BRIAN McDONALD was born in the Bronx and grew up in Rockland County, New York. He is a graduate of Fordham University and the Columbia School of Journalism, contributes frequently to New York City newspapers, including "The New York Times, " and teaches writing and journalism at several schools, including Fordham University. He is the author of the nonfiction works "My Father's Gun, Indian Summer, " and "Safe"" Harbor: A Murder in Nantucket." He lives in Manhattan.