Salvayre, Lydie: - Lydie Salvayre, daughter of refugees from the Spanish Civil War, grew up in the south of France, where she received a degree in psychiatry. In her mid-forties she published her first novel, The Declaration. She has since published nine other books, including Everyday Life and The Power of Flies, and has received numerous awards, including the Prix Hermes and the Prix Novembre.

Pedersen, William: - William Pedersen has lived abroad in France and Quebec City, and currently teaches French courses at the University of Illinois.