Tarl Telford (1976—) is the seventh cousin of L. Frank Baum, two times removed. He created The Hidden History of Oz saga to construct the epic fantasy foundation that makes the classic Oz stories possible. He is a novelist, poet, screenwriter and playwright. Inspired by such notable authors as C.S. Lewis, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, H.P. Lovecraft, and Louis L'Amour, he knew at ten years old that he was destined to be a writer. His life's mission is to share the timeless stories of magical lands and bridge the gap between dreams and magic.