Michael E. Thom was born on May the 4th 1972 and grew up and still resides in Fort Smith, Arkansas. His father Larry Thom is from Sacramento, California and his mother Loretta Thom is from Scranton, Arkansas. This polarized upbringing gave Michael a front-row seat to diverse cultures and ideological differences which he often brings to the forefront of his stories, never taking a side of his fictional cultures but pointing out flaws and strengths of both. It is sometimes difficult to label definitive villains and heroes in his writing. 

He started writing fantasy and horror in his late teens after having been a rabid fan of Stephen King and Dungeons & Dragons. The first novel he ever read was Time of the Twins of the Dragonlance series. He started playing D&D when he was 11 years old and found most often he enjoyed being the Dungeonmaster because he loved creating worlds and stories for people to enjoy within them. After many of his D&D players suggesting he write fantasy novels based on some of the worlds he created, he decided to start writing and immerse himself in creative writing classes and groups at Westark College (now UAFS). There he came in contact with a creative writing teacher who helped him join a writer's group.

He wrote many short horror stories and began a fantasy novel series and a horror novel, both of which he never submitted, but he did get a few of the short stories published in small periodicals in the '90s.

During this time he also endeavored a career as a fantasy illustrator where he took on many art jobs for several gaming clients even to this day. He also worked professionally as a graphic designer for a few years and now has a day job as a tattoo artist. All of these combined skills allowed him to be able to illustrate his own books. 

In his free time, when he has it, he has worked on art for Shadowrun Rpg, private oil painting commissions, and teaches painting classes locally(before the pandemic). He also has sung and played guitar in various heavy metal and rock bands over the years. He lives with his wife Rachael in the city of Fort Smith with their two dogs Brutus and Rogue. He enjoys reading, cooking, and philosophical discussions on the regular. He's a total Beatles fanatic and never tires of watching Beatle documentaries or listening to their albums on the original vinyl releases in both US and British catalog. He likes hot tea from a kettle, historical documentaries, Tarantino & Kubrick movies, and long walks through castles and dungeons. Someday he hopes to have enough income to live in New Zealand or at least have summer visits there to write.