Scott was a lively, imaginative boy who spent his time pretending to be a ninja and often annoying his teachers. Although he loved learning, he found school to be more of an obstacle to his real passion—adventures, both in the real world and in the pages of books. At the age of eight, his family moved from Washington, D.C., to Japan. While the transition was a bit of a challenge at first, Scott soon became captivated by Japan’s rich culture, language, and, above all, the magical world of Japanese folktales filled with incredible creatures. His time in Asia left a lasting impression on him, and even after his family moved back to the U.S., Scott never forgot those early adventures. His fascination with history and cultures continued to grow, leading him to study Chinese in high school. In 1997, he visited China for the first time. He fell in love with its history, eventually becoming an author of both fiction and non-fiction books about China, including Silk Road Centurion and The Han-Xiongnu War.

Alexis, on the other hand, spent her childhood weaving imaginative worlds of her own. After school, she would immerse herself in creating tales of daring female pirates and adventurous young princesses. Though she was a shy girl, her stories allowed her to connect with others and fueled her love of travel and exploring historical sites. This passion led her to study anthropology, deepening her understanding of different cultures and ultimately shaping her career as an international teacher.

Now, Alexis and Scott have combined their love of storytelling, history, and culture. They live in Japan with their daughter, continuing to explore the world both through their travels and through the stories they create.