My misspent youth was passed in California and Oregon, growing my hair long, protesting everything and gathering useless academic degrees before realizing the true "work of my heart" was storytelling. I have been writing science fiction and fantasy professionally since 1982, served as Secretary of SFWA and have taught writing and led writer's workshops. I'm also a member of the online writer's coop, www.bookviewcafe.com.As Deborah Wheeler, I wrote 2 science fiction novels, JAYDIUM and NORTHLIGHT, as well as short stories in ASIMOV'S, FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION, SISTERS OF THE NIGHT, STAR WARS: TALES FROM JABBA'S PALACE, REALMS OF FANTASY, and almost all of the SWORD & SORCERESS and Darkover anthologies. My most recent projects -- under my birth name, Ross -- include Darkover novels with the late Marion Zimmer Bradley: and an original fantasy series, THE SEVEN-PETALED SHIELD. I made my editorial debut in 2008 with LACE AND BLADE. I live in the redwood forests near Santa Cruz with my husband, writer Dave Trowbridge. In between writing, I've lived in France, worked as a medical assistant to a cardiologist, revived an elementary school library, studied Hebrew and yoga, and have been active in the women's martial arts network and local Quaker community.