L. Neil Smith

L. Neil Smith (full name Lester Neil Smith III) is a prolific science-fiction writer, most of whose books take place in the alternate reality of the "North American Confederacy." In the Star Wars universe, he has written Lando Calrissian and the Mindharp of Sharu, Lando Calrissian and the Flamewind of Oseon, and Lando Calrissian and the Starcave of ThonBoka. They would later be reprinted in an omnibus edition, The Adventures of Lando Calrissian.

Smith is also a major (and somewhat controversial) figure in politics, taking a very definite libertarian, pro-gun stance.