American novelist
Owl Goingback (born May 1, 1959, in St. Louis)[2] is an American author of horror, fantasy and science fiction.
Early life
The writer was born James Russell Heidbrink[1] on May 1, 1959, in St. Louis, Missouri.[2]
In his biographical statements, Goingback writes that he grew up in the rural midwest, and that his mother's name was Quiet Starr.[2] He dropped out of high school his senior year to join the United States Air Force and later attended Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University.[2] On January 5, 1978, Goingback married Nancy Santos Bello, with whom he has two sons, Jason and Michael.[2]
Goingback self-identifies as being of Choctaw and Cherokee heritage.[3]
Military and early career
From 1976 to 1981, Goingback served as a jet engine mechanic in the United States Air Force, where he became a sergeant.[2] He received a good conduct medal and Air Force Longevity Service Award.[2] After leaving the military, Goingback owned and managed a restaurant in Georgia called Jim's Place from 1981-1986, after which he devoted himself to writing full-time.[2][4][5]
Writing
Goingback writes horror fiction novels, often with Native American subject matter.[3]
In addition to writing novels, children's stories, scripts, and other documents under his own name, he writes that he "has ghostwritten for Hollywood celebrities",[4][6] and that he travels throughout the United States lecturing about "the customs and folklore of the American Indians"[4] and has worked as a model and actor.[4]
Personal
The author legally changed his name to Owl Goingback in Seminole County, Florida in 2000.[1] Goingback presently lives in Florida with his wife and sons.[4]
