Deirdre Madden is from Toomebridge, Co. Antrim. Her novels include The Birds of Innocent Wood, Nothing Is Black, One by One in the Darkness, which was shortlisted for the Orange Prize, and Authenticity. Her most recent novel, Molly Fox's Birthday, was also shortlisted for the Orange Prize. She teaches at Trinity College, Dublin, and is a member of the Irish Arts Academy, Aosdana.