Michael D. Mitchell was born in Riverside, California. After graduating from high school, he served eight years in the USAF, including one tour in Vietnam, and spent the majority of his working career in the insurance industry. Mike now lives in Wenatchee, Washington, with his two miniature dachshunds, Cinnamon Von Strudel and Ginger Von Snapp. He enjoys the outdoors and cycling. In 1989 he rode his bicycle from Seattle, Washington, to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mike also has attempted climbing Mount Rainier twice. His hobbies include gardening and working with ceramics, and he recently completed a Master Gardener course.