That, and taking a picture with Barbara at the top of a frozen waterfall. But the highlight was probably getting to spend so much quality time with writers – whether guest speakers or fellow attendees – and talking about this thing we’re all so passionate about. MR: The workshops were all amazing, particularly the ones led by Barbara Kingsolver, as she’s one of my very favorite authors. This was the perfect opportunity and the best surprise gift ever. Our youngest son was just old enough for me to travel, we were between posts in the Foreign Service, and I really wanted some time to focus on writing. Mara Rutherford (MA): I didn’t exactly choose to attend IWR 2015, though once I saw that Barbara Kingsolver was the on faculty, I absolutely wanted to! My husband surprised me with the trip thanks to a major hint from my twin sister. Iceland Writers Retreat (IWR): When and why did you choose to attend IWR? This month, we spoke with Mara about IWR, her writing career, and tips she learned in Reykjavik that uses in her work today. Since then, she’s published three books and has two more under contract.

Amélie is the author of the Blood Heir trilogy and the upcoming Song of Silver, Flame Like Night duology.Mara Rutherford attended the 2015 Iceland Writers Retreat. In her spare time, she loves to travel with her family in China, where she’s determined to walk the rivers and lakes of old just like the practitioners in her novels do. She attended college in the United States and now resides in New York City, working as a finance professional by day and fantasy author by night. When not writing, she can be found reading or in her garden, where she grows wildflowers and story ideas.Īmélie Wen Zhao（赵雯) was born in Paris and grew up in Beijing, where she spent her days reenacting tales of legendary heroes, ancient kingdoms and lost magic at her grandmother’s courtyard house. A River Enchanted and A Fire Endless are her bestselling novels for adults. The Queen's Rising duology, Sisters of Sword & Song, and Dreams Lie Beneath are her titles for teen readers. She lives in the Appalachian foothills of Northeast Georgia with her husband, their lively Australian Shepherd, and an endless pile of books.

Rebecca Ross writes fantasy novels for teens and adults. She is the author of Crown of Coral and Pearl and its sequel, Kingdom of Sea and Stone Luminous, and The Poison Season. When she's not writing or chasing after her two sons, she can usually be found pushing the boundaries of her comfort zone, whether at a traditional Russian banya or an Incan archaeological site. A triplet born on Leap Day, Mara holds a master's degree in cultural studies from the University of London. Originally from California, Mara has since lived all over the world with her marine-turned-diplomat husband. Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality.

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