Sophie Masson

Born in Indonesia, of French parents, Sophie Masson came to Australia with her family at the age of 5. All her childhood, the family went back and forth between Australia and France, so Sophie grew up between worlds, and between languages, something which has always influenced her work.

Sophie has had many novels published, in Australia and internationally, for children, young adults and adults. Her short stories, essays and articles have appeared in anthologies, newspapers and magazines, nationally and internationally. She has given talks and workshops throughout Australia and in the UK and USA, and is equally at home talking to children, teenagers, and adults. In August 2004 she was appointed to the Literature Board of the Australia Council.

Her books have been shortlisted for several awards,with The Hand of Glory winning the Young Adult category for the 2002 Aurealis Awards for Science Fiction and Fantasy. Her 2004 novel, ‘Snow, Fire, Sword’ was shortlisted in three categories in the 2004 Aurealis Awards for Science Fiction and Fantasy, including in the Fantasy section, where it was the only children’s book to be listed. Most recently, 'The Curse of Zohreh' (Random House Australia 2005) was listed as a Notable Book in the Children's Book Council awards, and in 2007 her Thomas Trew and the Hidden People, first in the Thomas Trew series for younger readers, was selected for the prestigious and competitive UK Summer Reading Challenge run in British libraries.

Her most recent books are ‘The Maharajah's Ghost' (older readers novel, number four in the 'Chronicles of El Jisal' series, Random House Australia, June 2007) and the six-book Thomas Trew fantasy series for younger readers (illustrated by Ted Dewan, Hodder Children's Books UK, Hachette Children's Books, Australia, released throughout 2007).

Her first graphic novel, 'The Secret Army: Operation Loki' , illustrated by Anthony Davis, was published by ABC Books in 2006.

Sophie Masson is married, with three children, and lives in rural northern New South Wales.