J. Conrad

I write young adult fantasy. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, I now live in Cedar Park, Texas, with my husband John Michael. I believe in freedom of speech, thought and religion.

I’ve been interested in Wales ever since high school. Two years ago I got the idea for a Welsh-themed trilogy. I started looking for a lake that my characters could visit and found Llyn Caerwych, and because of its location a whole new world opened up for me – Snowdonia, a beautiful national park in North Wales. Within walking distance from the lake was Bryn Cader Faner, a 4,000-year-old ring cairn, and I ran with it! That would be the portal to send Bridget and Celena back in time to 500 BC.

The characters themselves were inspired by the two most influential women in my life: Cynthia Bowler, my best friend from high school (and also the artist who designed my book covers!) and my teenage daughter, Bridget. Bridget is the main character in the series and all of her good qualities, such as bravery, perseverance and intelligence, are true to the real person.

I have currently published the first 2 books of the trilogy: Lake Caerwych and The Space Between Worlds, with Isle of Apples to be completed by late summer of 2013.

You can follow me on Twitter @j_a_conrad

And on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/J-Conrad/235283533224042?ref=hl

I also have a page on AmeriCymru, a social network for the Welsh, Welsh ex-pats, persons of Welsh descent and cymruphiles all over the world. http://americymru.net/profile/JaimeConrad#.UXwkulElkf4