Jan Karon, born Janice Meredith Wilson, is an American novelist renowned for her contributions to both adult and young reader genres. She is best known for her New York Times-bestselling Mitford novels, which center around Father Timothy Kavanagh, an Episcopal priest, and the quaint, fictional village of Mitford. Her latest Mitford novel, To Be Where You Are, was released in September 2017. In addition to her literary achievements, Karon has been honored with various awards and recognitions, including being designated a lay Canon for the Arts in the Episcopal Diocese of Quincy, Illinois, by Keith Ackerman, Episcopal Bishop of Quincy. In May 2000, she received the Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa by Nashotah House, a theological seminary in Nashotah, Wisconsin. Moreover, in 2015, Karon was bestowed the Library of Virginia's Literary Lifetime Achievement Award.

Karon's journey to becoming a celebrated author began in her early life. Raised on a farm near Lenoir, North Carolina, she discovered her passion for writing at a very young age, penning her first novel at the age of 10 and winning a short-story contest organized by the local high school the same year. After getting married as a teenager and having a daughter, Candace, Karon embarked on a career journey that started as a receptionist at a Charlotte, N.C. advertising agency. Her talent for writing did not go unnoticed, as she left samples of her work on her boss's desk, eventually leading to her recognition and advancement within the company. Karon's success in the advertising field spanned from Charlotte to San Francisco, culminating in her becoming a creative vice president.