The author began “writing stories in the fourth grade, some time around the Mesozoic Era, and kept on writing through degrees in biology (BA, Reed College) and psychology (MS, Portland State University), and work as a bacteriologist, a librarian, and a preschool gym teacher. In between two children, a black belt in kung fu, and a chiropractic career, I’ve sold two science fiction novels and three dozen short stories. My two novels from DAW are Jaydium and Northlight.” Her most recent sales include stories to F&SF, Realms of Fantasy, Sisters of the Night, Ancient Enchantresses, and Tales from Jabba’s Palace. “Mother Africa” is her first tale for Asimov’s