CARO KING was born in London and raised in Surrey. She did a foundation art course at university and tackled a series of widely varied jobs before joining the Civil Service, working in the Official Receiver's office. She now works part-time and lives in Surrey with her husband, Kevin, writing and restoring their Edwardian house.

Seven Sorcerers came from a rainy lunchtime when she began mapping out the world of the Drift. Skerridge and his waistcoat came later.