Background & Upbringing
Born and raised in Telluride, Gray grew up on a family ranch with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. His parents ran a small outfitter business, offering guided horseback rides to tourists. Gray developed an early love for the outdoors, often writing journal entries about his trail adventures.
Education
He completed his undergraduate studies in History at Colorado State University before heading east to attend a Master’s program in American Literature at the University of Virginia.
Professional Background
Gray started his career as a tour guide in the summer months, sharing historical anecdotes about mining towns in southwestern Colorado. Between seasons, he wrote articles for travel magazines. Eventually, he turned to historical fiction, weaving the spirit of the Old West into narratives that explore family legacies and frontier romance. He now lectures part-time at a local community college in Telluride, teaching Colorado history and creative writing.
Cultural Influences
He cites Cormac McCarthy and Willa Cather as major literary heroes. Musically, Gray finds inspiration in classic country and folk guitar—think Willie Nelson and John Denver—to reflect the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains in his prose.
