In my life I try to combine a passion for writing, a love of travel, a longstanding interest in China and the Middle East, and a mania for certain academic subjects. I have a particular love of historical fiction, but also write short stories with a contemporary setting.

I spent most of my adult life living and working outside of North America, primarily in the greater China area (twelve years), the Muslim world (6.5 years) and Europe (seven years).

I participate in several writers’ groups in the Pacific Northwest. Regarding current wanderings, I’m in the top 1% of Trip Advisor reviewers/travelers, with over 650,000 views worldwide. On the academic side (see also “academic” above), I review on North African topics in African Studies Quarterly (associated with the University of Florida), and maintain an interest in Ancient Greece, in the ancient Near East, and follow discussions of China coming onto the world stage. My wife May and I divide our time between the Pacific Northwest and Hong Kong. Our daughter, Alanna, is an officer in the Air Force.

photo: Hiking in the Cascades, Mount Baker (alt. 10,781 feet) in the background