A British writer and poet, principally of fantasy and speculative fiction novels for children and adults. Some of her better-known works are the Chrestomanci series, the Dalemark series; the novels Howl's Moving Castle and Dark Lord of Derkholm; and The Tough Guide To Fantasyland. She has been cited as an inspiration and muse for several fantasy and science fiction authors: including Phillip Pullman, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.