Ellen Larson's first science-fiction novel, Measure of the Universe, won thefollowing accolades: * "More entertaining than much serious SF, but more intelligent than the usual light reading...cleverly weaves mystery, romance, and wordplay into a twenty-first century tale of a crusty paleographer from Earth and an exuberantly verbal alien, who takes on a Prometheus-like role in Earth's history." -Laura Blackwell, Strange Horizons 2003* "Studded with clever puns and double entendres, this makes an engaging read for language lovers." -Booklist 2002Her mystery series featuring newswoman Natalie Joday was praised as follows: * "Sturdy prose and diverting subplots..." -Library Journal 2001* "Larson knows her way around newspapers and around Bergen County. The sense of place is flawless." -New Jersey Star Ledger 2001These days, Larson is a successful freelance developmental editor, working primarily with fiction. Among her clients is Poisoned Pen Press, the Arizona mystery publisher. In 2004, the first book she worked on for Poisoned Pen Press won the Ben Franklin award for best first mystery novel and the second was shortlisted for a Shamus award for best first mystery novel.Beginning in 1971, when Larson's first short story was published in Yankee Magazine, her short stories and essays have regularly appeared in print and electronic markets. In 1999, Larson's literary short story, "Bridges and Trees" was published by gowanusbooks.com and took fifth place in the Preditors and Editors Award for Best Short Story. In 2007, an original mystery, "Partners," was published by Amazon Shorts. In 1989, Larson left her 100 acre horse farm in upstate New York and headed overseas in search of adventure. In 1991 she landed in Cairo, Egypt, where she worked as a language editor and publications consultant, working in the field of economic development for NGOs such as USAID, CGIAR, and the World Bank. Larson returned home in 2005--home being an antique trailer situated deep in the woods of her beloved farm. Her writing, whether mainstream, mystery, or science fiction, borrows heavily from the themes of classical mythology and features heroic protagonists who experience fast-paced adventures and testing situations that are never ever black and white. Larson holds a BA in English from Windham College and an MA in Humanities from California State University. She enjoys winning at bridge and losing at tennis. She is fifty-five.