Thomas Armstrong grew up in the suburbs of Toronto and earned a degree in Physics from the University of Toronto and later a degree in Computer Science from York University. He worked as a computer programmer and software writer, primarily in the financial services area. He began to write fiction in 2002. In 2009, Of Water and Rock was shortlisted (2^nd Place) for the Frank Collymore Literary Award. The novel was published by DC Books in 2010. Later that same year, it won The George Lamming Award for Literary Excellence. Armstrong passed away at the age of 60 in 2013.