales.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America recently created the Andre Norton Award for young adult novels, and the first award will be presented in 2006.

She was the first woman to receive the Grand Master of Fantasy Award from the SFWA in 1977, and she won the Nebula Grand Master Award in 1984.

Her last complete novel, "Three Hands of Scorpio," is set to be released in April.