Scott Westerfeld was born in Texas in 1963. He studied at Vassar College, and has worked as a software designer, a composer and is now a full time writer. His first novel Polymorph was published in 1997, and was followed by Fine Prey, Evolution’s Darling (a New York Times Notable Book; shortlisted for the Philip K. Dick Award), and The Risen Empire. His novels for teenagers include the Midnighters Trilogy (The Secret Hour, Touching Darkness, and Blue Noon) as well as So Yesterday, Peeps, The Last Days, Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras. Westerfeld has also contributed essays to Book Forum, Nerve, and the scientific journal Nature. He and fellow writer Justine Larbalestier divide their time between New York, Sydney and Mexico.