TAMORA PIERCE captured the imagination of readers twenty years ago with Alanna: The First Adventure. As of August 2003, she has written twenty-one books, including three completed quartets—The Song of the Lioness, The Immortals, and Protector of the Small—set in the fantasy realm of Tortall. She has also written the Circle of Magic and The Circle Opens quartets. Her books have been translated into many different languages, and some are available on audio. Tamora Pierce’s fast-paced, suspenseful writing and strong, believable heroines have won her much praise: Emperor Mage was a 1996 ALA Best Book for Young Adults, The Realms of the Gods was listed an “outstanding fantasy novel” by VOYA in 1996, Squire (Protector of the Small #3) was a 2002 ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and Lady Knight (Protector of the Small #4) debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestsellers list.

An avid reader herself, Ms. Pierce graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked at a variety of jobs and has written everything from novels to radio plays. Along with writer Meg Cabot (The Princess Diaries series), she co-founded Sheroes Central, a discussion board about female heroes, remarkable women in fact, fiction, and history, books, and teen issues. She now runs Sheroes Central and Sheroes Fans with the help of her beloved Spouse-Creature and dedicated board members of all ages.

Ms. Pierce lives in New York City with her husband, Tim (who is a writer, Web page designer, and administrator), and their four cats, two birds, and various rescued wildlife.

For more information, visit:
www.tamora-pierce.com

Sheroes Central at:
www.sheroescentral.com