Born in 1969, John Scalzi is a prolific writer across various genres and platforms. Although best known for his contributions to science fiction, Scalzi is also a blogger and columnist. He was also a creative consultant for the television series Stargate: Universe (Scalzi, John. “A Brief Biography of John Scalzi.” Whatever). His series, The Old Man's War, has been optioned for a television series, for which Scalzi serves as the executive producer. In short, Scalzi's interests and talents are vast and varied, a trait reflected in Starter Villain.

Scalzi's diverse interests inspired him to write some of The Rough Guide series, particularly The Rough Guide to Money Online (Scalzi). This interest in finance and online financial tools is apparent in Starter Villain, where money plays a central role in the narrative. Scalzi's unique perspective on money challenges conventional notions, exploring its actual value and implications, particularly in the context of billion-dollar industries. Through the story, Scalzi offers a realistic portrayal of finances, emphasizing the distinction between net worth and actual liquidity while critiquing the obsession with money as a means to attain power.

Scalzi's extensive travels across the United States, from California to Virginia to Ohio and Illinois, have also enriched his writing, as evidenced in Starter Villain.