Cate Tiernan is the pen name of American author Gabrielle Charbonnet, who is well-known for her young adult paranormal and fantasy novels. She has written more than thirty books, which include the 'Immortal Beloved', 'Balefire', and 'Sweep' series. Tiernan was born in New Orleans in 1961, a city with a rich and exotic culture that greatly influenced her life and writing. Growing up in New Orleans, she and her friends would make wax dolls of their enemies and sell voodoo dolls instead of the traditional lemonade stands. The city's lush gardens, eccentric behavior, and indolent atmosphere had a profound impact on Tiernan's perspective of the world, which is evident in her writing.
Tiernan went to college in New York and later moved back to New Orleans before returning to New York to work in publishing. It was in New York that she wrote her first novel, a children's book, which was published in 1990. Although she found life in Manhattan to be incredible, she eventually moved back to New Orleans with her husband after eight years of living there. Tiernan's writing is heavily influenced by her upbringing in New Orleans, her experiences in New York, and her return to her hometown.
Tiernan's writing is characterized by her vivid descriptions and her ability to create rich, sensual worlds. She is influenced by writers such as Barbara Hambly, who is known for her imaginative and empathetic writing style, and Barbara Pym, who masterfully describes the seemingly small and inconsequential moments that make up a woman's day. Tiernan's writing is also inspired by P.D. James's precise and educated command of the language.
Tiernan's 'Sweep' series is her most popular work and follows the magical adventures of a set of high school students, and particularly that of the lead Morgan Rowlands. The series explores themes of identity, friendship, and love, and Tiernan's vivid descriptions and character development have captivated readers for over a decade. Her writing has inspired a generation of young adult readers and has solidified her place as a leading author in the paranormal and fantasy genres.