ABRAHAM, DANIEL
(Bugsy, Father Henry Obst)

Author of fantasy and science-fiction short stories and novellas. A professional writer since 1996, he's also collaborated with George RR Martin, Walter Jon Williams and Sage Walker, among others. Currently completing his Long Price Quartet. Lives in New Mexico.

See: Deuces Down, Inside Straight, Suicide Kings.
Selected other works: Shadow Twin (2005) with George RR Martin and Gardner Dozois, A Shadow in Summer (2006).

BRYANT, EDWARD
(Sewer Jack, Wyungare, Cordelia Chaisson)

Nebula Award-winning science-fiction/horror writer and occasional screenwriter, actor and lecturer. Began writing professionally in 1968. Known mostly for his short stories, he also writes nonfiction and book reviews. Lives in North Denver.

See: Wild Cards, Jokers Wild, Aces Abroad, Down and Dirty, Dealer's Choice.
Selected other works: Among the Dead (1973), Cinnabar (1976), The American Tricentennial (1977), Wyoming Sun (1980), Particle Theory (1981), Phoenix Without Ashes (1985) with Harlan Ellison, Fetish (1991), Flirting With Death (1995).

CADIGAN, PAT
(Water Lily)

Arthur C. Clarke Award-
winning author of science-
fiction, cyberpunk, fantasy and horror short stories and novels. Born in New York, she started writing full-time in 1987 and lives in North London, England.

See: Aces High, Down and Dirty.
Selected other works: Mindplayers (1987), Patterns (1989), Synners (1991), Letters From Home (1991), Fools (1992), Dirty Work (1993), Home By The Sea (1993), Tea from an Empty Cup (1998), Dervish is Digital (2001).

CASSUTT, MICHAEL
(George Steele, Cash Mitchell, Stuntman)

Science-fiction and thriller author since 1985, and television producer/writer for shows including Outer Limits, Twilight Zone, Stargate SG-1 and Farscape. Has also written Who's Who in Space and a biography of astronaut Deke Slayton. Lives in Los Angeles.

See: Aces Abroad, Card Sharks, Deuces Down, Inside Straight.
Selected other works: The Star Country (1986), Dragon Season (1991), Missing Man (1998), Red Moon (2000), Tango Midnight (2003).

CLAREMONT, CHRIS
(Dr Cody Havero, the Jumpers)

Primarily a comic-book writer best known for his popular seventeen year run on the X-Men. Appears briefly in X-Men 3. Also worked with George Lucas on the Chronicles of the Shadow War trilogy. Resides in Brooklyn, New York.

See: One-Eyed Jacks.
Selected other works: First Flight (1987), Grounded! (1991), Sundowner (1994), Uncanny X-Men #94-143 with Dave Cockrum & John Byrne, Wolverine #1-4 with Frank Miiller.

COVER, ARTHUR BYRON (Quasiman, Rev. Leo Barnett)

Science-fiction and fantasy author who sold his first short story to Harlan Ellison's legendary 'lost' anthology The Last Dangerous Visions. His first novel was nominated for a Nebula Award. Has also written comic-books and graphic novels. He lives in Los Angeles.

See: Down and Dirty.
Selected other works: Autumn Angels (1975), The Platypus of Doom and Other Nihilists (1976), The Sound of Winter (1976), An East Wind Coming (1979), Planetfall (1988), Stationfall (1989), The Red Star (2003).

GERSTNER-MILLER, GAIL
(Peregrine, The Living Gods, John Fortune)

Born and raised in central New York. A professional librarian, she lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband, John Jos. Miller, eight cats and two collies.

See: Aces Abroad.

HARPER, LEANNE C. (Bagabond, Umán, Hunapu, Xbalanque, Cordelia Chaisson)

See: Wild Cards, Jokers Wild, Aces Abroad, Down and Dirty, Marked Cards.

