Richard Harland, born on January 15, 1947, in Yorkshire, England, is a renowned author of science fiction and fantasy novels for both adults and young adults. His parents were a public servant and teacher who moved around England before settling in Hadleigh Suffolk after his father's death. Harland's writing career was marked by a quarter-century-long writer's block, during which he explored other interests, including performance art and academics.
Harland's writing career took off after he finished his cult novel, "The Vicar of Morbing Vyle," and resigned from his lectureship to pursue his passion for writing. Since then, he has published seventeen books, all of which fall under the genres of fantasy, science fiction, or horror/supernatural. His works cater to children, young adults, and adults, with his YA steampunk fantasies, "Worldshaker" and its sequels, being his most successful internationally. Harland has won six Aurealis Awards (Australia's Nebulas) and the Prix Tam-tam du Livre Jeunesse for "Le Worldshaker."
Harland's creative journey was not always smooth, and it took him 25 years to overcome his writer's block. During those years, he explored various interests, including music and academics. Harland migrated from England to Australia, where he worked as a singer, songwriter, poet, and university tutor before becoming a lecturer. However, his true calling was always writing speculative fiction. He finally published his first novel, "The Vicar of Morning Vyle," which, along with its prequel, "The Black Crusade," became a cult success.
Harland's writing career has been marked by several awards and recognitions. His YA steampunk novels, "Worldshaker" and its sequels, have been his most successful works internationally, earning him six Aurealis Awards and the Prix Tam-tam du Livre Jeunesse for "Le Worldshaker." He currently lives in Wollongong, Australia, with his partner Aileen and Yogi the Labrador, where he spends his time writing, walking Yogi, and listening to music. Harland has also published a comprehensive 145-page guide of tips for writing fantasy fiction on his website, "writingtips.com.au."