Abbott, Alana Joli 1979- (Alana Joli Foster Abbott)

PERSONAL:

Born October 5, 1979, in South Haven, MI; daughter of David and Mercia (a Spanish teacher) Foster; married Thomas Abbott, August 7, 2004. Ethnicity: "Anglo-American." Education: Simon's Rock of Bard College, B.A. (summa cum laude), 2000. Religion: Methodist. Hobbies and other interests: World travel, studying mythology and religion, practicing kempo karate.

ADDRESSES:

Home—Branford, CT. E-mail—alanajoli@virgilandbeatrice.com.

CAREER:

Thomson Gale, Farmington Hills, MI, began as assistant editor, became editor, 2000-04; Barnes & Noble Book Stores, began as bookseller and café server, became lead bookseller at stores in Walled Lake, MI, Glastonbury, CT, Boston, MA, and Hyannis, MA, between 2001 and 2005; freelance writer and editor, 2005—. Empty Room Studios, senior editor, 2005—; Baeg Tobar, began as senior editor, became publicist, 2006—; James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT, circulation assistant, 2006—. Kenzer and Co., lead director of Living Kingdoms of Kalamar Campaign, 2006—.

MEMBER:

Game Publishers Association, Role Playing Gamers Association.

WRITINGS:

Gallia (e-book; game supplement), DogSoul Publishing (West Palm Beach, FL), 2005.

Into the Reach (fantasy; first volume of "Redemption" trilogy), White Silver Publishing (McComb, MS), 2006.

(With Rick Hershey) Steampunk Musha (game supplement), Politically Incorrect Games, 2006.

Departure (fantasy; second volume of "Redemption" trilogy), White Silver Publishing (McComb, MS), 2007.

Also author of third volume of the "Redemption," trilogy, 2007. Contributor to reference books. Contributor to periodicals, including School Library Journal.

SIDELIGHTS:

Alana Joli Abbott told CA: "People often ask me how I became a full-time writer, and I typically respond that I handed out a lot of business cards. Attending game conventions, responding to open calls for writers, and taking on small assignments opened doors for me to start writing novels. I have always loved reading science fiction and fantasy, and I've been very lucky to find editors and publishers willing to take a chance on me and let me fly!

"Along with my writing, I've had the chance to be involved with the art studio, Empty Room Studios, and the related shared-world project, Baeg Tobar. The latter hosts a series of fiction and accompanying art, all available for free on the Internet. It's been wonderful to have the chance to work on developing that world with a group of extremely talented writers and artists. It also gives me a chance to keep my editorial muscles in good shape."