Mel Taylor's real-life experiences seem too fantastic to be true. A Seattle resident for five years, during which time his experience ranged from inmate at MacNeil Island to hairstylist at Jasper's Barbershop, Taylor can speak authoritatively on his journey from community outlaw to community servant. A hard-core cocaine abuser for ten years, he finally triumphed over his addiction to serve on the Board of Directors of a Seattle rehabilitation clinic. Incarcerated on two separate occasions, he took his GED exam and scored so highly that he became a test instructor for other inmates. Taylor was also instrumental in organizing a theater workshop for his fellow inmates and performed at the Mark Taper Forum Lab. (continues)

While in prison, Taylor was also a participant in a writing workshop where he began developing The Mitt Man as a screenplay. Actor/producer/director Tony Bill, whose credits include The Sting and My Bodyguard, lectured at the workshop and encouraged Taylor's early progress.

Bill's influence and inspiration ultimately helped Taylor to get out of jail. Taylor soon landed a job at a film production office, and eventually rewrote and completed The Mitt Man while on dialysis, which he still requires twice a week.

Mel currently lives in Los Angeles.