Steven Pressfield is an American author of historical fiction, nonfiction, and screenplays, born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in 1943 to a Navy father and mother. He graduated from Duke University in 1965.

In January of 1966, as a freshly-minted Marine leaving Parris Island, he realized, "No matter what happens to me for the rest of my life, no one can ever send me back to this freakin' place again." This departure marked the beginning of his enduring connection with the Marine Corps and other military outfits. Gates of Fire, his tale of ancient Spartans, has become a staple among U.S. troops and is even on the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Reading list.

His struggles to earn a living as a writer culminated in his success with the 1995 novel The Legend of Bagger Vance and the 2002 book The War of Art, which details his writing philosophy centered around a 'warrior code' and combating self-sabotage, dubbed "Resistance." He believes in the power of the Muse and that books and music exist before they are created, brought to life by dedicated artists.

Pressfield has held various jobs, including copywriter, teacher, truck driver, bartender, and mental hospital attendant, before fully dedicating himself to writing.

His recurring character Telamon, a mercenary, embodies his conception of art and the artist: "It is one thing to study war, and another to live the warrior's life."