John DeChancie is a writer of science fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction. His first novel was nominated for the Locus Award, and he won the coveted Forrest J Ackerman award in 2005. Born in Pittsburgh, he worked in PBS television as a technical director, and in educational film as a cinematographer, writer, and director. He then began writing fiction. After a solid fiction-writing career, he relocated to southern California in the 1990s and became embroiled in fan activities. To date, his credit list runs to nearly thirty books and about a hundred short stories and articles. He plans to retire real soon now.