Suzy McKee Charnas was an acclaimed American novelist and short story writer, renowned for her work primarily in the genres of science fiction and fantasy. Born on October 22, 1939, and passing away on January 2, 2023, she left an indelible mark with her insightful and imaginative writing.

Charnas won several prestigious awards for her fiction, including the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, and the James Tiptree Jr. Award. Her collection of short fiction, Stagestruck Vampires and Other Phantasms, was published in 2004.

Her most notable work, The Holdfast Chronicles, is a four-volume series written over nearly thirty years. The first installment, Walk to the End of the World, was published in 1974, and the final installment, The Conqueror's Child, was released in 1999. This series is hailed for addressing themes of feminist dystopia, separatist societies, war, and reintegration. Another significant work, The Vampire Tapestry, was adapted by Charnas herself into a play titled "Vampire Dreams".

Raised and educated in Manhattan, Charnas also served in the Peace Corps in Nigeria, an experience that enriched her perspective and work. She later settled in New Mexico, where she continued to teach and write for over forty-five years. She was known for her contributions to conventions and her engagement with the science fiction and fantasy community.