LEIGH, STEPHEN
(Puppetman, Gimli, Bloat, Hannah Davis, Nur al-Allah, Oddity, Gary Bushorn, Caitlyn, Drummer Boy, Gardener)

Writer of science-fiction novels and short stories since 1975. Has also written books under the pseudonyms 'Matthew Farrell' and 'S.L. Farrell'. Plays bass and provides vocals for two bands. Lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

See: Wild Cards, Aces Abroad, Down and Dirty, Ace In The Hole, One-Eyed Jacks, Jokertown Shuffle, Dealer's Choice, Card Sharks, Marked Cards, Black Trump, Inside Straight, Busted Flush, Suicide Kings.
Selected other works: Slow Fall to Dawn (1981), Dance of the Hag (1983), A Quiet of Stone (1984), The Bones of God (1986), The Crystal Memory (1987), The Secret of the Lona (Dr. Bones #1) (1988), The Abraxas Marvel Circus (1990), Alien Tongue (1991), Dark Water's Embrace (1998), Speaking Stones (1999). Thunder Rift (2001), Holder of Lightning (2003), Mage of Clouds (2004), Heir of Stone (2005).

MARTIN, GEORGE R.R.
(The Turtle, Xavier Desmond, Jube, Popinjay, Hiram Worchester, Legion, Fadeout, Envoy, Lohengrin)

Profilic science-fiction and fantasy author, editor, television screenwriter and producer (Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Beauty and the Beast) and winner of the Nebula, Hugo, World Fantasy and Bram Stoker Awards. Sold his first short story in 1970 and became a full-time writer in 1979. Continental Chess Association tournament director from 1973 to 1976. Lives in New Mexico.

See: Wild Cards, Aces High, Jokers Wild, Aces Abroad, Down and Dirty, Dead Man's Hand, Dealer's Choice, Black Trump, Inside Straight.
Selected other works: Dying of the Light (1977), Windhaven (1981) with Lisa Tuttle, Sandkings (1981), Fevre Dream (1982), The Armageddon Rag (1983),Tuf Voyaging (1987), A Game of Thrones (1996), A Clash of Kings (1998), A Storm of Swords (2000), Quartet (2001) with Christine Carpenito, GRRM: A RRetrospective (2003), A Feast for Crows (2005), Shadow Twin (2005) with Gardner Dozois and Daniel Abraham.

MILÁN, VICTOR
(Captain Trips, The Mechanic, Sara Morgenstern, Mackie Messer, Durg at' Morakh)

Prolific author of science-fiction, thriller, western and fantasy novels since 1974. Former cowboy and former progressive-rock DJ. Winner of the Prometheus Award for The Cybernetic Samurai. Has written over 80 books and used at least 7 pseudonyms. Lives in New Mexico.

See: Wild Cards, Aces High, Aces Abroad, Ace In The Hole, One-Eyed Jacks, Jokertown Shuffle, Turn Of The Cards, Card Sharks, Marked Cards, Black Trump, Busted Flush, Suicide Kings.
Selected other works: Adah: The World's Delight (1982), The War Party (1984), The Cybernetic Samurai (1985), Runespear (1987) with Melinda M. Snodgrass, The Cybernetic Shogun (1990), Red Sands (1993), CLD: Collective Landing Detachment (1995).

MILLER, JOHN JOS.
(Carnifex, Chrysalis, Yeoman, Wraith, Father Squid, Kien,
Ti Malice, John Nighthawk, Midnight Angel)

Born and raised in rural downstate New York. Professional writer of science-fiction and fantasy since 1980, also wrote the first GURPS Wild Cards book for Steve Jackson Games. He and wife, Gail Gerstner-Miller live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with two collies and eight cats.

See: Wild Cards, Aces High, Jokers Wild, Aces Abroad, Down and Dirty, Dead Man's Hand, One-Eyed Jacks, Jokertown Shuffle, Dealer's Choice, Black Trump, Death Draws Five, Busted Flush.
Selected other works: First Power Play (1990), Dinosaur Samurai (1993) with Stephen Leigh, Dinosaur Empire (1995) with Stephen Leigh, Witchblade: A Terrible Beauty (2002), The Twilight Zone: Shades of Night, Falling (2003), Witchblade: Combo (2005) with John Dechancie.

