W. Michael Gear

State: Wyoming

Born May 20, 1955, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, William Michael Gear is an acclaimed archaeologist-turned-author who co-created the bestselling North America’s Forgotten Past series with his wife, Kathleen O’Neal Gear. Earning a BA and MA in physical anthropology from Colorado State University, Gear spent years working as a field archaeologist in Wyoming and Colorado, driving his passion for prehistory into fiction. Since publishing his first Western novel in 1988, he’s authored over 50 novels across genres—prehistoric historical fiction, Westerns, science fiction, thrillers, and mysteries. Titles like The Warriors of Spider and the People series showcase his gift for blending meticulous research with compelling storytelling. His work has been translated into 29 languages, and he’s received awards including Spur Awards and the Owen Wister Award for contributions to Western literature. Gear currently lives in Wyoming, where he balances ranch life and writing.

Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller

Audiences: Adult