Bretigne Shaffer

About the Author

Bretigne Shaffer was a journalist in Asia for many years. She is now a mom, independent writer, and author of "Annabel Pickering and the Sky Pirates" and "Urban Yogini: A Superhero Who Can't Use Violence." She blogs at On the Banks.

What inspired you to start writing?

I think it was when my Montessori teacher asked me to write a poem when I was four or five, and I wrote about going inside a warm movie theater on a cold snowy day, and the smell of hot buttered popcorn. I've always felt compelled to write though, and I don't remember ever not writing.

What are your hobbies / interests?

Ballet, yoga, gardening, developing long-term care solutions for children and adults with special needs.

Who are your personal heroes?

Mister Rogers, Maria Montessori, Ludwig von Mises, Sir John Cowperthwaite, Julian Assange, Ross Ulbricht, some of my teachers, Tolkien.

How did you discover the freedom philosophy?

I was born into it. My parents were (and are) crazy anarchists, and raised me to be skeptical of state power. I've spent most of my life trying to prove them wrong and have been unable to.

Who are your favorite writers?

Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, Ray Bradbury, Emily Bronte, Tolkien,