About John

I’m a novelist, journalist, nature photographer, graphic designer, screenwriter, filmmaker, martial artist, dad, pirate, and lover of all pizzas.

In addition to my novels, I’m the author of more than 170 nonfiction children’s books published by Abdo & Daughters. I love bringing history to life. Lewis & Clark: Adventures West was a finalist at the 17th annual Minnesota Book Awards. In 2008, I won a Golden Duck Award for Excellence in Children’s Science Fiction Literature for my six-book series The World of Science Fiction. I won a second Golden Duck in 2010 for You Write It!: Science Fiction, part of a series of books that teach young people how to write genre fiction.

I’m a martial artist, with black belts in Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu. I love lighthouses, and hiking along Minnesota’s North Shore. I’m also a professional photographer. I especially enjoy shooting national parks and rodeos. My photography has appeared in dozens of magazines and books, including Backpacker, Photomethods, and Arms Control Today. In 2010, my rodeo work was picked as Editor’s Choice by the National Association of Photoshop Professionals.

Thanks for visiting!