Meet Steven Sheiner

WINNER OF THE FIRST EVER James Patterson Master Class writing contest, Steven Sheiner is the author of the acclaimed thrillers, Running Still and Shot Down.

Growing up in a bookstore, Steven fell in love with great stories and incredible writing. As a teen, he enjoyed science fiction and fantasy, but also read the classics — all the books that were "required reading" in middle and high school. 

When Harry Potter was born, his love of fantasy was revitalized. J.K. Rowling created a never-before seen world of magic and wonder, weaving a marvelous tale in wondrous fashion. But Steven was still drawn to mysteries, crime thrillers, and action adventure books. His favorites quickly differentiated themselves. John Grisham. James Patterson. Michael Crichton. Robin Cook. Dan Brown. They all had different and unique styles, but they all told captivating stories and wrote with such ease that kept Steven turning pages.

He began his college career in accounting, but proceeded to change his major three times. He had no idea what we wanted to do professionally, but always loved to the written word. His parents told him what most parents tell their kids when they want to pursue their dreams: "You'll never make any money at that." So Steven went the "safe" route and became an optometrist. Twenty years later, he still regretted not pursuing a writing career, and decided it was about time. At forty-five years old, after having been an optometrist for twenty years, he wrote his first book. 

Running Still is the product of those efforts. It has received nothing but 5-star reviews and has been widely received by readers. Shot Down is his second novel and has drawn rave reviews.

Steven Sheiner lives in South Florida with his wife and two boys.