James A. Close is an applied math major and retired IT professional who finally decided to apply his problem-solving skills to something more entertaining than debugging technology. A husband, father, and grandfather, he now channels his creativity into writing fiction, partly for artistic expression, partly to prove to his grandkids that he’s still cooler than their gaming consoles. When he is not crafting stories, James can usually be found outdoors, happily wandering trails, mountain biking, admiring nature, and pretending he’s not lost. An active outdoorsman with a fondness for fresh air and woodland views, he remains convinced that every good adventure, whether on the page or in the wild, begins with curiosity, sugar, and a sturdy pair of boots.