David Lee Drotar was born in Sidney and graduated from Sidney High School in 1970 at the top of his class. He went to SUNY Oswego, majoring in biology and chemistry, and graduated magna cum laude in 1974. It was at Oswego that a class on children's literature sparked his interest in writing. He also worked in the Penfield library while in college, fostering his love of books and journals.
His earliest article on travel was published in the 1980's, while living with his sister in Switzerland. Realizing he could write and travel and sustain a career doing so has led him to extensive travel in Asia, Africa, Europe, North & South America.
David has written seven non-fiction books, including Hiking Pure & Simple, Hiking the U.S.A. and Steep Passages: A World-wide Eco-Adventurer Unlocks Nature's Spiritual Truths. The latter book was on the recommended reading list for recipients of the Beagle II Award, a scientific discovery and exploration program at Stanford University. He has also written hundreds of articles about nature and environmental issues that have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online.
David founded the Brookview Press in 2001 and an early title, Chasing Dreamtime: A Sea-going Hitchhiker's Journey through Memory and Myth by Neva Sullaway, won six book awards, including best travel book of 2005. Neva says of David, "David's approach to editing was quite remarkable. He supported the author rather than trying to bend the author to his editorial will. It was a wonderfully enriching process." He also joined Neva in presenting a writing seminar for authors at one of the largest Writer's Conference at San Diego State University.
In 2016 David won the Excellence in Journalism Award from the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association for his book "Nomadic Voices in the Kingdom of Jordan." The award-winning story "weaves his travel experience in Jordan with threads of that country's rich and tumultuous history and its challenging present" according to the Travel Writer's website. "He brings the perspective of his Bedouin hosts to the forefront and overlays it with his own insightful and thoughtful observations about the country."
David particularly enjoys more leisurely paced trips where one can fully explore and relate to its people. His favorite trip was to the Galapagos Islands in the '90s, of which he said "It is a magical place where animals have evolved without contact from humans." David's trips have taken him to a tent in the desert, Greek Islands, snowy mountain passes and many other places, all at a moment's notice. He hopes to still conquer Antarctica and Australia.