Holly Deane-Johns was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1971. She was one of five children. 

At the age of 20, she was arrested on drugs charges and served five years in Bandy-Up Women’s Prison in Western Australia. 

Nine years later, she was charged with attempting to post 15 grams of heroin to Australia from Bangkok, as well as possessing another 15 grams in her apartment. Holly pleaded guilty and received a 31 year sentence. She was sent to the notorious ‘Bangkok Hilton’ Women’s Prison, known locally as Lat Yao.

Holly endured horrific conditions over the next seven and a half years. Staying alive was a daily struggle. 

Holly learnt Thai and formed several enduring friendships with fellow inmates, but faced heartbreak and anguish when some did not survive.

She also successfully stopped using drugs during her first year in the Thai prison. She wrote this book in large part to help others overcome their addictions.

After a lengthy battle to obtain a prison transfer from Thailand, Holly was moved to Bandy-up Women’s Prison in Perth 2007, where she served another five years. 

While completing her sentence in BandyUp Women's Prison, Holly obtained a Diploma in Youth Work and Certificates in Community Services. Since her release, she has obtained qualifications in hypnotherapy and counselling. Holly has also worked in mining in Western Australia. 

Holly is a speaker and community advocate on topics that include substance abuse, PTSD, mental health and domestic violence.