Dr Karen Hughes is the author of the Kalika Magic series for kids 9+, five books that explore themes of courage, adventure and the re-enchantment of the world. Karen grew up on a cattle station on the Liverpool Plains, where she spent her childhood climbing trees, riding horses, and reading Narnia books. She attended a primary school with only six pupils, before being packed off to boarding school at age 12. Karen was a lawyer in Canberra for almost 10 years, but has now thankfully recovered. She is currently the Director of Hunter Valley Writers and delivers writing workshops all over Australia as part of the popular Talented Kids Program.