Katharine Eliska Kimbriel reinvents herself every decade or so. It's not on purpose, mind you-it seems her path involves overturning the apple cart, collecting new information & varieties of apple seed, and moving on. The one constant she has reached for in life is telling stories.

"I'm interested in how people respond to unusual circumstances. Choice interests me. What is the metaphor for power, for choice? In SF it tends to be technology (good, bad and balanced) while in fantasy the metaphor is magic-who has it, who wants or does not want it, what is done with it, and who/what the person or culture is after the dust has settled. A second metaphor, both grace note and foundation, is the need for and art of healing.

"A trope in fantasy is great power after passing through death. Well, at my crisis point, I didn't die. That means that I'm a wizard now. Who knows what I may yet accomplish?"

Kimbriel is the author of the Night Calls series (Night Calls, Kindred Rites, and Spiral Path) The Chronicles of Nuala series, and many short stories.

A John W. Campbell Award nominee.

KINDRED RITES is appropriate for ages 12-120. After 120, you're probably a vampire and may not spend much time reading.