James Rollins
USA- Early Life and Education
- Veterinary Career
- Writing Beginnings
- Fantasy Adventure
- Focus on Writing
- Collaboration on Indiana Jones
Early Life and Education
James Clemens, the pen name of American author James Paul Czajkowski, was born in Chicago, Illinois, into a large family with three brothers and three sisters. In 1985, he earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri.
Veterinary Career
After moving to California, Czajkowski opened his own veterinary clinic, which he ran for a decade. Running the clinic provided a steady income while he pursued his passion for writing.
Writing Beginnings
Czajkowski began writing in 1995 and completed his debut novel, "The Cave," while still working as a veterinarian. He searched for a publisher for several years, finally securing a deal in 1996. However, the novel wasn't published until three years later.
Fantasy Adventure
In the meantime, Czajkowski turned to fantasy, publishing "Witch Fire" in 1998 under the pseudonym James Clemens. This marked the beginning of the "Cursed and Banished" series.
Focus on Writing
In order to dedicate more time to writing, Czajkowski sold his veterinary clinic and embarked on a full-time writing career. His experiences in scuba diving and caving informed his adventure thrillers, often set underwater or underground.
Collaboration on Indiana Jones
In 2007, Czajkowski was hired to write the novelization of the Indiana Jones film "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." This opportunity highlighted his diverse writing abilities.
