About the Author
J.D. Nichols
Born and raised in rural Louisiana, J.D. Nichols grew up in a family of voracious readers—and storytellers—where he learned early that stories are as plentiful as the air. As a kid, he imagined himself alongside Joe and Frank Hardy, sleuthing through mysteries with their friend Nancy Drew. Gifted a typewriter for his birthday, J.D. wrote his first murder mystery before the age of twelve.
J.D.’s passion for mysteries and crime thrillers deepened as he grew older, drawing inspiration from authors such as Lisa Gardner, Peter Robinson, and Robin Cook. He holds a master’s degree in English from the University of Louisiana—Monroe.
Sailing Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor, Maine
A lifelong traveler, J.D. traces his curiosity about the world back to his grandfather and a well-worn subscription to National Geographic. As a kid, he used to sit out on his grandparents’ front porch, reading the newest issue, and listening to the sound of the rain. That early fascination grew into a lasting pursuit—one that now finds him seeking out new cities, hidden landscapes, and the kinds of real-world details that bring authenticity to his fiction.
When not writing, he's mapping out his next journey, exploring new terrain, or sketching his next plot twist. He makes his home in Columbia, Missouri.
I love exploring and experiencing new cultures. Immersing myself in new places, meeting new people, trying new foods...that's what it's all about for me.
Canada de la Virgen ruins, Central Mexico
Growing up in rural America, I spent my childhood reading my grandfather's National Geographic collection. Each month was a new adventure and I dreamed of one day seeing far-off places and having my own grand adventures.
The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Making new friends is one of the best "souvenirs" of travel. I was in Cambodia years ago and the waiter in the hotel restaurant used to practice his English with me each morning over breakfast. During one such conversation, I asked "How was your day?" He had never heard the expression before and raced to the kitchen for paper and pencil. He made me write it down so he could see the words in English and then asked me to explain what it meant.
Next morning I went to breakfast. There he stood smiling, waiting for my arrival. As I sat down, he asked "How was your day?" Memories like that last a lifetime and THAT is the point of travel, I think.
Top of the Rock, New York City
"Travel inspires me to write. Writing inspires me to travel."
