Martin Lastrapes is an acclaimed author and indie publisher, celebrated for his imaginative storytelling and signature humor. His works frequently delve into unconventional characters, such as teenage cannibals, unicorn-killing superheroes, and fireproof college professors.

His published works have earned numerous literary accolades, including the Grand Prize at the Paris Book Festival and the Gold Prize at the Self-Publishing Review Book Awards. Originally from the Inland Empire in California, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in Composition, he now resides in Las Vegas.

Lastrapes grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, Southern California, an eclectic region known for its diverse culture. He spent much of his childhood immersed in TV shows, professional wrestling, and comic books. Despite not being a stellar student, his passion for storytelling led him to pursue screenwriting and eventually prose fiction, which he studied extensively in college. He completed his education at California State University, San Bernardino, with degrees in English/Creative Writing and Composition.

Throughout his career, Lastrapes has received various awards, including the Southern California Book Festival Grand Prize and the Hollywood Book Festival First Place. He has also been a finalist and honorable mention in several other literary competitions.