The author has a Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities and philosophy from the University of Kansas, a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago, a Master of Arts for Teachers degree from Indiana University, and after ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), served for two years in the pastoral ministry. Most of his working life was spent as a secondary school and community college English teacher. His one previous novel The Mumwalds was published by Chalice Press.