Zena Shapter is a multi-award-winning author of science fiction, fantasy, speculative, and contemporary fiction. Her published titles include the science fantasy YA novels ‘When Dark Roots Hunt’ (Finalist ‘Best Novel’ 2024 Ditmar Award) and ‘When Dark Waters Burn’, the science fiction adult novel ‘Towards White’, the science fiction children’s book ‘Into Tordon’ (co-author), and her short work has appeared in over 40 magazines and anthologies around the world. She has been called a “master of immersive worlds” (Tawny Frogmouth Magazine), who creates “the kind of excitement and suspense and pure pleasure that made me want to become a writer” (Tangent Online), “cold and brutal” stories (Tor.com) “that deserve to be read many times” (Glen Miles Short Story Prize).

With her BA (Hons) in English Literature, Zena also enjoys working as a writing mentor and editor, inspiring writers to develop their craft. She has judged multiple literary competitions, founded and led community creativity projects, spoken on council-led panels about the importance of creativity, talked about writing at countless festivals, libraries and schools, and taught writing workshops since 1991. 

She loves movies, frogs, travel, chocolate, potatoes, living on Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches, and believes that stories are our best invention. Find her online via @ZenaShapter and zenashapter.com