Shapechanger's Song (Paperback)

Jennifer Roberson was born in Kansas City, but spent much of her childhood in Arizona, where she competed in amateur rodeo competitions. She began writing early on, completing her first novel when she was 14. It was rejected. Continuing to write, and initially employed as an investigative journalist, she attended Northern Arizona University, where she earned a B.S in journalism in 1982. Also majoring in British history, she spent a semester at the University of London. In 1984, her novel SHAPECHANGERS was published and became the first in the eight-volume Chronicles of the Cheysuli series. Her 1985 novel SMOKETREE, a romantic suspense story, was followed by a western called KANSAS BLOOD, which she wrote under the name of Jay Mitchell. Unhappy with the characterizations of women in genre fiction, Roberson wrote this book from the viewpoint of a female character. Her next book, SWORD-DANCER, the first of another series, continued in this vein. This fantasy novel, and its many sequels in the Tiger and Del series, presented the heroic duo of a male "barbarian"-type character and a female who was every bit his equal in strength and intelligence. In 1992, her novel LADY IN THE FOREST examined the legend of Robin Hood from the Maid Marian's perspective. Teaming up with authors Kate Elliot and Melanie Rawn for THE GOLDEN KEY, the trio received a nomination for the prestigious World Fantasy Award. In 1996, Roberson, writing solo again, published two books examining Scotland in the mythical past: the historical romance LADY OF THE GLEN and HIGHLANDER:SCOTLAND THE BRAVE, an original novel set in the world of the HIGHLANDER films and television show, of which she was a fan. Roberson's books continue to expand the interplay of men and women in genres that have traditionally been very static.