Koontz went on to author a number of science fiction books. Seeing the Catholic religion as a counterpoint to the upheaval in his family, Koontz converted in college because it provided him with explanations for his life, enjoying its "intellectual rigor" and allowing a vision of life that finds mystery and beauty in everything. After graduating from Brigham Young University, he rented an apartment from Jack London who encouraged him to write stories. His first story was accepted by a magazine called "Weird Tales". From there he became one of the most popular writers of suspense fiction in America. His novels are set in California where he lives today. He has said that he writes about people like himself, who have a fascination with other worlds and other times, and he tries to bring these characters to life on the page so readers can experience what they feel when history or time moves over them.