Michael Gear Writer, archaeologist Date of Birth: 12.05.1955 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Archaeological Career
3. Marriage and Writing Career
4. Literary Success
5. Legacy and Accomplishments

Early Life and Education

William Michael Gear, also known as Michael Gear, was born on May 12, 1955, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His family has a long history in the state, with four generations preceding him involved in mining, ranching, and, interestingly, journalism.

After his father's passing in 1959, Gear's mother pursued a degree in journalism, earning her master's degree and teaching at the University of Colorado. In 1962, she remarried to Joseph Cooke, who worked in the funeral services industry. The family resided in Lakewood, Colorado, until 1968, when they relocated to Fort Collins.

Living in the foothills of Horsetooth Reservoir instilled in Gear a fascination with history and anthropology, passions that were further fueled by his love of motorcycles. He worked as a laborer on local ranches and farms, where he spent time exploring junkyards and barns.

Gear graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1972 and later earned his bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in 1976. He went on to complete his Master's in Physical Anthropology in 1978.

Archaeological Career

Gear's first archaeological dig as a professional occurred in 1976. Struck by the allure of ancient artifacts over modern trash, he embarked on a career as a field archaeologist at Western Wyoming College in Rock Springs. It was during this time that he penned his first novel, driven by frustration with historical inaccuracies in Western fiction. The manuscript remains unpublished to this day.

In 1981, Gear co-founded the archaeological consulting firm Pronghorn Anthropological Associates. He left the partnership in 1984 to pursue freelance archaeology, conducting surveys and assessments for oil and gas pipelines, drilling operations, and road construction. He spent nine months of the year traveling with his constant companion, Teddy, a tri-colored Sheltie.

Marriage and Writing Career

Gear met his wife, Kathleen O'Neill, an archaeologist and historian, at the Wyoming Association of Professional Archaeologists meeting in November 1981. They married on October 1, 1982.

Driven by a strong desire to write, Gear sold his share in the archaeological firm and became a full-time author in 1985. Kathleen joined him as a co-author in 1986. Over the next three years, they wrote numerous novels, with Michael selling his first after writing eight and Kathleen after writing five.

Literary Success

Their persistence paid off in 1987 when Tor Books purchased the rights to "Long Ride Home" and DAW Books acquired "People of the Raven." Gear has since authored 12 solo novels and 17 co-authored with his wife. His works span genres from fantasy to thrillers to science fiction, with a focus on archaeology and history.

Legacy and Accomplishments

Michael Gear currently resides on a 250-acre ranch, where he maintains a shooting range. His extensive library contains approximately 20,000 books on archaeology and anthropology. He and his wife are active members of archaeological and anthropological associations and enjoy traveling on their motorcycle.