Selina Li Duke was born and educated in Hong Kong.

After graduating from university studies in English language, literature and Chinese translation, she worked as a teacher, film censor and university assistant registrar.

She moved to Australia with her Adelaide-born husband in 1983, and later expanded on her interest in writing by completing a Master of Arts (Creative Writing) degree at the University of Queensland.

Her published works include picture books texts, short stories and essays in anthologies and journals and a book of personal essays, Barbarian Ghosts about the experience of migration.