Author, scientist, artist and musician, Anne Harlan Prather earned a Ph.D in botany from the University of Washington and a bachelor of music performance from Wheaton College. A science fiction connoisseur for over 40 years, Anne has studied science fiction writing with best-selling author Madeline L'Engle and short-story author Vance Aandahl. As a singer, song-writer, harper and guitarist, Anne is a recording artist and the author of over 100 songs, many of which have science fiction themes, and several of which are featured in her debut Sci-Fi anthology, Wings of Joy. In addition, she is the author of Mystic Intersections, an art book of her photography and digital art that chronicles her journey from congenital blindness to functional sight. Anne has been a pioneer throughout her life. She was the first blind student to be mainstreamed into her local public school district. She was the first woman to receive a guitar performance degree from Wheaton College. She has spent her life balancing substantial limitations with a wide range of interests and accomplishments.
Five interesting things Anne would like you to know:
1.
She wrote the first draft of “Ballad of the Windsong”
in the jury assembly room in King County Superior Court. At lunch break, after
having written 1700 words, her co-jurors cheered.
2.
Anne wrote three Starmasters novels in an attempt to
convince her faculty advisor that she really could complete her dissertation.
3.
Anne wrote five sketch comedy scripts in order to
relieve the boredom of cancer treatment.
4.
Anne met her husband on amateur radio, so she knew his
voice before she met him in person.
5.
Anne earned extra money for research supplies in
graduate school by singing on street corners.
These experiences and many more lie at the heart of Anne Prather’s unique
storytelling style.
In addition to being an author, Anne is a member of Gallery North, Edmonds, Washington, where she shows her photography and digital art. She also sells her art on her Star Rose Arts webpage. She continues writing songs and performing. She has performed as a busker for the Seattle Parks Department and also joins in the music at various sci-fi convention filksings. Her music can be enjoyed and bought also on her webpage.