Jeanne Kalogridis (pronounced Jean Kal-o-GREED-us), also known by the pseudonym J.M. Dillard, is an American writer renowned for her historical, science, and horror fiction. Born in 1954 in Florida, Jeanne developed a passion for books early in life. This interest in language led her to pursue higher education at the University of South Florida, where she earned a BA in Russian and an MA in Linguistics.

Following her academic pursuits, Jeanne taught English as a foreign language at the American University in Washington, D.C., for eight years before transitioning to a full-time writing career. Currently, she resides in California with her beloved Labrador retriever. Apart from writing, Jeanne is passionate about yoga and indulges in reading a wide array of literature.