Ernest Cline

Ernest Cline is an American author, best known for his 2011 novel, Ready Player One. Published by Crown Publishers, Cline's book debuted at number one on the New York Times Best Seller list. Ready Player One is set in a not-too-distant future and centers on a virtual world called the OASIS, where the main character, Wade Watts, competes against other players to find a hidden Easter egg and win the world's greatest treasure. In addition to this, Cline has also authored the science fiction and mystery novel Armada, which was published in 2015 by Crown and was Cline's first book since Ready Player One.

Ernest Cline was born in Ashland, Ohio, and currently resides in Austin, Texas. In 2005, he graduated from Ashland University (formerly Ashland College) with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing.

Throughout his young adult years and up until he graduated from college, Cline worked as a computer programmer and game designer. His background in programming and game design is evident in his works, as technology plays a major role in the storylines of both Ready Player One and Armada.

Before becoming an author, Cline was also involved in the entertainment industry as a screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker. He wrote, directed, and produced the full-length feature film "Fanboys," which starred actor Seth Rogen, and wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of the comic book, 'Independence Day: Resurgence." Cline also wrote and narrated a novelization of the film "Fanboys," which was published by Moonbot Studios.

Cline's work has been critically acclaimed, with The Washington Post calling Ready Player One "a smart, funny thriller" and Variety describing Armada as "a thought-provoking and exciting read." For Ready Player One, Cline was awarded the Compton Crook Award for best first novel in the science fiction and fantasy genre in 2012.

In addition to his writing, Cline is also a musician and a stand-up comedian. He's toured with the national comedy show Ritual Abuse, and his musical career has showcased on the sets of national and international music festivals such as Camp Bisco and Osh Kosh Bgosh.

When he isn't writing or performing, Cline is a passionate follower of science fiction and pop culture, which heavily influences in his works. Along with Ready Player One and Armada, Cline has published several short stories and screenplays, and has collaborated with fellow authors such as Andy Weir and Wil Wheaton. His most recent works include Human.exe, a short story released through Cryptic Canvas, and Ready Player Two, the long-awaited sequel to Ready Player One that was released in 2020.

Overall, Cline is a unique and extremely talented author whose works have delighted readers of all genres. His extensive background in technology and entertainment, as well as his success in both the literary and stage world, have created a brand of writing that appeals to both young and adult audiences alike.