I am a Canberra local (that’s the capital of Australia if you’re not from around these parts) and I have lived in the region most of my life. 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 me a library full of fantasy authors - Enid Blyton, E Nesbitt, Edward Eager, Nicholas Stuart Gray and other such stalwarts. She also introduced me 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?