Augusten “Christopher” Burroughs was born October 23, 1965 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is considered a Screenwriter, memoirist, and essayist. When Augusten was only in the sixth grade he dropped out of school. At the age of 17, he went and got his GED. Just like his father Augusten struggled with alcoholism. At that moment he began to write more and publish his personal memoirs. In addition to writing Scissors, he wrote a second memoir, which he named Dry. This talked about his experience during and after treatment for alcoholism. He also wrote Magical Thinking and Possible Side Effects. Growing up in the 21st century, Augusten still faced problems with his sexuality. He was not able to be as open as he wished with his boyfriend (gay marriage). He struggled with not being able to marry his lover. Augusten continues to write memoirs and is recognized as having one of the best top selling memoirs in the year 2002.