NICK QUAGLIETTA, a.k.a. Gazerrick to his fellow gamers, has been a life-long enthusiast of reading and writing, including poetry, essays, and short stories. He became hooked on science fiction when he was 6 years old after watching 2001: A Space Odyssey at his local movie theater. Medieval fantasy and fiction are also among his favorite genres. Alexandre Dumas, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Michael Crichton figure prominently on his list of favorite authors.

His first opportunity to be published was with a poem entitled Farewell to Mugar, which was included in the Northeastern University College of Pharmacy Yearbook in 1985. Since then his poems and essays have been published in various local and national newsletters and bulletins, including the February 2013 issue of the Mensa Bulletin. He has also been a newsletter editor, both professionally and for local groups. Nick’s most recent literary activities have been associated with the PureDiablo gaming fan site.

Nick began his career as a pharmacist in 1985 in southern New Hampshire. Before long, he was called to Active Duty with the U.S. Public Health Service, and he retired in 2017 at the rank of Captain (O-6) after serving for 30 years. The majority of his assignments were on the Navajo Indian Reservation, and he currently practices pharmacy on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Sacaton, Arizona. His poem High Plains Winter was inspired by his initial experience as a former New England native living in a remote area of northwest New Mexico. He is an avid hiker and scuba diver, was previously employed by the National Park Service, and has found a great deal of inspiration for his writing while spending time in the outdoors of the desert Southwest.

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