Michael Whittingham is a pseudonym. And the reasons for this anonymity are many due to the novel, November Light, being based on people unknown and well-known, both innocent and guilty, whose lives would be devastated if they were (publicly) recognized.  And, if Michael Whittingham used his/her true name, their identities would become quite clear. (According to Mr. Whittingham, one character’s “real” life should be “devastated.” But, Mr. Whittingham decided, those whose lives were traumatized need to make that determination.)

That being said –

Under his given name, Michael Whittingham is the author of several successful books including a best-selling historical novel which was a Book-of-the-Month Club selection. Mr. Whittingham was a well-known award winning advertising Creative Director/Copywriter, TV and Radio commercial Producer and Director, and a classical pianist who, from ages 6 to twenty-one performed on radio, TV, and in concert halls. Mr. Whittingham has done considerable pro bono community and non-profit work, and lectured on writing at the college level.  

A north-easterner by birth, upbringing, and young manhood, Mr. Whittingham became a westerner due to marriage, profession, and fatherhood. A Southern California citizen who, for 45, years has foolishly waited (and still waits) for a New England multi-colored autumn to arrive – Mr. Whittingham forgetting that palm tree leaves always remain the same – “green and ugly.”

Regarding November Light –

It took 73 years before Mr. Whittingham was able to write it. The story’s characters needing those years to suffer, succumb to, or survive their tragedies, chase their dreams, celebrate their triumphs. Each person needing time to “fulfill” their life by finally blossoming, re-blossoming, or stagnating. Some content they had lived -- too many sorrowfully welcoming death, far too few joyous because they had lived.