Gary BirkenWhen I first set pen to paper as a novelist, I was a busy full time pediatric surgeon. I completed eight years of surgical training at Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital and remain to this day an ardent Buckeyes fan. Upon complting my training, I relocated to South Florida and joined the medical staff of Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, where I served as the Surgeon-in-Chief. Now, that my schedule is more relaxed, I'm able to devote greater time to writing and getting more involved with my readers. My approach to story-writing has always been to utilize fiction not only as a means to entertain, but also to offer some insight into an interesting or controversial topic in medicine. I'm often asked by aspiring authors for suggestions as to the best way to get started. The best advice I can offer any individual who seriously want to write is to take the time to learn the craft of fiction writing, and then - read a lot and write a lot. I am a member of the Mystery Writers of America and have had the opportunity of teaching writing at various conferences and other forums. I have also had the pleasure of serving as a panel member at the SleuthFest Conference. In addition to spending time with my family, including my ten grandchildren, I am a private pilot, and an avid tennis player. I also enjoy auditing university level courses and just hanging out with my English Setter, Eliza Doolittle. I hold a black belt in martial arts and frequently teach courses in women's self-defense. Read More Read Less