Aprilynne Pike

Aprilynne Pike was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona.^[3] She enjoyed creative writing even as a young child. She received a scholarship to Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho,^[4] and earned her B.A. in creative writing at the age of 20.^[5] Aprilynne and her husband, Kenneth, have four children. She currently^[when?] lives in Arizona.^[6] In addition to writing, she has worked as an editor, a waitress, and childbirth educator and doula.^[4]

Pike tried to get published for several years without success. Her first book to be published was Wings (2009) which became a New York Times best-seller. This book became part of a five-book series written by Pike.^[7] Wings debuted as a New York Times best-seller and reached the #1 spot on the Children's Best Seller list,^[8] making Pike the best-selling non-celebrity children's author to debut in 2009.^[9] Her second novel likewise debuted on the New York Times Best Seller list.^[10] When her debut series reached three books and was moved to the New York Times best-selling Children's Series list, it became a best-selling series.^[11] Illusions and Destined also debuted on the USA Today Bestseller list, which combines books across all genres.^[12]

Pike cites several authors as influential in her writing, including young adult authors Stephenie Meyer—who promoted Pike's debut via cover blurb—and Lois Lowry.^[13]