Christian Hurst is an American author and creative director whose work blends epic science fiction adventure with emotional depth and human insight. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and raised in the LDS church, he often speaks about growing up feeling like an outsider—an experience that shaped the empathy and curiosity at the heart of his storytelling. After leaving the church as a young adult, he now identifies as a humanist and atheist, drawing on that journey to explore themes of belief, connection, and self-discovery in his work.

Hurst began his creative career as a teenage graphic design intern for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and later studied Graphic Design at Harrisburg Area Community College. Over the next fifteen years, he built a career in advertising and brand strategy, leading national rebranding initiatives for companies such as Marriott International before becoming an Executive Creative Director at AARP. His dual experience in art and storytelling informs the cinematic, emotionally grounded quality of his fiction.

A lifelong fan of science fiction, Hurst is best known for The Lily Starling Series, a young adult saga that explores identity, belonging, and the search for hope across the stars. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, their son, and three dogs.