Diana L. Paxson

Diana Lucile Paxson is a renowned fantasy writer, born on February 20, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan. She currently resides in Berkeley, California, in a literary household named Greyhaven. Paxson is widely recognized for her significant contributions to the genres of fantasy and historical fiction, as well as her work in nonfiction, particularly focusing on Paganism and Heathenism. Her published works include numerous novels, short stories, and nonfiction books.

Paxson is best known for her Westria novels and the later books in the Avalon series, which she initially co-wrote with Marion Zimmer Bradley. After Bradley's death, Paxson took over sole authorship of the series. She has been recognized for her work with two Mythopoeic Fantasy Award nominations, in 1989 for "The White Raven" and in 1983 for "Lady of Light". In addition to her fiction work, Paxson has written over seventy short stories and published several nonfiction books on Pagan and Heathen religions and practices. She also writes a regular column for the women's spirituality magazine, Sagewoman.

Paxson has been an active leader in several organizations, including the Society for Creative Anachronism, the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, and the Covenant of the Goddess. She is also a pioneer in the revival of Oracular Seidh, a Neopagan and Heathen practice, which she has taught and performed at various festivals and retreats. Paxson is a musician who composes and plays music for the harp. She continues to write and publish both fiction and nonfiction, with her latest novel being "Sword of Avalon" and her most recent nonfiction book being "Trance-Portation". Paxson's work reflects her spiritual experiences and her involvement in the pagan community.