Oregon, Alaska, and Washington State had their share of working girls and madams like Lou Graham and Klondike Kate who remain notorious celebrities in the annals of history, but Collins also includes the stories of lesser-known women whose roles in this illicit trade help shape our understanding of the American West.

Jan MacKell Collins has been a published author, speaker and presenter since 2003. Her focus has always been on western history, with an emphasis on historical prostitution. Three of her books: Brothels, Bordellos & Bad Girls: Prostitution in Colorado 1860-1930, Red Light Women of the Rocky Mountains and Wild Women of Prescott, Arizona have focused on this intriguing subject. Ms. Collins was also a contributing author to Preserving Western History, The Colorado Labor Wars: Cripple Creek, 1903-1904 and Extraordinary Women of the Rocky Mountain West, with chapters in each book about the prostitution industry. She also has been featured on several radio programs in Arizona, California and Colorado. Finally, she is also working as an historical consultant with a director in the feature film industry. Ms. Collins currently resides in Oregon, where she continues researching the history of prostitution.