My name is Michael F. Butchin. I was born to a family of scholars, musicians, actors, and singers. A Philadelphia native, I actually grew up in the South Jersey suburbs.

I attended Rutgers University, New Brunswick, from which I graduated with a degree in Chinese Language and Literature. I also attended graduate school, where I read for Early Childhood Education. After graduation, I lived in Taiwan for several years, where I worked as a kindergarten and Pre-K teacher during the day, and as an ESOL instructor at night. I have also traveled extensively in China. I currently reside in Beijing's Chaoyang district, where I teach both History and ESOL at the Beijing Zhizhi Academy.

I also daydream of a time in which I can support myself with my writing in a nice home in my native city, or at least a decent apartment in Europe or Scandinavia. Alas, that would require a lot more skill, talent, and drive than I presently seem to possess.