Michael Crews is the author of two books, a non-fiction historical study called Heretical Usurers, Magnificent Statesmen and recently his first novel, Guardia. Currently he is doing research for an upcoming collection of short stories featuring the main protagonist in Guardia, Mercurio Capolupo. Michael grew up in California and currently lives in San Diego. He graduated from UCSB, majoring in Economics and French. Later, he received his MA from SDSU in History with an emphasis in economic history of the Renaissance. Michael enjoys hiking and the outdoors, and getting away from civilization helps him to keep the creative juices flowing. He also loves traveling and studying languages.