Patricia Collins Wrede, born on March 27, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, is a renowned American author of fantasy literature. She is the eldest of five children and showed an interest in writing as early as the seventh grade. Wrede attended Carleton College in Minnesota, where she majored in Biology. Interestingly, during her college years, she managed to avoid taking any English courses.

After graduating in 1974, Patricia embarked on her writing journey by starting her first novel, Shadow Magic, which she completed five years later. In the interim, she pursued an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1977, and worked as a financial analyst.

Throughout her career, Patricia has been recognized for her Enchanted Forest Chronicles series for young adults, which secured a spot as number 84 in NPR's 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels list. Her successful transition from finance to full-time writing in 1985 marked a significant milestone in her life, which she accomplished with the support of her family and friends.

Although she has no children, Patricia enjoys the company of her extended family, consisting of nieces and nephews. She continues to reside in the suburbs of the Twin Cities, dedicating her time to her passion for fiction writing.