Patricia Collins Wrede is a celebrated American author of fantasy literature. Born on March 27, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, she is the eldest of five children. Wrede began her writing journey in seventh grade and continued to cultivate her passion during her college years at Carleton College in Minnesota, where she majored in Biology.

After obtaining her degree in 1974, she pursued an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota, which she received in 1977. During her career, Wrede worked as a financial analyst and accountant across various organizations. However, her passion for writing led her to become a full-time fiction writer by 1985.

Patricia Wrede is best known for her Enchanted Forest Chronicles series, a beloved fantasy collection for young adults, which earned a place in NPR's 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels list. Her first novel, Shadow Magic, was completed in 1979 and published in 1982, marking the beginning of her illustrious writing career.

Today, Patricia Wrede continues to inspire readers with her vivid storytelling and imaginative worlds, residing in the suburbs of the Twin Cities.