L. E. (Leland Exton) Modesitt Jr. (/ˈmɒdɪsɪt/; born 1943[1]) is an American science fiction and fantasy author who has written over 80 novels.

In addition to his novels, Modesitt has published technical studies and articles, columns, poetry, and a number of science fiction stories.

He graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts and lived in Washington, D.C. for almost 20 years[1] while working as a political writer.

[citation needed] He has worked as a Navy pilot, lifeguard, delivery boy, unpaid radio disc jockey, real estate agent, market research analyst, director of research for a political campaign, legislative assistant for a Congressman, staff director for another, Director of Legislation and Congressional Relations for the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a consultant on environmental, regulatory, and communications issues, and a college lecturer and writer in residence.

[1] Modesitt has stated, "When all the research, all the writing group support, all the cheerleading, and all the angst fade away, and they should, the bottom line is simple: As a writer, you first must entertain your readers.