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Born to life in 1947 (France), and to science-fiction in 1964. Teaches French Literature and Creative Writing on and off at various universities in Quebec (since immigration, in 1973). “Fulltime writer” since 1990, (despite PhD. in Creative Writing, 1987), i.e. translator, SF convention organizer, literary editor (Solaris magazine), essayist. Still managed to publish fifteen novels and eight short stories collections in French, two in English (Slow Engines of Time, Blood Out of A Stone). Five novels translated in English, (The Silent City, In the Mothers' Land aka The Maerlande Chronicles—1993 Philip K. Dick’ s Special Award and a finalist of the 1993 Tiptree Award —Reluctant Voyagers, Dreams of the Sea (Tyranaël I, 2003), A Game of Perfection (Tyranaël 2, 2005) ; other translations in German. The more recent novels, Reine de Mémoire (2005-2007, five books), received four major awards in Quebec. Numerous short stories published in French and English. Also writes for children and YA. More than thirty awards in France, Canada, Quebec and the States, among which the Grand prix de la SF française ((1982), le Grand Prix de la SF et du fantastique québécois (three times), le Philip K. Dick Special Award, le Prix du Conseil québécois de la Femme en littérature (1998, a one-time literary award given by the Quebecois Council for Women’s Affairs on its twentieth anniversary), and seven Aurora awards (last one for Reine de Mémoire 5, 2007).

More information can be found at her SFWA author page or, in French, her website.


Élisabeth Vonarburg in our archives
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My obsidian shadows knifed the moon, drank moonblood until my wandering mouth filled to bursting
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