Mitchell, Todd: - Todd Mitchell is the award-winning author of several novels for young readers and adults including The Namer of Spirits, The Last Panther, The Secret to Lying, The Traitor King, and Backwards. In addition to writing, he's been a professional speaker and teacher for 25 years, working with every grade except kindergarten. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Beginning Creative Writing Teaching Program at Colorado State University, where he teaches creative writing and literature, but that's not why you should read this book. The reason why you should read this book is because Todd struggled with chasing success for decades, failed spectacularly, and experienced a breakdown that led to discovering far more fulfilling and effective ways to practice creativity.He now lives and writes (happily) in Fort Collins, Colorado with his wife, daughters, female dog, and female guinea pigs. He's basically the lone guy in a multi-species sorority. You can visit him (and learn about his squirrel obsession) at www.ToddMitchellBooks.com.