Lynne Hinton was born and raised in North Carolina. She attended Wake Forest University and is a graduate of University of North Carolina-Greensboro. She also attended NC School of the Arts, School of Filmmaking and graduated with her master of divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. Lynne is ordained in the United Church of Christ. She is a spiritual director and retreat leader. She also teaches journaling for substance abuse recovery units. Lynne is the author of twenty-three books including the award winning Friendship Cake and The Art of Arranging Flowers. Lynne is married to Bob Branard and they live in Albuquerque, New Mexico.