George Alec Effinger was an American science fiction author, born on February 10, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is best known for his work in the cyberpunk genre, particularly for his novel When Gravity Fails, which is set in a futuristic, Middle Eastern city. Effinger's writing often explored themes of identity, technology, and culture. Throughout his career, Effinger published numerous short stories and novels, earning recognition for his unique style and imaginative storytelling. He received several awards, including the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award, highlighting his contributions to the science fiction community. Effinger passed away on April 27, 2002.