About the Author: R.H. Bishop

author

Bishop was born in Berkeley, California. Her father, Errett Bishop, was a mathematician and her mother, Jane, an artist and activist. Errett Bishop pursued his vision of mathematical truth, even when most of his colleagues and the mathematics establishment did not support his ideas. Jane Bishop was a dedicated and disarming peace activist during times and in places where her positions were not always popular. Bishop’s parents taught her by example the values of creativity, integrity, and social responsibility.

The family moved to La Jolla, California, when Errett had to choose between supporting his students in the U.C. Berkeley free speech movement and continuing his own important mathematical work. For several years, R.H. Bishop and her two younger brothers attended “free schools” after Errett and Jane were inspired by the works of A.S. Neill to provide them with a student-centered learning environment. In the middle of high school, R.H. Bishop returned to public school, discovered a love of ballet. She continued her study of dance and combined it with her love of writing and books, obtaining a degree in literature at U.C. San Diego. After a year off to live in Berkeley, dance, and enjoy the music scene, Bishop decided to attend law school. She received her J.D. from Berkeley Law.

Most of Bishop’s legal career was spent working for programs that provide legal services to people unable to afford counsel. She took a break from law to study elementary education and special education and worked for one year at a special education school. Now she divides her writing time between non-fiction (appellate law) and the Armando Felan and Lucy Sanders mystery series.

Bishop conceived the character of Armando Felan when she was an undergraduate in a mystery novel class. In creating this series, she also wanted to have a female detective. She created Armando’s boss, Lucy, based on outstanding female attorneys who have been forceful advocates in a society that doesn’t always respect such behavior in a woman. She has great affection, that some may not share, for both Armando and Lucy, and while she does not plan to have her characters age she hopes they will continue to learn more about themselves and also that they will in their own ways help make the world a better place.

When not writing, Bishop enjoys traveling, dancing, bodysurfing, singing, hiking, and spending time with her family.