Brenda Cooper is a Seattle-area futurist and writer, and also the CIO for the City of Kirkland, Washington. Brenda gives local talks, writes the popular blog series "Backing into Eden," and is the award-winning author of seven science fiction novels and numerous short stories. Her most recent work is the duology The Creative Fire and The Diamond Deep, from 2012 and 2013, respectively. She also co-authored Building Harlequin's Moon with Larry Niven. See her website at www.brenda-cooper.com.

Brenda's personal interests include long-distance bicycle riding, science and science fiction, dogs, and creating a better world.