Patricia Collins Wrede was born on March 27, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois. She is an accomplished American author, best known for her Enchanted Forest Chronicles series aimed at young adults, which secured the 84th spot in NPR's 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels list. Wrede kickstarted her writing journey in seventh grade and has since nurtured a profound passion for storytelling.

Despite majoring in Biology at Carleton College in Minnesota, Wrede managed to circumvent any English courses, demonstrating her natural flair for writing. After college, she embarked on her first novel, Shadow Magic, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to writing. Beyond her literary pursuits, Wrede also obtained an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1977 and worked in several financial roles before dedicating herself entirely to writing.

Wrede's personal life has been as dynamic as her career. She is the eldest of five siblings and grew up in a household surrounded by books. A vivid reader herself, she finds inspiration in an array of literature, from the Oz books to the Narnia Chronicles. Wrede's dedication to her craft led her to become a founding member of the Interstate Writers’ Workshop, also known as the Scribblies, which played a crucial role in her development as a writer.

In 1985, facing the challenge of balancing a demanding finance job with her writing, Wrede made the pivotal decision to pursue writing full-time. Her journey highlights the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving one's dreams. Wrede currently resides in the suburbs of the Twin Cities, continuing to inspire readers with her imaginative stories.