Willy Vlautin, born and raised in Reno, Nevada, has published six novels, The Motel Life, Northline, Lean on Pete, The Free, Don’t Skip Out On Me and The Night Always Comes. Both The Motel Life and Lean on Pete have been turned into major motion pictures. Vlautin also founded the band, Richmond Fontaine and the Delines. He currently resides in Scappoose, Oregon.