MICHAEL VAIN spent his childhood in an 18th century colonial home located in Elkridge, Maryland, where he was raised by his grandparents, Michael and Gladys Kradz. Growing up in such an environment became a major influence behind his writing and his art, and provided a perfect atmosphere in which to explore the darker avenues of imagination.

Michael began his creative career as a visual artist, and has been drawing and painting since he was old enough to hold a brush. He has extensive experience in both the fine and graphic arts fields, working as a freelance artist, as Art Director for a major display company, and as Gallery Director for a fine arts gallery in Baltimore, Maryland.

Today, Michael continues to create works of functional art in many mediums. He is the author of the <a href="http://www.reincarnations.com">Reincarnations.com</a> Website and blog, and has written papers on such varied topics as counterintelligence and Bushido.

A long-time student and teacher of traditional martial arts, Michael has achieved Dan level in Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu, a traditional form of Okinawin Karate, Shorinkan Kobujitsu, the traditional Okinawin weaponry system, and Shaolin Chin-Na, a Chinese grappling art. He continues to extend his martial training at every opportunity. More information on his studies can be found on the <a href="http://www.michaelvain.net/martial.htm">Martial Arts</a> page.

Michael has also begun to work on illustrations for his novels and other works, combining his talent for painting and illustration with his writing. With his art director experience to guide him, he prefers to create the covers and interior artwork for his books. While in school, his work was consistently shown in area art exhibits, and his work with <a href="http://www.reincarnations.com">Reincarnations.com</a> has been shown in NICHE Award-winning galleries across the country.