About

James Gottlieb Smith was born in San Antonio, Texas, and grew up just west of there in the small town of Castroville. He graduated in 2000 from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics. Shortly afterward, because of his interest in writing, he decided to pursue a M.A. in English as a hobby. He received his M.A. in December, 2008.

His thesis consisted primarily of a science fiction novel exploring the relationships between the members of a four adult family as they try to resolve a series of murders that eventually affects them. The novel uses traditional stylistic techniques to explore the relationship between text, narrative, and meta-narrative.

James grew up in a fairly religious family and even spent some time in New Mexico and north Texas as an itinerant minister. While he does not hold to any particular faith and conducts himself as an atheist, his early faith does influence his writing. The church services he grew up knowing included congregational singing. He enjoys singing and does so as a baritone in the Brazos Valley Chorale and in the choir of Friends UCC.

His interests in science fiction extend beyond reading and writing. He acts as the staff adviser for Cepheid Variable, a student group at Texas A&M University which produces the annual student-run science fiction convention, AggieCon. Despite losing most of their University support several years ago, they have managed to survive and are now a strong and lasting part of student life at the University.