Stephen Mott Daniels, Sr., also known as Char Kol Esteban, was born in The Bronx, New York City. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1969 and went on to study at Millersville State University, Edinboro State University, and Midwestern State University. He later earned his B.S. in Sociology from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1997. Additionally, he completed advanced training at the Defense Equal Opportunity and Treatment Institute, earning further certifications in counseling, instructor methodology, sexual harassment awareness, leadership, and management.

Char served proudly in the United States Air Force from 1975 to 1995, holding positions as Human Relations Instructor, Complaints Processor, Organization Assessment Specialist, Events Coordinator, and Program Manager of a Professional Military Education center. His dedication and leadership were recognized with multiple honors, including three Communication Awards, numerous Meritorious Service awards, and personal recognition from a Four-Star General for establishing the Supervisor School.

His service also took him across the world, where he lived and worked in Japan, Alaska, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and Panama—experiences that enriched his worldview and later influenced his writing.

In 2017, Char published his debut novel, Sallie Siddity is Falling (Xlibris). His writing delves into the complexities of relationships, exploring the tension between structure and unpredictability, and the lessons learned through love, mistakes, and resilience. He often says that writing is his way of turning thought into action: raw, candid, and honest.

Through his work, Char challenges readers to look beyond the romanticized idea of “falling in love” and instead embrace the power of growing in love—with wisdom, patience, and self-protection. His storytelling combines lived experience with hard-earned insight, offering both caution and inspiration.