Michael Cadnum has had a number of jobs over the course of his life, including pick-and-shoveler for the York Archaeological Trust, in York, England, and substitute teacher in Oakland, California, but his true calling is writing. He is the author of over a dozen novels for adults and young adults, including Calling Home and Breaking the Fall, both nominated for the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe Award. he is a former Creative Writing Fellow of the National Endowment for the Arts. Also a poet, he has received several awards, including Poetry Northwest's Helen Bullis Prize and the Owl Creek Book Award. He lives in Albany, California.