Diana Lucile Paxson is an American author, primarily known for her work in the fields of Paganism and Heathenism. Her published works include fantasy and historical fiction novels, as well as numerous short stories. More recently, she has also published books about pagan and heathen religions and practices.

Born on February 20, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, Paxson is a founder of the Society for Creative Anachronism, where she is known as Countess Diana Listmaker. She grew up in Pacific Palisades on the coast of southern California and spent much of her childhood exploring the wild hills and engaging in creative activities.

Paxson attended Mills College in Oakland, majoring in English literature and minoring in Art and French. Her mentor, Dr. Elizabeth Pope, introduced her to Tolkien’s works, inspiring her literary journey. She graduated in 1964 and earned a M.A. degree in Comparative Literature from the University of California at Berkeley in 1966.

During the 70s, Paxson worked at Far West Laboratory in San Francisco, developing educational materials. In her personal life, she became involved in the pagan community, founding the Darkmoon Circle in 1978 and the Fellowship of the Spiral Path in 1986. She joined the Troth, an international heathen organization, in 1992 and became an Elder in 1993.

Paxson began writing seriously in 1971 and made her living as a writer since her first novel was published in 1981-82. Her notable works include the Westria novels and the Avalon series, which she co-wrote with Marion Zimmer Bradley.