Kristin Schwengel lives near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, the obligatory writer’s cat (named Gandalf, of course), a Darwinian garden in which only the strong survive, and a growing collection of knitting and spinning supplies. Her writing has appeared in several previous Valdemar anthologies.
Growing up on fairy tales and computer games, USA Today-bestselling author of urban fantasy Anthea Sharp melded the two in her award-winning Feyland series. She now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes, hangs out in virtual worlds, plays the fiddle with her Celtic band Fiddlehead, and spends time with her small-but-good family. Anthea also writes award-winning Victorian historical romances as Anthea Lawson. Visit her website at antheasharp.com and join her mailing list, tiny letter.com/AntheaSharp, for a free story, reader perks, and news of upcoming releases!
Stephanie D. Shaver lives in Southern California with her husband, daughter, and two geriatric cats. She works as a program manager for Blizzard Entertainment, and spends her free time tinkering in the kitchen, hiking up hills, and planting way too many tomatoes in her garden. She baked at least one pie while writing this story.
Shortly after birth, Louisa Swann was strapped into a papoose carrier to keep her out of trouble. The restriction didn’t last, however. She escaped the splintered confines after a few months and went on with life, finally settling down on a ranch with hubby and son. Currently, Louisa and son Brandon are busy spinning tales in their own Myrtle Creek world. Louisa also spends time with blob soldiers, zombie sorceresses, and flying hamsters when not creating and solving mysteries. Her writerly eccentricities have resulted in several novels as well as short story publications in various anthologies. Find out more at www.louisaswann.com.
Elizabeth A. Vaughan writes fantasy romance. Her first novel, Warprize, was rereleased in April 2011. The Chronicles of the Warlands series continues in WarCry, released in May 2011. You can learn more about her books at www.eavwrites.com. This story is dedicated with deepest gratitude to Dr. Sean Austin, who has proven time and time again that “Psychotherapy works!”
Elisabeth Waters sold her first story in 1980 to Marion Zimmer Bradley for The Keeper’s Price, the first of the Darkover anthologies. She then went on to sell stories to a variety of anthologies. Her first novel, a fantasy called Changing Fate, was awarded the 1989 Gryphon Award. She is still working on a sequel to it, in addition to writing short stories and editing the Sword and Sorceress anthology series.
When Phaedra Weldon read the Last Herald Mage trilogy, she instantly fell in love with the world of Valdemar, especially Vanyel (but who didn’t?!), and her drive to become a writer blossomed. She later went on to publish urban fantasy with Penguin, and her recent series, The Eldritch Files and The Grimoire Chronicles, are available in ebook and print. Her fantasy series, The Prophecy’s Edge, should be ready for release in 2016.
Michael Z. Williamson is an immigrant, veteran, bladesmith, and SF and fantasy author best known for the “Freehold” universe. He likes fire a lot, but only in controlled circumstances. Jessica Schlenker is a professional geek with a master’s degree in IT security and a background in horses and ranching.
About the Editor
Mercedes Lackey is a full-time writer and has published numerous novels and works of short fiction, including the bestselling Heralds of Valdemar series. She is also a professional lyricist and a licensed wild bird rehabilitator. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and collaborator, artist Larry Dixon, and their flock of parrots.
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