Born in Dallas, TX, in 1963, Scott Westerfeld was born the youngest of three children. Westerfeld grew up in several states due to his father's career as a computer programmer for Univac. He graduated from Vassar in 1985 with a degree in philosophy. Before becoming a full time writer, Westerfeld held several jobs including factory worker, software designer, editor, and substitute teacher. He currently resides in New York and Australia with his wife, Justine Larbalestier.