Sherwood Smith began making books out of taped paper towels when she was five years old, and at eight began writing stories about another world full of magic and adventure -- and hasn't stopped yet. She has published more than two dozen books, ranging from space opera to children's fantasy. Her children's fantasies have shown up on many library Best Books lists. One, Wren's War, was a finalist for the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award and was an Anne Spencer Lindbergh Honor Book. She has run writing workshops for nearly twenty years and has been active in organizing and participating in online workshops for more than ten. Her other young-adult books include Crown Duel, Wren to the Rescue, and Wren's Quest. Married more than twenty years (two kids, two dogs, and a house full of books), Ms. Smith is currently a part-time teacher as well as a writer. She lives in Southern California.