Robin McKinley

Robin McKinley (born November 16, 1952) is an American fantasy writer known for her novels blending fairy tales and mythology with strong female characters. Born in Warren, Ohio, McKinley began writing as a child. Her debut novel, "The Hero and the Crown," was published in 1984 and won the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature. Among her other notable works are "The Blue Sword," "The Chalice and the Blade," and "Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast." McKinley's writing has been praised for its lyrical prose, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and identity. She has received numerous awards and nominations, including the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the Spectrum Award for Best Fantasy Novel. Her work remains popular with readers and critics alike, and her influence on the fantasy genre is significant.