Judith Lewis (née Rumelt), better known by her pen name Cassandra Clare, is an American author of young adult fiction, renowned for her bestselling series The Mortal Instruments. Born in Tehran, Iran, on July 27, 1973, Clare's life was steeped in an environment of storytelling and adventure from an early age. Her childhood was marked by extensive travels across the globe alongside her family, a journey that not only exposed her to diverse cultures but also cemented her love for fantasy books.

Clare's formative years were characterized by an insatiable appetite for reading, a trait that found solace in the pages of books during her family's numerous relocations. This constant movement laid the foundation for her vivid imagination and storytelling prowess. Her passion for writing burgeoned during her high school years in Los Angeles, where she penned stories to entertain her classmates, including an epic novel inspired by a Jane Austen short story. This early endeavor would later influence her choice of pen name.

Following college, Clare's career trajectory took her through various roles in the entertainment journalism sector, notably with the Hollywood Reporter, before she pivoted to fiction writing. Her debut novel, City of Bones, was the culmination of her fascination with the urban landscape of Manhattan, propelling her into the limelight as a New York Times bestselling author. Clare's commitment to the craft of fiction was further solidified by her decision to transition to writing fantasy fiction full-time in 2006, a move that distanced her from her previous work in entertainment journalism.

Clare's novels are not just stories; they are immersive experiences that draw heavily from her rich tapestry of life experiences and her profound knowledge of mythology and folklore. Her work is a testament to her belief in the power of narrative to transport and transform, anchored by her dedication to creating intricate, fantastical worlds that resonate with readers around the globe.