Deborah J. Ross began writing professionally in 1982 as Deborah Wheeler with her novels, JAYDIUM and NORTHLIGHT, and short stories in Asimov's, F&SF, Realms of Fantasy and STAR WARS: TALES FROM JABBA'S PALACE. Now under her birth name, Ross, she is continuing the Darkover series of the late Marion Zimmer Bradley, as well as original work, including the fantasy trilogy THE SEVEN-PETALED SHIELD. She is a member of Book View Cafe. She has lived in France, worked for a cardiologist, studied Hebrew, yoga and kung fu, and is active in the local Quaker community.