Deirdre earned her M.A. in Writing Popular Fiction, specializing in science fiction and fantasy, from Seton Hill University, studying with industry luminaries such as James Morrow, Nalo Hopkinson, Michael Arnzen, Nancy Springer, and Lawrence Connolly.
In 2002, Deirdre attended the prestigious Clarion workshop, studying with Patricia Wrede, Terry Bisson, Leslie What, Geoff Ryman, Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Karen Joy Fowler, and Tim Powers.
In 2002 and 2004, Deirdre attended the Viable Paradise workshop, studying with James MacDonald, Debra Doyle, Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Patrick Nielsen Hayden, James Patrick Kelly, Steven Gould, and Laura Mixon.
Deirdre has spoken at numerous conventions; her upcoming schedule can be found on the events page.