Timothy Zahn is an American author best known for his work in the science fiction genre. He gained widespread recognition for his Star Wars novels, particularly the Thrawn Trilogy, which helped revitalize interest in the franchise in the early 1990s. Zahn's writing is characterized by intricate plots and well-developed characters. In addition to his Star Wars contributions, Zahn has written original science fiction and fantasy works, including the Cobra series and the Conquerors series. He has received several awards for his writing, including the Hugo Award, and continues to be a prominent figure in the science fiction literary community.