Den Watson, a Southern California native, was born in Santa Monica in 1941, just two months before the Pearl Harbor attack. His life and creative work are deeply rooted in Los Angeles, a city that profoundly influences both his career and his storytelling.
After serving two years in the peacetime U.S. Army, Watson dedicated 15 years to teaching before embarking on a 28-year career with the City of Los Angeles. His ample experience in education and civil service provided him with a unique perspective on urban governance and the diverse lives of the city’s residents.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Watson turned to writing, channeling his insights into creative projects. He authored a stage play, Company B, which explores the historic significance of the first integrated military unit in the United States. Following this, he wrote his debut novel, A Death in Home Park, a compelling work of fiction that confronts the bitter realities of homelessness in Los Angeles. Though fictional, the novel draws on Watson’s deep understanding of the city’s social and bureaucratic landscape, offering an authentic and empathetic portrayal of the homelessness crisis. His background as an educator and city employee infuses his writing with clarity, compassion and a sharp eye for city life.