Tui Sutherland, born in 1978, is an American author with an extensive bibliography, having penned over 60 books under her own name and various pseudonyms. She is widely recognized for her epic dragon fantasy series, 'Wings of Fire', which has achieved international bestseller status and sold millions of copies. Her career began in editing before she transitioned to full-time writing. Sutherland's early life included residences in several countries before she pursued higher education, earning degrees from Williams College. Her writing career has spanned multiple genres and series, including contributions to the 'Warriors' and 'Seekers' series, and original works like 'Pet Trouble' and 'The Menagerie'.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1978, Tui Sutherland's early years were marked by international moves before settling in New Jersey during high school. Her education included a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Williams College, where her thesis focused on Shakespeare's Ophelia and her representation in British art. She later earned a Master of Arts in Art History. Sutherland considered a career in theater but ultimately chose writing for children, finding it a more stable path after participating in creative writing courses in New Zealand.

Sutherland's professional writing journey started in editorial roles at publishing houses before her debut solo work, 'This Must Be Love', was published in 2004. She gained recognition with a junior novel adaptation for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' and contributed to the popular 'Warriors' and 'Seekers' series under the pseudonym Erin Hunter. She has utilized several other pen names, including Tamara Summers and Rob Kidd, to write across different genres. Sutherland eventually left her editing job to focus entirely on writing, later moving to Massachusetts.

Sutherland's most significant contribution to children's literature is the 'Wings of Fire' series, an epic fantasy saga centered on dragons, which debuted in 2012. The series quickly garnered a substantial readership and became an international bestseller. While not explicitly esoteric in theme, Sutherland's work often incorporates philosophical and spiritual elements drawn from diverse traditions. Her background includes exposure to Baptist missionary schooling, studies in Buddhism, and raising her children with Judeo-Christian influences, reflecting a broad engagement with different belief systems that subtly informs her imaginative world-building. She draws inspiration from diverse locations and nature documentaries to craft her fantasy environments.

Tui Sutherland is married and resides in Watertown, Massachusetts, with her husband and two sons. She has collaborated on books with her sister, Kari. While generally private about personal details, Sutherland's upbringing and personal life have exposed her to various religious and philosophical perspectives, which she has stated she hopes to inspire thoughtful discussion through her writing. She is also known for her participation in literary events and her past success as a contestant on the game show 'Jeopardy!', where she won a significant sum of money over three appearances.

“she partook in creative writing courses over six months in New Zealand”

“to be far more stable and lucrative”

“attended a Baptist missionary school in Paraguay, studied Buddhism in college”

“married a wonderful Jewish man”

“religion isn't something talked about as freely”