Allen, Candace

Candace Allen received her BA from Harvard before attending the New York University School of Film & Television. She went on to become the first African-American female member of the Directors Guild of America. She has worked as an assistant director and screenwriter and is now a novelist. Her debut novel, Valaida (2004), is based on the true story of Valaida Snow, one of the first female jazz trumpeters. Candace continues to write and is now based primarily in London. Recent books: Valaida (Virago: 2005)