Jana Winters Parkin spent most of her adult life in Los Angeles, where she served a mission, studied at the Otis Art Institute, was an Art Director at AS-UCLA, and ran her own design firm—while raising three spirited children. Specializing in design for non-profit organizations, she worked with many high-profile clients including Paul Newman/The Newman Center, Melanie Griffiths/Sabera Foundation, Michelle Pfeiffer/Victory Over Violence, Elizabeth Glaser/Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Los Angeles icons the Hollywood Bowl and Disney Hall.

When her filmmaker husband, Jeff, accepted a faculty position at BYU, they relocated to Utah—like Beverly Hillbillies in reverse. At that point, Jana traded her “designer to the rich and famous” career for a more peaceful regimen. She now teaches watercolor classes as an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University, explores mountain trails in the local canyons, exhibits her paintings in galleries and at janaparkin.com, and loves watching the deer, bluebirds and quail in their wooded back yard, which their youngest calls "the force of nature."

She also writes a blog at DivergentPathways.blogspot.com, where she has found the opportunity for reflection, storytelling, and connection with other writers invaluable. Jana's essays have been published in several collections, including Tell Me Who I Am and Why I Don't Hide My Freckles Any More. Her watercolors also grace the pages of a holiday classic, What Think Ye of Christmas?  Jana firmly believes the universe grants the best adventures and most poignant story-fodder to those who will treasure, write, and share their stories.