John Claude Bemis grew up in rural eastern North Carolina, where he loved reading the Jack tales and African American trickster stories, as well as fantasy and science fiction classics. A songwriter and musician in an Americana roots band, John found inspiration for his fiction in old-time country and blues music and the Southern folklore at its heart. His grandfather, a train hopper, also had a hand in inspiring John with curious stories of America's lost past. At UNC-Chapel Hill, John studied Art History and Elementary Education. He taught elementary school for twelve years, mostly 4th and 5th grades as well as being a Gifted Education resource teacher. John lives a small-town life in Hillsborough, North Carolina with his wife and daughter.