Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction for all ages. Her latest series is The Firewatcher Chronicles. Her other books include Goddess; 1917: Australia's Great War, shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Young People's History Prize and the Asher Award; the Swashbuckler pirate trilogy; and a picture book, Billabong Bill's Bushfire Christmas. Her young adult novels Act of Faith and The Sultan's Eyes were both shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, while Act of Faith was shortlisted for the ASA's Barbara Jefferis Award and Gold Inky. A former journalist and editor, Kelly taught writing at La Trobe University for many years and now writes full-time and runs writing masterclasses and retreats.