Jack B. Downs

I come from the coolest hometown ever - Greenbelt, MD. And the safest mothership ever - the Downs family of Four Dee. I had great friends growing up in Greenbelt - you'll see some of them mentioned in Buried Treasure, obliquely. My extended family is pretty awesome too.

I loved the Lake (both of them), and the pool, and later the trampoline, and my unique time and lasting friendships with Gymkana.

Now I'm part of a new home. Some nights, when it is very quiet, and all are sleeping, I think how weird it feels to be the oldest in the house. I'm still not entirely used to being an adult. As one of my characters says: "I don't know if I had a happy childhood, but it sure has been a long one."

So as you can see, I am rich, and don't need the money. But between you and me, I think Jen would appreciate it if I could once in a while lift the top off the cookie jar to drop something in. I hope you enjoy the stories. Tell me what you like and what seems overdone. I am above all a student, and a journeyer. Like you.