MIXON, LAURA J.
(Lamia, Clara van Renssaeler)

Previously a chemical and environmental engineer, before becoming a full-time sci-fi author. Served in the Peace Corps in East Africa for two years in the '80s. Married to fellow sci-fi author Steven Gould and lives in New Mexico.

See: Card Sharks, Marked Cards.
Selected other works: Omni: Astropilots (1987), Glass Houses (1992), Greenwar (1997) with Steven Gould, Proxies (1998), Burning the Ice (2002).

MURPHY, KEVIN ANDREW
(Cameo, Herne, Will-O'-Wisp, Swash)

Author of science-fiction, fantasy and horror short stories. A gaming enthusiast, he also wrote the second GURPS Wild Cards book for Steve Jackson Games, Aces Abroad. Resides in San Jose, California.

See: Card Sharks, Deuces Down, Busted Flush.
Selected other works: House of Secrets (1995) with James A. Moor, Fathom: The World Below (2002).

SHINER, LEWIS
(Fortunato, The Astronomer, Loophole, Kafka, Kid Dinosaur)

Rock musician and author of cyberpunk, science-fiction, mystery, horror and fantasy, often with a rock music theme. Became a professional writer in 1977 with his short stories and currently resides in North Carolina.

See: Wild Cards, Aces High, Jokers Wild, Aces Abroad, One-Eyed Jacks, Jokertown Shuffle.
Selected other works: Frontera (1984), Deserted Cities of the Heart (1988), Slam (1990), Glimpses: A Novel (1993), Say Goodbye (1999).

SIMONS, WALTON (BUD)
(Mr Nobody, Demise, The Bodysnatcher, Puddleman, J.C. Jaywardene, Drake Thomas)

Short story author, film buff and movie reviewer who's also written for the Austin Chronicle and DC Comics. Has achieved immortality as the villain in the popular video game Deus Ex. Currently lives in Austin, Texas.

See: Aces High, Jokers Wild, Aces Abroad, Ace In The Hole, One-Eyed Jacks, Jokertown Shuffle, Marked Cards, Deuces Down, Busted Flush.

SNODGRASS, MELINDA M.
(Dr Tachyon, Blaise Andrieux, Dr Bradley Finn, Roulette, Topper, Prince Zabb, Double Helix)

Science-fiction author, TV screenwriter for shows such as Star Trek: The Next Generation, Outer Limits, Odyssey 5, and writer/producer of The Profiler and Star Command. Has just completed a new novel, The Edge of Reason. Lives in New Mexico where she both trains horses and rides them in competition.

See: Wild Cards, Aces High, Jokers Wild, Aces Abroad, Down and Dirty, Ace In The Hole, One-Eyed Jacks, Jokertown Shuffle, Double Solitaire, Card Sharks, Marked Cards, Deuces Down, Inside Straight, Busted Flush, Suicide Kings.
Selected other works: Circuit (1986), Circuit Breaker (1987), Runespear (1987) with Victor Milán, Final Circuit (1988), High Stakes (1988), Santa Fe (1988), Queen's Gambit Declined (1989).

SPECTOR, CAROLINE
(The Amazing Bubbles)

Previously associate editor of Amazing Magazine and editor of many role-playing modules. Lives in Texas with husband, game designer Warren Spector.

See: Inside Straight, Busted Flush, Suicide Kings.
Selected other works: Worlds Without End (1995), Scars (2005)

TREGILLIS, IAN
(Rustbelt, Genetrix)

Works at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and lives in New Mexico. Currently working on his alternative history trilogy, The Milkweed Triptych (to be published by Tor).

See: Inside Straight, Busted Flush, Suicide Kings.

VAUGHN, CARRIE
(Curveball, Earth Witch)

Fantasy novelist and author of numerous short stories. Raised as an 'Air Force brat' and now lives in Boulder, Colorado.

