Veronica Anne Roth (born August 19, 1988) is an American novelist and short-story writer, best known for her debut globally bestselling trilogy of novels: Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant. Her short stories and essays have appeared in Summer Days and Summer Nights, Shards and Ashes, and the upcoming Three Sides of a Heart. Veronica grew up outside of Chicago and graduated from Northwestern University, where she began writing her first book while on winter break in her senior year. She now lives in Chicago with her husband and dog and writes full-time. Roth sold the film rights to The Divergent Series to Summit Entertainment, the series was developed into three major motion pictures, starring Shailene Woodley in the lead role.