C.J. Petit is an American western author, born on February 8, 1950, in Providence, Rhode Island. Petit's life took an unexpected turn on September 23rd, 1995, while driving back to Omaha after watching a football game. He discovered a lump in his neck, which led to a series of medical procedures and diagnoses, including lymphoepithelioma and Stage IV cancer. These experiences significantly impacted his life, ultimately leading him to write western novels.
Petit began his writing career in 2016, at the age of 66, as a way to keep his brain active and enjoy the process of creating characters and plots. Initially, he had no intention of publishing his work, but his daughter encouraged him to share his stories on Amazon. As of 2017, he had written 33 western novels, with more to come. Despite the challenges of writing in a dying genre and his initial reluctance to promote his work, Petit has found success and satisfaction in his newfound passion.
In addition to his writing career, Petit served in the Air Force as a medic for twelve years, worked as an x-ray technician, and spent 17 years as a computer geek for the City of Bellevue. He has been married twice and has four children. Petit's life has been marked by both personal and professional challenges, but his love for writing and his wife, whom he affectionately calls "my Elf," have brought him joy and fulfillment.