Tui T Sutherland

Tui T. Sutherland, born in 1978 in Venezuela, is a prolific American author celebrated for her extensive work in children's literature. She has authored over 60 books under her own name and various pseudonyms, achieving significant commercial success. Sutherland's early life included living in several countries before settling in New Jersey, where she developed an interest in theater. She pursued higher education at Williams College, earning degrees in English Literature and Art History, with her thesis focusing on Shakespearean art. Abandoning a theater career, she transitioned to writing children's books, a path she found more stable. She began her literary career as an editor before publishing her own works, including her debut novel 'This Must Be Love' and adaptations of popular film scripts. Sutherland is most recognized for her bestselling 'Wings of Fire' series, an epic fantasy saga about dragons, which has garnered a large international following and sold millions of copies worldwide. Her writing often incorporates philosophical and spiritual elements, drawing inspiration from diverse religious traditions and her travels, aiming to encourage contemplation and discussion among readers.

Tui T. Sutherland launched her professional writing career in editorial roles at major publishing houses before releasing her own books. Her debut solo novel, 'This Must Be Love,' reimagined Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.' She gained early recognition with a junior novelization of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' and contributed to the popular 'Warriors' and 'Seekers' series under the collective pseudonym Erin Hunter. Sutherland has utilized several pen names throughout her career, including Tamara Summers, Heather Williams, and Rob Kidd, demonstrating her versatility across different genres and target audiences. She eventually left her editorial position to focus on full-time writing, a decision that led to the creation of her most famous work.

Sutherland's approach to fantasy writing is informed by a rich tapestry of personal experiences and diverse influences. Her travels to locations like the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand and the Amber Palace in India have directly shaped the environments within her fictional worlds. She also draws inspiration from nature documentaries, observing the natural world to inform her creative process. Furthermore, Sutherland's background, which includes exposure to various religious traditions such as Baptism, Buddhism, and Judeo-Christian influences through her marriage, subtly informs her writing. While she doesn't overtly preach, she intentionally weaves philosophical and spiritual themes into her narratives, aiming to spark curiosity and encourage readers to explore complex ideas within the fantastical settings she creates.

Beyond her extensive bibliography, Tui T. Sutherland has achieved notable success, including winning over $46,000 on the game show Jeopardy! in 2009. Her books have achieved massive global sales, exceeding 67 million copies. She co-authored 'The Menagerie' series with her sister, Kari Sutherland. Sutherland lives in Watertown, Massachusetts, with her husband and two sons. Despite her public profile, she maintains a degree of privacy regarding personal details, though her eclectic religious background and the way it informs her worldview and writing are acknowledged. She has also shown support for fellow writers by participating in the 2007-08 Writers Guild of America strike.