A life-long lover of sailing and nautical fiction, David Allen (Al) McWhorter is a graduate

of The University of Texas at Austin where he studied media criticism and screenwriting. He

later worked in advertising and publishing before deciding to leave the corporate word behind

and pursue his love of music by teaching himself lutherie - the art of stringed instrument making.

Now owner and luthier of his own shop, SpruceHouse Ukuleles, Al divides his time between his

family, lutherie and writing. He lives in Eugene, Oregon.