Jennifer Conley, a renowned author, was born and raised in the coastal state of New Jersey. Specifically, she grew up in Manchester Township, also known as Lakehurst, which is situated at the northern end of the Pine Barrens. This area is a vast forested region that covers a significant portion of central and southern New Jersey. The Pine Barrens is a unique and important part of the state's natural heritage, providing a habitat for a variety of plant and animal life. It is also known for its distinctive sandy soil and unique pine forests.
Conley is known for her short stories, which have been published in numerous crime fiction anthologies, including Thuglit, Needle, Crime Factory, Beat to a Pulp, Protectors, Pulp Modern, and Trouble in the Heartland: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Bruce Springsteen. Her writing is heavily influenced by her experiences growing up in New Jersey, and many of her stories are set in or around the Pine Barrens. Her unique voice and perspective have earned her a reputation as a talented and insightful writer in the genre.
Conley has also contributed to the Los Angeles Review of Books, a highly respected literary publication. In addition to her writing, she has also been an editor at Shotgun Honey, an online magazine that publishes flash fiction. Her story collection, Cannibals: Stories from the Edge of the Pine Barrens, is available now. She continues to live in New Jersey, where she finds inspiration for her writing in the people, places, and experiences of her home state.