About
Anthony Lee Head was a trial lawyer for over 30 years. During this time he was also a martial arts instructor, middle school teacher, political activist, and a lecturer in the California State University system. In 2005, he and his wife Cheri moved to Mexico where they owned and operated a small hotel and open air margarita bar on the Caribbean Sea for the next decade. It was only later after returning to California that he began to write for public consumption.
His first book, Driftwood: Stories From the Margarita Road, was a collection of related short stories inspired by Head’s decade in tropical Mexico. The book was edited by award-winning author Cyra McFadden and received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, which named it one of “The Best Books of 2020.” The reviewer said, “Truly wonderful and moving tales; the author is a writer to watch.” The book was named a #1 bestseller in its category by Amazon and sold over 3000 copies.
In addition, Head has contributed short pieces to the anthologies Paranoia Blues (Down and Out Books, 2022) and What’s Next? Short Fiction in a Time of Change (Green Writers Press, 2023). His latest short work was published in the Fall 2024 edition of The Plentitudes literary journal.
Head’s newest book, Blood Lines, is a horror novel that reimagines the classic story of Dracula. The book was edited by award-winning horror author Richard Thomas, and is scheduled for a June 2026 release by Crystal Lake Publishing.
Head and his wife now live in northern California where he writes, practices Soto Zen Buddhism, and cares for a houseful of rescue animals.
Featured Work
Driftwood: Stories from the Margarita Road
This captivating book follows modern-day nomads escaping the rat race in search of a fresh start. Fleeing boredom, bad marriages, and dead-end jobs, these adventurers wander south to Playa Paraiso-a lush, unspoiled village on Mexico's idyllic Caribbean coast. There they find the unpredictable, hedonistic, and sometimes frightening world of the tropics.
At the center of this extraordinary group is Poppa, the irreverent and savvy owner of the local beach bar. As he tries to make sense of his own vagabond existence, he offers his fellow expats booze, advice, and the occasional helping hand. It is Poppa who tells the tales of these intriguing runaways, as together they encounter true loves, vicious drug dealers, charming rogues, clueless do-gooders, and a devastating hurricane.
Against a backdrop of stunning blue water and endless white sand, they experience the heart's tug of war between the need for a place to call home and the desire for the freedom to roam.
