Jenny Hughes was born and raised in rural Australia, the second-youngest of six children. She was a quiet and shy child, and spent many hours poring over books and playing in imaginary worlds. Her working career took her in many directions, but nothing seemed to 'fit'. Finally she followed her heart and began to write. She loves music, dancing, and hot tea and scones, but the thing that makes her happiest is writing and drawing. Jenny now lives in Orange, New South Wales with her scruffy little dog, Scruffy. She plans to keep writing until she's a little old lady. The Lilac Ladies is her first picture book.