David James is the author of Steps, his debut novel. Born to a country family in the spring of 1950, James spent most of his foundational years as a ranchhand in west Texas. While growing up as a cowboy, he developed a unique passion for art and literature. A lifelong painter, James has worked professionally as an artist for over forty years. Unsatisfied with life in the country, James left west Texas to travel and live throughout the world -- mostly out of a backpack. Having considered himself fortunate for his experiences, he now sees himself as a student and observer of life rather than an artist or writer. Although he is certainly also those things. With no formal education, James' artistic training stems from a deep appreciation of the works of Van Gogh, Gauguin and Cezanne, as well as the literature of D.H. Lawrence, Gertrude Stein and John Steinbeck, among others. James' debut novel, Steps, tells a story of redemption and new beginnings -- something he has been forced to experience more than once. Today, James lives in Austin, Texas with his wife and son.