Joan D. Vinge

Joan D. Vinge is a highly respected and accomplished author in the science fiction and fantasy genres. She was born Joan Carol Dennison and has written many noteworthy books, including "The Snow Queen," which won the prestigious Hugo Award. This novel is the first in The Snow Queen Cycle series, which also includes "The Summer Queen" and "The World Ice Dragon."

Vinge has a deep background in anthropology, having earned a B.A. in the subject from San Diego State University. This academic background is often reflected in her writing, as she has a knack for creating rich and complex worlds that are both biologically and culturally diverse. Vinge's expertise in anthropology has also served her well in her teaching career, as she has taught at the Clarion Workshop for science fiction and fantasy writers on multiple occasions.

In addition to her work in the Snow Queen Cycle, Vinge is also known for her Cat series and the Heaven's Chronicle series. The Cat series features a telepathic half-alien named Cat, and includes books like "Psion," "Catspaw," and "Dreamfall." The Heaven's Chronicle series, on the other hand, is a space opera that includes "The Outcasts of Heaven" and "Heaven's Challenge."

When she is not writing, Vinge enjoys making dolls, which she sells. She currently lives in Green Valley, Arizona with her husband, science fiction editor James Frenkel. Over the course of her career, Vinge has earned a reputation as a skilled and imaginative storyteller, with a particular talent for taking classic tales and reimagining them in fresh and exciting ways.