Kaarina Parker was born in Aotearoa, New Zealand. She has a BA Hons from the University of Melbourne in history and gender studies, and a Master of Creative Writing from Auckland University of Technology. She is passionate about telling the stories of those silenced by history. She has a particular love for the extraordinary, largely uncredited, women of Ancient Rome. Kaarina also has an established career as a fashion model, and is a voice for diversity in the fashion industry in Australia and New Zealand. Fulvia is her first novel, with the sequel To Rule A Ruler to follow in 2026.