John Patrick Shirley is a prolific writer of novels and short stories, TV scripts and screenplays. He has published over 30 books and 10 collections. His short fiction has appeared in scores of anthologies and magazines such as Cemetery Dance, and his film credits include The Crow (1994), written with fellow splatterpunk writer David J. Schow and James O'Barr (Graphic Novel), and directed by Alex Proyas. The film starred the late Brandon Lee.