Ralph E. Laitres is the creator and writer behind the Viking warrior Thorgil Bloodaxe. 

He is the author of two sword and sorcery adventures that draws the reader into Thorgil's world.

"Thorgil Bloodaxe; Enter the White Queen", FriesenPress, 2011
"Thorgil Bloodaxe; Shadow of Death", FriesenPress, 2014

Ralph is a New Englander, born in Portland, Maine, and raised in the small town of Plainfield, Connecticut. Today, he still lives in Plainfield, Connecticut, enjoying his life with his wife, Laurie, and his family. 

Ralph proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as a 1371, Marine Combat Engineer, with the 2nd Marine Division from 1980 to 1990. He discharged from the Marine Corps in 1990 to pursue a career with the Department of Correction in Connecticut. 

Ralph worked as a correction officer from 1990 to 2011. He retired in April 2011 to start a new career as a writer.