Howard L. Hibbard quit college in 1967 to volunteer for the Army during the escalation of the Vietnam War. He rose through the ranks, and was discharged at age twenty-two. By then he was a paratrooper, a first lieutenant combat platoon leader, and briefly a company commander. Among the medals he received were two Bronze Stars, one W/V Device for heroism in ground combat, one Oak Leaf Cluster, and an Army Commendation Medal. After the Army, he graduated from college and law school, and practiced as an attorney for thirty-four years.

Curse of the Coloring Book is based on his combat and legal experiences, along with his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was with the help of his spouse, and veteran services, that this first novel was completed. Cooking is his daily meditation; his handle is Chef PTSD.