COOL READS: James Rollins' Bio

James Rollins: Action-adventure thriller writer

James Paul Czajkowski (born August 20, 1961), better known by his pen name of James Rollins, is an American veterinarian and writer of action-adventure/thriller, mystery, and techno-thriller novels who gave up his veterinary practice in Sacramento, California to be a full-time author.

Rollins' experiences and expertise as an amateur spelunker and a certified scuba diver have provided content for some of his novels, which are often set in underground or underwater locations.

Under the pen name James Clemens, he has also published fantasy novels, such as Wit'ch Fire, Wit'ch Storm, Wit'ch War, Wit'ch Gate, Wit'ch Star, Shadowfall (2005), and Hinterland (2006).

Rollins decided to become a writer as a boy and was immersed in the scientific adventures of Doc Savage, the wonders of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, and pulps featuring The Shadow, The Spider, and The Avenger. He honed his storytelling skills early, spinning elaborate tales that often were at heart of pranks played on his brothers and sisters. Yet although his talent emerged and grew, writing was not Jim's original profession.

Before he would set heroes and villains on harrowing adventures, he embarked on a career in veterinary medicine, graduating from the University of Missouri and establishing a successful veterinary clinic in Sacramento, California. This hands-on knowledge of medicine and science helps shape the research and scientific speculation that set James Rollins books apart.

When Jim is not writing, touring, teaching seminars, or making presentations, he can be found spelunking, scuba diving, hiking, and/or travelling.

Jim and his two- and four-legged family members live amid chew toys and paleontological treasures in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Books by James Rollins: