Timothy Thomas Powers, an acclaimed American science fiction and fantasy author, has left an indelible mark on the genre with his richly imaginative and meticulously researched works. Born on February 29, 1952, in Buffalo, New York, Powers grew up in California, where his family moved in 1959. He studied English Literature at Cal State Fullerton, a period during which he forged significant friendships with James Blaylock and K.W. Jeter. These relationships not only influenced his early career but also connected him to the larger literary world, including Philip K. Dick, with whom the trio shared a close association.

Powers began his publishing career in 1975, but it was his 1979 novel, The Drawing of the Dark, that marked his entry into the literary scene. However, it was The Anubis Gates (1983) that catapulted him to international fame, earning him the Philip K. Dick Award. This novel, like many of his works, is celebrated for its intricate blending of historical accuracy with elements of the occult and supernatural, a style that has become his signature. Powers's storytelling is characterized by its depth and complexity, weaving together real historical figures and events with speculative fiction elements to create compelling "secret histories."

His notable achievements include winning the World Fantasy Award twice for Last Call and Declare, both of which are lauded for their originality and depth. The 1987 novel On Stranger Tides not only inspired the Monkey Island series of video games but was also optioned for the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film. Throughout his career, Powers has demonstrated a unique ability to blend humor, adventure, and fantasy, particularly focusing on the occult and the supernatural.

In addition to his writing, Powers contributes to the literary community through his part-time teaching at the Orange County High School of the Arts, where his friend Blaylock is the director of the Creative Writing Department. Together with Blaylock and while at Cal State Fullerton, Powers created the fictional poet William Ashbless, who has featured in some of their novels. Powers currently resides in Muscoy, California, with his wife, Serena, continuing to inspire and entertain readers around the world with his imaginative tales.