Gary Birken

Before I first set pen to paper as a novelist some twenty years ago, I was a fulltime pediatric surgeon. I completed eight years of surgical training at the Ohio State University and remain an ardent fan. The question I’m asked most often is; how did you find the time to write novels and attend to a busy pediatric surgical practice at the same time? The simple answer is when you spend every waking hour pursuing your life’s passions, you can always find time. But I will admit that having more time now is a luxury that I enthusiastically embrace. It affords me the opportunity to devote more time to writing, and to get more involved with my readers.

Whatever time remains, I spend with family, especially my ten grandchildren, and pursuing my other interests, which include flying, playing tennis, auditing university level courses, and just hanging out with my English Setter, Eliza Doolittle. I hold a black belt in martial arts and particularly enjoy teaching women’s self-defense.