William Joseph Martin, born on May 25, 1967, formerly known as Poppy Z. Brite, is an American author who first gained recognition in the gothic horror genre in the early 1990s. He became known for his successful novels and short story collections, including the acclaimed "Lost Souls" (1992), "Drawing Blood" (1993), and "Exquisite Corpse" (1996). Over time, his work has transitioned into dark comedy, often set within the vibrant backdrop of the New Orleans restaurant scene.

Martin's novels, though typically standalone, often feature recurring characters from previous works. His literature is notable for its inclusion of openly bisexual and gay characters, reflecting his own identity and experiences with gender dysphoria. Martin, born as Melissa Ann Brite and now identifying as a homosexual male named Billy Martin, began taking testosterone injections in 2011 to align more closely with his gender identity.

Aside from his literary successes, Martin is known for his love of sports, particularly UNC basketball and the New Orleans Saints. He resides in New Orleans with his husband, Chris DeBarr, a chef, where they manage a de facto cat rescue.