William Diehl was an American novelist and photojournalist. Born on December 4, 1924, Diehl embarked on his writing journey at the age of fifty, a time when most would consider settling into retirement. Before turning to fiction, Diehl had already established himself as a successful photographer and journalist. His foray into novel writing began under rather unconventional circumstances; he started his first novel, Sharky's Machine, to alleviate boredom while serving as a juror on a long trial. This novel not only marked the beginning of his writing career but also became a major success, adapted into a film directed by and starring Burt Reynolds, shot in and around Diehl's hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.

Following the success of Sharky's Machine, Diehl moved to St. Simons Island, Georgia, in the early 1980s, where he spent the next 15 years of his life. It was during this period that he authored eight more novels, among which Primal Fear stands out. This particular work was also adapted into a highly successful film in 1996, starring Richard Gere and Edward Norton. Diehl's storytelling prowess made all his novels bestsellers, cementing his legacy in the literary and cinematic worlds. William Diehl passed away on November 24, 2006, leaving behind a legacy as a captivating storyteller whose works transcended the pages and found life on the big screen.