Marie Brennan, author of the Onyx Court series, the duology of Warrior and Witch and the upcoming A Natural History of Dragons - Bryn/Marie is a close friend, a brilliant author, and a member of my writing group. We met on an archaeological dig in Wales, where she wrote the book that would become Warrior in the finds tent at night. That, my friends, is writerly dedication!

Cassie Alexander, author of the forthcoming Nighshifted trilogy- Cassie is a somewhat new acquaintance, and another member of my writing group. Her background as a nurse in a burn unit serves her in good stead for the medical aspects of her work. At Wiscon she gave a reading from the second book. A sex scene. A really hot sex scene. Um. I don't want to know what background she drew that from. I have to look her in the eye across a crit table once a month.

Allison Moon, author of Lunatic Fringe, first installment in Tales of the Pack - Allison is my inspiration for taking your destiny into your own hands. I envy her insight into and ability to express the dynamics of lesbian social circles. She's also a great resource for those interested in the process of self-publishing.