No stranger to chronic illness and pain, the author has survived malignant melanoma and coronary artery bypass surgery, and is challenged by lupus and osteoarthritis. He is also a recovering alcoholic who has been in recovery since 1970; he chooses to remain anonymous in accordance with twelve-step recovery program principles. J.S. Dorian is his pseudonym.

 The author has written several successful books with a combined total of more than one and a half million copies in print, including A New Day, A Time to Be Free, At My Best, and Tranquility. His books have been translated into many languages throughout the world.