How Poetry Paved the Way for J. Stanion’s Literary Success

Before J. Stanion became known for her award-winning and bestselling novel My Place Among Them, her first love was poetry. She began writing poems as a way to express her emotions, and this passion for verse ultimately set the foundation for her literary success. Through poetry, Stanion honed her ability to capture complex feelings and craft compelling narratives—skills that would later become essential in her career as a novelist.

A Lifelong Love for Writing

J. Stanion’s journey as a writer began long before she ever thought of publishing a novel. In her youth, she found solace in poetry, using it as an outlet for her emotions. Reflecting on those early days, Stanion shared, “I’ve always loved to write—whether it was poetry about losing the latest boyfriend in high school or funny stories about living with a house full of crazy roommates in college.” Poetry became a way for her to process her thoughts, and it played a crucial role in shaping her writing style. The precision and emotional depth that poetry demands later influenced her ability to tell evocative, moving stories.

Poetry as an Emotional Outlet

For Stanion, poetry was not only a creative outlet but also a means of coping with life’s challenges. When she was away at college and struggling with loneliness, writing poems helped her process her feelings. “The poetry helped me cope with loneliness,” she noted. This personal connection to writing allowed her to develop a deep emotional resonance in her work—an element that would later be integral to the success of her novel.

The themes of loss, resilience, and perseverance that she explored in her poems became central to her storytelling in My Place Among Them. The ability to capture raw emotion in verse translated into her prose, making her characters relatable and their struggles poignant.

From Poetry to Prose

Though poetry was Stanion’s first literary love, it was her promise to her father that ultimately led her to write her debut novel. The transition from poetry to prose wasn’t entirely surprising, given the storytelling techniques she had cultivated through verse. “Writing allowed me to express my thoughts and dreams in a way I could organize them later into goals and actions,” she explained.

Stanion’s ability to weave emotion into every line of her writing carried over into My Place Among Them, a historical novel about John Iron Horse, a Lakota boy who survived the Wounded Knee massacre and must navigate the challenges of government assimilation policies. The depth of feeling in her characters mirrors the emotional complexity she once channeled into poetry.

Recognition and Awards

Since its release, My Place Among Them has garnered critical acclaim for its emotional depth, historical accuracy, and compelling storytelling. The novel has earned several prestigious awards, including:

• 2024 BREW Seal of Excellence
• 2024 Silver Medal Global Book Award for Cultural Heritage Fiction
• 2024 Pencraft Award for Best Book for Fiction – Cultural
• Finalist in the 2023 Laramie Book Awards novel competition for Americana Fiction
• Finalist in the 2023 Goethe Book Awards novel competition for Post-1750s Historical Fiction
• 2023 BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award for Political Fiction of the Year
• 2023 NYC Big Book Award Winner for Cultural Heritage
• 2023 Outstanding Creator Awards Top 25 Ranked Non-Fiction Books
• Second Place in the 2023 Incipere Book Award for Historical Clean category
• 2023 HFC “Highly Recommended” 5-Star Award

These accolades highlight Stanion’s unique ability to craft stories that resonate with readers, a talent she first developed through her love of poetry.

Discover the Power of Words

J. Stanion’s My Place Among Them is a testament to the power of storytelling—whether in poetry or prose. If you’re seeking a novel rich in emotional depth and historical significance, this book is a must-read.

Explore the journey from poetry to prose. Buy My Place Among Them today! Available on Amazon or visit www.jstanion.com to learn more about J. Stanion’s literary journey.