Daniel G. T. Swarthout grew up on the banks of the Colorado River, in a small town called Big River, California. He is the second oldest of six children, all of whom are adopted. Swarthout enjoys movies and a good story, something to keep him captivated in his free time. He also enjoys writing poetry. He now lives in mid-Missouri with his four-year-old boxer, Obsidian, and his eight-year-old husky, Ruby.