Frances HardingeUK author Frances Hardinge spent a large part of her childhood in a huge old house that inspired her to write strange stories from an early age. She read English at Oxford University, then got a job at a software company. However, a few years later apersistent friend finally managed to bully Hardinge into sending a few chapters of Fly by Night, her first children's novel, to a publisher. Macmillan made her an immediate offer. The book went on to publish to huge critical acclaim and win the Branford Boase First Novel Award. Hardinge's other novels include Cuckoo Song and Traitor's Nest. Read More Read Less