Richard Fliegel wrote the story for the Star Trek: The Next Generation fifth season episode "Imaginary Friend" together with Jean Louise Matthias and Ronald Wilkerson.
Fliegel has written a number of mystery novels and thrillers for major publishers such as Bantam and Simon & Schuster, as well as screenplays, stage plays, stories and poems. His novel, A Minyan for the Dead was nominated for a Shamus Award by the Private Eye Writers of America.
In addition to his TNG episode, he also co-created a series pilot, "El Coyote", for Disney and ABC.
He is currently Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at the Dornsife College of the University of Southern California (USC), and has spent the majority of his career within academia.
He lives in California with his wife Lois, and his dog Max.