William R. Forstchen

William R. Forstchen is an accomplished American author, known for his works in science fiction and alternate history novels. He has contributed to many series including Riftwar, Star Trek, Magic: The Gathering and Wing Commander. Forstchen's writing is not only limited to fiction but also extends to historical fiction and non-fiction.

Born in 1950, Forstchen began his publishing career in 1983 with the novel Ice Prophet. He is currently a Professor of History and Faculty Fellow at Montreat College in Montreat, North Carolina, where he specializes in Military History, the American Civil War, and the History of Technology. His doctorate, which he received from Purdue University, is based on these specializations.

Forstchen's work is highly regarded in the literary world and has been recognized with several awards. His young adult novel, We Look Like Men of War, is based on his doctoral dissertation, The 28th USCTs: Indiana’s African-Americans go to War, 1863-1865. This novel, along with his "Lost Regiment" series, has been optioned by both Tom Cruise and M. Night Shyamalan. Forstchen has also co-authored a series with Newt Gingrich, including the "Gettysburg" trilogy and works on the events leading up to Pearl Harbor and immediately after that attack.

In recent years, Forstchen's writing has shifted towards historical fiction and non-fiction. His book, One Second After, examines the potential damage rendered by an EMP attack on the continental United States. This book was cited on the floor of Congress and before the House Armed Services Committee by Congressman Roscoe Bartlett as a realistic portrayal of the potential damage of an EMP attack. Forstchen resides near Asheville, North Carolina with his daughter Meghan and his dog Maggie. His other interests include archaeology, and he has participated in several expeditions to Mongolia and Russia. He is also a pilot and co-owns an original 1943 Aeronca L-3B recon plane used in World War II.