Garrett W. Vance I grew up like a tumbleweed in the arid wilds of eastern Washington State, riding horses and motorbikes through the sand and sage brush, enjoying great freedom of movement at a very young age. I was always headed out on expeditions to see what lay beyond the next shady canyon or rolling hill, a curiosity which eventually led me to travel widely in Europe, Asia and Africa. I'm pretty much the definition of a ' maverick,' safe but dull careers, mortgages and insurance are things I wouldn't touch with a seventy-two and a half foot pole. I prefer to be down to my last ducat and on the road, my personal wealth is all in experience. Wherever I go books have been my constant companions, they grant access to places no earthly airplane or ship can venture, to the limitless realms of the written word. I currently enjoy a ridiculously comfortable existence in Bangkok, Thailand and I'm not bored yet. My brain announced to me recently that "It's time to write!" so here I am. Update: With Volume 15 I became the Art Director for the Gazette! Good thing I like a challenge. :-D