Anna Lauten

I'm an Australian science fiction fantasy author living near Canberra  (that’s the capital of Australia if you’re not from around these parts). My mum introduced me to fantasy at a very early age, reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to me and my brother, and building us a library full of fantasy authors - Enid Blyton, E Nesbitt, Edward Eager, Nicholas Stuart Gray and other such stalwarts. She also introduced us to the classical myths and legends of Greece and Rome, as a result of which I’ve a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Classical History from the Australian National University. Somewhere along the line, I got Masters degrees in Industry Strategy (Australian National University) and Teaching (University of Canberra), but they’re less important. Career-wise, I’ve jumped between teaching (mostly Latin) and the Australian Public Service (mostly industry policy) while raising children, cats, dogs, horses, and more than a few chickens. Also, as my oldest friend reminds me, quite a number of accidental sheep. My children, both young adults now, make me proud every day, and have crept into the pages of this book in a hundred little ways. They are also, if truth be told, a little surprised to see me publish a book. But if we can’t surprise our own children, are we really even trying?