A longtime Alaska resident with a Native American heritage, Sean E. Thomas graduated in 1970 from Alaska Methodist University with a bachelor of arts in chemistry. He attended graduate school at the University of Idaho for two years studying organic chemistry, then served eight years as an Army officer, working with missiles and laser weapon systems. He later went into federal service, working in different endeavors, and retired in 2006. He published four novels between 2002 and 2003. After recovering from congestive heart failure, he started writing again. His three newest novels are being published fall 2011 through spring 2012. An avid boater, he has been a Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer for more than 33 years, teaching boating safety and supporting search and rescue programs.