Emily Hughes Johnson

EMILY HUGHES JOHNSON In 2012, Emily's mother, Marilyn, passed away. Shortly afterward, Emily found her mother's unfinished manuscript and a note requesting that Emily finish the story for her. Eight years later, Emily fulfilled her mother's dying wish and finished Bird of Paradise. Emily was born in Aspen, Colorado. She attended UNC-Chapel Hill and graduated with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations, but creative writing has always been her passion. She resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and son. Emily enjoys playing golf, running, kickboxing, reading, traveling and spending time with her family. MARILYN ANNE HUGHES Marilyn spent her formative years in the San Francisco Bay Area. She graduated from the UC-Berkeley with an advanced degree in Elementary Education. In 1996, she was diagnosed with breast and advanced ovarian cancer. She began writing The Bird of Paradise as a life gift for her daughter. She passed away in 2012 leaving the novel unfinished – for Emily to complete.