The author, Paul J. Hammond, is a native Washingtonian, born at George Washington University Hospital on Washington Circle. He attended Anthony Hyde Elementary School, St. Albans School, and Kenyon College, where he graduated with honors. He has worked variously as a trade consultant, a real estate developer, and an R/T officer on a cruise ship. He is married to Alessandra Bosa of Merano and spends his time between Italy and the USA, writing and guiding scuba divers round the rocks to see the bright barracuda.