Born in New York City in 1957, Celia S. Friedman inherited the writing bug from her father, technical writer Herbert Friedman, and has been putting pen to paper since she learned how to read. At age 12 she discovered science fiction and realized it was the ultimate form of literature in the universe; she has been writing science fiction and fantasy ever since then. Celia's original career as a theatrical costume designer left little time for writing, but she managed to sandwich in enough work between dress rehearsals and university teaching positions to put together her first novel, IN CONQUEST BORN, which she sold to DAW Books in 1985. By 1996 she had become successful enough as a novelist that she decided to quit her job as costume designer and write full-time. She has never looked back. To date Celia has published 14 novels, including the highly acclaimed Coldfire Trilogy (BLACK SUN RISING, WHEN TRUE NIGHT FALLS, CROWN OF SHADOWS) and the groundbreaking science fiction novel THIS ALIEN SHORE, which was a New York Time Notable Book of the Year. Her most recent novel, THIS VIRTUAL NIGHT, was included in Newsweek's list of "25 Must-Read Books to Escape the Chaos of 2020". THE DREAMING KIND is her first short story collection. Celia lives in Northern Virginia with two very spoiled cats who insist on helping with the typing. If you find any typos in her books, blame it on them. In her spare time she LARPs, plays with molten glass, and hangs out with the Society for Creative Anachronism. For more information please visit her web page, www.csfriedman.com