"The Ghostwriter" chose his pseudonym to focus attention more on the content and purpose of the books than personal gratification. Born in the Haida Gwaii realm, he was raised by his grandparents - not far from the Golden Spruce - until he was six years old. His father, a Native American, was born in Ohio and died when the author was just two years old. His mother was a Métis who was born in Cowley, Alberta.