Ristau, Kate: - Kate Ristau is a folklorist, an author, and the Executive Director of Willamette Writers. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times and The Washington post, and she is the author of the middle grade series, Clockbreakers, and the young adult series, Shadow Girl. In her ideal world, magic and myth combine to create memorable stories with unforgettable characters. Until she finds that world, she'll live in a house in Oregon, where they found a sword behind the water heater and fairies in the backyard. You can find her online at Kateristau.com.