\nDoug Dandridge is an American author, born in Venice, Florida in 1957. Raised in a family that valued both strict discipline and luxury, Dandridge's parents had French Canadian and Native Florida roots. Growing up in Venice, he spent much of his free time exploring the wilderness and beaches, which later became the inspiration for many of his literary works. His early education took place in a religious setting, attending the Epiphany Catholic School before moving on to Venice High School, where he graduated in 1975.
Dandridge's passion for reading began at a young age, with a particular interest in science fiction, fantasy, and historical works. This early exposure to literature shaped his writing style and interests, which he continues to explore in his career as an author. His military experience, which includes Marine Corps JROTC, Active Duty Army, and the Florida National Guard, has also influenced his writing, providing a unique perspective that is reflected in his military-themed science fiction and fantasy novels.
After serving in the military, Dandridge pursued higher education at Florida State University, where he studied Biology, Geology, Physics, and Chemistry, eventually receiving a BS in Psychology. He furthered his education at the University of Alabama, focusing on Clinical Psychology with a special interest in Neuropsychology and Child Psychology. He completed a Masters and all course work required for a PhD. His background in psychology has enabled him to create well-rounded and complex characters in his stories.
Before becoming a full-time writer in 2013, Dandridge worked in various settings related to mental health, including Psychiatric Hospitals, Mental Health Centers, a Prison, a Juvenile Residential Facility, and for the Florida Department of Children and Families. This diverse work experience has provided him with a wealth of knowledge and insights, further enriching his writing.
Dandridge has published 34 books on Amazon, with over 230,000 sales and 5,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. His writing primarily focuses on intelligent science fiction and fantasy, ensuring that hope remains a constant theme, even in the most challenging situations. His versatility as a writer is evident in the variety of genres he has explored, including near and far future Science Fiction, Urban and High Fantasy, Horror, and Alternate History. In 2018, Dandridge is set to publish his first traditionally published book, with plans for additional series in the post-apocalyptic and alternate history genres.