Joe Yang was born in Dayton OH, but grew up in Richland, WA, Pleasanton, CA, and Schenectady, NY. In 1999 he graduated cum laude from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, with a degree in Cinema/Photography and minor in Spanish. In 2002, he earned a MS in Digital Imaging and Design from NYU.

Joe has always had creative inclinations, and took an interest in writing and filmmaking ever since he was little. Although he's done well in school, Joe is happiest, and arguably at his best, when he is taking some kind of huge professional or personal risk. In 2007 he took up skydiving, and is still unsure as to why (although he really enjoyed it).

In 2008, he left a stable job with the University of Wisconsin's Football Team (The Badgers) to devote his time as an Argentine tango instructor, independent foreign film reviewer, and now, a writer.

Why horror stories? It's an odd fit, since Joe never liked scary stuff while growing up. And when it came to books, he was crazy about spy novels and "techno thrillers." He started reading Tom Clancy at age twelve, and now enjoys the works of Vince Flynn. He didn't start reading anything by Stephen King until he was required to do so for an academic writing course in college.

And although he's grown to like the master of horror fiction, Joe admits that he prefers King's nonfiction works. But on a whim, Joe wrote a short horror story one afternoon, and found that it was too fun to try only once.

He has worked in a variety of fields, including advertising and teaching. And throughout his life he's grown accustomed to frequent relocation and travel. Having moved around so much and tried so many jobs, one would think that Joe is one of those people who can't seem to get his act together.

But he's used to big changes, and he's used to being scared of not knowing where he might end up. Yet at the same time, he relishes every moment of uncertainty. To him, all of his adventures are a good reason to become an author.

In 2008 he started foreign-films-for-you.com, where he writes entertaining reviews of foreign movies. He also teaches Argentine tango.

Those Things, a short collection of horror fiction, is his first book. He is currently at work on a novel, and still resides in Madison.

Creative influences: Tom Clancy, C.S. Lewis, Roald Dahl, Gary Larson, Shane Black