Pat Murphy is an American science and science-fiction writer known for her innovative works that explore strong female characters and feminist themes. She was born on March 9, 1955. Her writing is diverse, much like snowflakes—no two pieces are alike, which she humorously acknowledges makes her a marketing director's nightmare. Despite this, Murphy has achieved considerable success in her field, winning numerous awards.

Her accolades include two Nebula Awards, the Philip K. Dick Award, the World Fantasy Award, the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award, and the Seiun Award, among others. Murphy's wide-ranging interests have led her to write award-winning science books for children, and she co-founded the Otherwise Award, formerly known as the Tiptree Award, celebrating works of speculative fiction that expand our understanding of gender.

Some of her notable works include The Adventures of Mary Darling, a historical fantasy interlinking stories of Peter Pan and Sherlock Holmes, and The Wild Girls, which won the Christopher Award for Books for Young People. Murphy's contributions to the genre are not only profound in their thematic exploration but also in their ability to entertain and challenge readers.