McPhail, Melissa: - Melissa McPhail is the author of the best-selling epic fantasy series A Pattern of Shadow & Light. She's the wife of an attorney who would rather be gaming, the mother of twin girls who think boys in books are just better, and the adoptive mother to four very large cats who basically rule the roost; and while she can never leave the house in one attempt, she's pretty darn good at spinning a tale. She's also a classically trained pianist, violinist and composer, a Vinyasa yoga instructor, and an avid tea drinker. Melissa's fantasy series has won eight best fantasy awards and (even more importantly to her) a fiercely devoted following. She is known for being an engaged author on social media and welcomes your thoughts on her work, the speculative fiction genre or writing in general. Look for Melissa on Twitter @melissagmcphail, Facebook at facebook.com/cephraelshand or via her website and blog at melissamcphail.com.