Elise Broach (Atlanta, 1963) has a degree in History from Yale University. She is the author of the acclaimed novel Shakespeare's Secret as well as several illustrated books, including Masterpiece (2008), published by Siruela and selected by The New York Times on its 2010 bestseller list. Her writing projects have led her to several sometimes to the deserts of the American Southwest. She currently lives in Easton, Connecticut, where she writes and works for the city government.