See: Inside Straight, Busted Flush.
Selected other works: Kitty and the Midnight Hour (2005), Kitty Goes to Washington (2006), Kitty Takes a Holiday (2007), Kitty and the Silver Bullet (2008).

WALDROP, HOWARD
(Jetboy, Dr Tod)

Nebula and World Fantasy Award-winning fantasy and science-fiction author known mostly for his short fiction and who specialises in alternate history stories. Professional writer since 1970 and an avid fly-fisherman. Resides in Austin, Texas.

See: Wild Cards.
Selected other works: The Texas-Israeli War: 1999 (1974) with Jake Saunders, Them Bones (1984), Howard Who? (1986), All About Strange Monsters of the Recent Past (1987), Night of the Cooters (1990), Going Home Again (1997), Custer's Last Jump and Other Collaborations (2003), Heart of Whitenesse (2005).

WALKER, SAGE
(Zoe Harris)

Science fiction writer and ex-ER doctor. Won the Locus Award for her first novel, Whiteout. She lives in New Mexico.

See: Marked Cards, Black Trump.
Selected other works: Whiteout (1997).

WILLIAMS, WALTER JON
(Black Shadow, Modular Man, Dr Travnicek, Golden Boy, Black Eagle, Snotman)

Nebula Award-winning author of science-fiction, cyberpunk and fantasy, as well as disaster thriller and historical adventure (as Jon Williams) since 1981. He's also a black-belt in Kenpo Karate and an avid scuba diver. Resides in New Mexico.

See: Wild Cards, Aces High, Down and Dirty, Ace In The Hole, Jokertown Shuffle, Dealer's Choice, Marked Cards.
Selected other works: Ambassador of Progress (1984), Knight Moves (1985), Voice of the Whirlwind (1987), Angel Station (1989), Elegy for Angels and Dogs (1990), Days of Atonement (1991), Aristoi (1992), Metropolitan (1995), City on Fire (1997), Frankensteins and Foreign Devils (1998) Note: this collection features 'Bag Lady', a prototype Modular Man story, The Rift (1999), The Praxis (2002), The Sundering (2003), Conventions of War (2005).

WU, WILLIAM F.
(Lazy Dragon, Chop Chop)

Missouri-born author of fantasy and science-fiction, occasional college lecturer, and Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy award nominee. Has also written the non-fiction, The Yellow Peril: Chinese Americans in American Fiction, 1850-1940. He lives in the Mojave Desert, north of Los Angeles.

See: One-Eyed Jacks, Card Sharks.
Selected other works: Masterplay (1987), Hong on the Range (1989), Wong's Lost and Found Emporium and Other Oddities (1992), Isaac Asimov's Robots In Time series (1993-94), An Enemy Reborn (1998) with Michael A. Stackpole.

ZELAZNY, ROGER
(The Sleeper)

Highly influential science-fiction and fantasy author, and multiple winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards. One of the leading figures of the science-fiction 'New Wave' of the sixties, he became a full-time writer in 1969. Best known for his extremely popular Amber series begun in 1970. Published over 50 novels and over 150 short stories. Lived in New Mexico until his untimely death in 1995 due to cancer complications.

See: Wild Cards, Aces High, Down and Dirty, Card Sharks.
Selected other works: The Dream Master (1966), Lord of Light (1967), This Immortal (1968), Creatures of Light and Darkness (1969), Isle of the Dead (1969), Damnation Alley (1969), Jack of Shadows (1971), Today We Choose Faces (1973), My Name is Legion (1976), Doorways in the Sand (1976), Roadmarks (1979), Dilvish, the Damned (1982), Eye of Cat (1982), A Dark Traveling (1987), A Night in the Lonesome October (1993),The Great Book of Amber: The Complete Amber Chronicles (1999).

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

PARRIS
Creator of Elephant Girl

ROYCE (CHIP) WIDEMAN
Creator of Crypt Kicker

BOB WAYNE
Creator of the Card Sharks

STEVE PERRIN
Creator of Cyclone, Mistral and Digger Downs (also created the SUPERWORLD role-playing game which inspired the series)