Kara Dalkey

Kara Dalkey, born in 1953, is an American author whose work primarily falls into the categories of young adult fiction and historical fantasy. She has lived in various locations across the United States, including Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Colorado, and Seattle. A significant portion of her fictional narratives are set during Japan's Heian period. Dalkey's literary contributions include novels such as "The Sword of Sagamore," "Steel Rose," "Little Sister," and "The Nightingale." Her short fiction has appeared in various anthologies, including the shared-world series "Liavek," "Firebirds: An Anthology of Original Fantasy and Science Fiction," and "Firebirds Rising." She also authored the "Water Trilogy," which intertwines Atlantean myths with Arthurian legends, and contributed stories to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" anthologies. Beyond her writing, Dalkey is a musician with experience playing electric bass left-handed, drums, banjo, and acoustic guitar, and has performed with several bands. She is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Much of Kara Dalkey's fiction is set in the Heian period of Japan, suggesting a deep interest in historical settings and potentially their cultural or mystical underpinnings. Her "Water Trilogy" notably blends elements of the Atlantis myth with Arthurian legends, indicating a fascination with ancient lore, mythology, and the intersection of different legendary frameworks. This blending of disparate mythologies hints at an exploration of universal themes or archetypes that transcend specific cultural origins. Her short stories have been featured in diverse anthologies, including those focused on shared worlds like "Liavek," which was edited by Emma Bull and Will Shetterly, and collections of original fantasy and science fiction, demonstrating her engagement with broader speculative fiction communities and themes.

Kara Dalkey possesses a notable musical background, having performed extensively as a musician. She plays the electric bass left-handed and also provides harmony vocals. Her musical career has involved collaborations with various bands such as Runestone, the Albany Free Traders, Nate Bucklin and the Ensemble, Relic, and Voodoo Blue. In addition to the bass, she has experience playing drums, banjo, and acoustic guitar. While she is also a songwriter, her overall output in this area is described as low, with no recorded albums currently in production. This multifaceted creative expression suggests a broader artistic sensibility that informs her writing.