Melissa McPhail is a bestselling fantasy fiction author, most notably known for her series "Pattern of Shadow & Light." Music played a significant role in McPhail's upbringing, as she comes from a family of musicians - her grandfather was a music professor and her father directed a string orchestra. This musical background instilled in McPhail a deep appreciation for the arts, leading her to explore various creative outlets such as writing, music, poetry, art, acting, and dance.
Beyond her passion for the arts, Melissa McPhail is a mother of twin girls and an adoptive mother to four large cats. While managing her household can be a challenge, McPhail has proven to be quite adept at storytelling. In addition to her literary pursuits, she is a classically trained pianist, violinist, and composer, as well as a Vinyasa yoga instructor and an avid tea drinker. McPhail's fantasy series has garnered critical acclaim, earning eight best fantasy awards and amassing a devoted fanbase. She is known for her active engagement on social media, where she welcomes discussions on her work, the speculative fiction genre, and writing in general.