Born to a couple of bon vivants with a Renaissance approach to intellectual curiosity, M.C. learned to taste wine, build a campfire, and think in terms of geologic time before quitting the nest. Early fascinations with anthropology and fantasy translated into a degree in English lit, but that’s the last rational decision the author made aside getting married. In pursuit of a J.D., M.C. moved to the city of Chicago from (no joke) every other region in the country. Returned triumphant from the bar exam, the obvious next step was to put these tools to use writing adventures in imagined worlds. Biggest childhood influences, Pratchett and Pern, which come through in humor, vibes of science fantasy, and an unapologetic love for cities. There will be slang, cursing, magic, moments of great warmth. And cities. If that wasn’t coming through: lots of cities.