Moon, Lorna (1886–1930)

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Moon, Lorna (1886–1930)

Scottish-American writer. Name variations: Nora Wilson Low. Born Helen Nora Wilson Low, June 16, 1886, in Strichen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland; died of TB, May 1, 1930, in Albuquerque, New Mexico; dau. of Charles Low (hotelier); m. William Hebditch (jewelry salesman); m. Walter Moon; children: (1st m.) 1; (2nd m.) 1; (with William De Mille, brother of Cecil B. De Mille) Richard De Mille (b. 1922).

Grew up in Strichen, where her father owned the Temperance Hotel; met and married William Hebditch, who was staying there, and moved with him to Alberta, Canada; set off for Winnipeg with new beau Walter Moon, who introduced her to journalism; traveled to Hollywood and wrote scripts for MGM, including Mr. Wu, starring Lon Chaney, which was huge success; befriended Frances Marion and Anita Loos; contributed tales about Strichen (called Pitouie in stories) to magazines; published successful collection of short stories Doorways in Drumorty (1926), depicting the foibles of villagers in Strichen, which alienated folks back home; wrote bestselling novel Dark Star (1929).

See also Richard De Mille, My Secret Mother: Lorna Moon (Farrar, 1998).