Order of Pat Barker Books
Pat Barker is an English author of historical fiction and contemporary fiction novels. The subjects of her fiction involve memory, trauma, survival and recovery. Her writing is considered direct, blunt and plainspoken. Pat grew up in a working class family in Thornaby-on-Tees, Yorkshire. She never knew her father (nor did her mother), and because illegitimate children were frowned upon, her mother introduced Pat as her younger sister rather than her daughter. Pat was largely raised by her grandmother and step-grandfather. She attended King James Grammar School and Grangefield Grammar School, before going on to study international history at the London School of Economics. Pat lives in Durham, England. (more…)
Order of Liz Jensen Books
Liz Jensen is an English novelist of multiple genres. She is the product of a Danish father and an Anglo-Moroccan mother. Liz has worked as a journalist in the Far East as well as for the BBC, producing TV and radio. She has also worked in France as a sculptor before becoming a novelist. Liz has two children and is married to fellow writer, Carsten Jensen. (more…)
Order of Ausma Zehanat Khan Books
Ausma Zehanat Khan is a Canadian author of mystery and fantasy novels. She writes the Rachel Getty and Esa Khattak series. Ausma was born in the United Kingdom, grew up in Canada, and currently resides in the United States. Her background is even more complicated, involving three different continents. Ausma is a former adjunct professor at both Canadian and U.S. universities. She holds her Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law. Ausma counts Ngaio Marsh and Amin Maalouf among her influences. (more…)
Order of Jay Asher Books
Jay Asher is an American author of YA novels. While growing up, Jay was encouraged to pursue all of his interests, whether it be playing guitar to writing. During the time he attended Cuesta College, he wrote two children’s books and decided he wanted to be an elementary school teacher. He then transferred to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where he left his senior year in order to focus on writing. Jay has had several different jobs, including being a shoe salesman and working in bookstores and libraries. (more…)
Order of Siobhan Dowd Books
Siobhan Dowd (1960-2007) was an English author of children’s and young adult novels. She was born in London to Irish parents. Siobhan earned her B.A. Honours degree in Classics from Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, and her M.A. with distinction from Greenwich University in Gender and Ethnic Studies. She was a member of International PEN as a researcher and then as a program director. Siobhan established the Siobhan Dowd Trust in order to help disadvantaged children with their reading skills. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2004, but still continued to write. She passed away almost three years later in August 2007, survived by her husband, Geoff. (more…)
Order of Yvonne Ventresca Books
Yvonne Ventresca is an American author of YA novels. She grew up in Long Island, New York. Yvonne majored in the unusual combination of English and Computer Science. She graduated with honours from Hofstra University, and got her MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business. Throughout her writing career, she has written about careers in publishing and a biography of Avril Lavigne (both aimed at teens). However, her passion has always been for writing fiction. (more…)
Order of Bill Beverly Books
Bill Beverly is an American author of crime fiction novels and non-fiction books. He grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he attended Kalamazoo Central High School. He attended post-secondary at Oberlin College and the University of Florida, where he earned his Ph.D in American literature. Currently, he teaches American literature and writing at Trinity University in Washington DC. Bill lives in Hyattsville, Maryland with his wife, poet/writer Deborah Ager. (more…)
Order of Alexander Gordon Smith Books
Alexander Gordon Smith is an English author of young adult and children’s novels. He writes the Escape From Furnace series. When he was a teenager, Alexander would hang out with a bad crowd. He lost a tooth in a fight. Part of what inspired his “Furnace” series is what would have occurred if he had never stopped hanging around these types of people. Alexander studied English literature at the University of East Anglia. He lives in England. (more…)
Order of Rachel Hawthorne Books
Rachel Hawthorne is an American author of YA romance novels. She also writes historical romances as Lorraine Heath. Rachel has her B.A. in psychology from the University of Texas, but had no idea at the time how much it would help her write characters in her future career. (more…)
Order of Jodi Thomas Books
Jodi Thomas is an American author of romance novels. She writes the Whispering Mountain, Harmony, and Ransom series. She is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Jodi is a fifth generation Texan, and sets her novels in Texas in both historical and contemporary settings. She was honoured as a Distinguished Alumni by Texas Tech University, is currently serving as Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University. Jodi loves travelling with her husband, renovating her house and spending time with her adult sons and four grandchildren. (more…)