Author Bio: Collins was born on August 10, 1962, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Jane Brady Collins (born 1931) and Lieutenant Colonel Michael John Collins (1931–2003), a U.S. Air Force officer who served in the Korean and the Vietnam War. Her grandfather and numerous uncles fought in both World Wars. She is the youngest of four children, her older siblings being Kathryn (born 1957), Andrew (born 1958), and Joan (born 1960). As the daughter of a military officer, she moved with her family very often, mostly living in Europe (specifically Brussels, Belgium) and the eastern part of America. As a young girl, Collins enjoyed reading, gymnastics, and exploring the woods with her friends.