Deana McGill, born in 1974 to Murphy and Sarah McGill, was raised in Mississippi, along with one sister. Growing up, Deana spent most of her time expressing herself through drawing, painting, and writing short stories. After graduating from Petal High School in 1993, she enrolled into Senatobia Community College in northern Mississippi and majored in fine arts. A known artist, she has painted many murals in private homes as well as in businesses. Now she is following her lifelong dream to become a writer. Secrets of the Lilies is Ms. McGill's first novel.