Emma Neale was born in Dunedin and raised in Christchurch, San Diego CA and Wellington. After gaining her first literature degree from Victoria University, she went on to complete her MA and PhD at University College, London. She has written four novels, and three collections of poetry, as well as edited anthologies of both short stories and poetry. She teaches, works in publishing and looks after her two young sons. Her latest book is Fosterling (Vintage 2011).