L. Neil Smith was a Libertarian science fiction author and gun rights activist.Smith was born in Denver, Colorado. Smith began publishing science fiction with “Grimm’s Law” for Stellar 5 (1980). He wrote 31 books, including 29 novels, and a number of essays and short stories. In 2016, Smith received the Special Prometheus Award for Lifetime Achievement for his contributions to libertarian science fiction. He was editor of LEVER ACTION BBS [now defunct], founder and International Coordinator of the Libertarian Second Amendment Caucus, Secretary and Legislative Director of the Weld County Fish & Wildlife Association and an NRA Life Member. Smith passed away on August 27, 2021 in Fort Collins, Colorado at age 75. Smith is survived by daughter Rylla Smith and wife Cathy Smith.