After 31 years of teaching, J. Stanion did something most people only dream of: she published a novel that went on to win multiple prestigious awards and landed on several bestseller lists. In fact, her debut, My Place Among Them, has earned honors such as the BREW Seal of Excellence, the 2024 Silver Medal Global Book Award for Cultural Heritage Fiction, and several more. What’s even more remarkable? This literary achievement was sparked by a promise Stanion made to her late father—a promise to transform her lifelong love for storytelling into a novel that would honor Indigenous history and culture. My Place Among Them now stands as a witness to her journey from the classroom to the literary world.
In this interview, J. Stanion opens up about her path from educator to author, sharing the personal and professional milestones that shaped her along the way.
Question: What inspired your transition from teaching after 31 years to becoming an author, and how did this change shape your personal and professional journey?
Answer: To be honest, it was only the commitment to my father that inspired me to become a published author. Since its publication, I’ve committed much more time to the world of literature and books…whether its editing for other authors or speaking about my book, being an author has been way “outside the box” of how I imagined my retirement.
Question: How did the promise you made to your father influence your decision to focus on writing, and how does it continue to inspire your work?
Answer: My promise to my father was the single driving force behind the hours it took to complete my first novel. Over the years, we shared poems, usually as humorous ways to deal with emotional topics. Dad always inspired good writing…whether it was checking for grammatical errors or encouraging the use of new vocabulary, my father always wanted us to write well. He felt it was part of the professional image of a teacher. At this point in my career, I feel like there’s more to the story that my great-grandfather started, and I hope I can find the courage to tell it.
Question: Your multi-award-winning and bestselling book has received significant recognition. Can you share the story behind it and what you believe resonates most with readers?
Answer: I believe that most people have a deep respect for the people who lived on this continent prior to the white man’s arrival. However, they’ve only heard or read the stories of battles and massacres and the fight for possession of the land. Many of the people I’ve met through my book bought it because they wanted to know more. Once they start reading, I think the resilience of John, the compassion of Carter, and the courage of Iron Horse resonates with readers. I also believe the struggle against “the system” that each of the characters faces strikes a chord with every individual.
Question: How has your background as a teacher influenced your writing, particularly in terms of character development and storytelling?
Answer: I have a deep reservoir of memories of real people from my time in the educational system that serves as a resource for the characters in my book. Specific children might have wiggled their way into John’s character while others pouted their way into Liz’s. It was easy to fall back on personal memories of teachers or administrators I disagreed with when describing John’s disappointment at the decisions of leaders or “influencers” in his life as well. As to storytelling, I recall how much more students were able to learn when facts were presented in relation to real life events or circumstances rather than as just a list of details to be memorized.
Question: Indigenous stories and historical fiction are key themes in your writing. How do you ensure the accuracy and respectfulness of the narratives you portray?
Answer: Although Covid kept me from traveling throughout most of the research time for My Place Among Them, I was blessed with contacts that allowed me to reach out to tribal elders, and others on Pine Ridge Reservation when I had questions as to the accuracy or appropriateness of certain details or wording. I also made a point of purchasing relatively recently published books written by Indigenous authors as reference materials. Thankfully, more of those are becoming available because they offer a new perspective on the history I was taught.
Question: Can you talk about any specific milestones or awards you’ve received for your work that have been particularly meaningful to you?
Answer: The 5-Star Highly Recommended Award from the Historical Fiction Company was the first award I received. It will always be a special memory because it gave me the courage to enter other competitions. Another milestone that meant a lot to me was being invited to speak to a book club sponsored by a former student, and looking out across the group seeing several former students who had bought and read my book. Knowing they had spent their hard-earned money at a time some of them were starting families or building first homes made the effort I had put into the project worthwhile.
Question: As a collector of Pine Ridge Pottery and Lakota Ledger art, how do these artistic influences shape the imagery and themes in your writing?
Answer: Both Pine Ridge Pottery and Lakota Ledger art are examples of the resilience of the Lakota people. The artists found a way not only to express themselves, but also to support their families despite the hardships they faced on the reservations.
Question: What challenges did you face while transitioning from the structured life of a teacher to the more fluid world of writing, and how did you overcome them?
Answer: Time management was definitely my greatest struggle. When I first started on the novel, I would often write for long hours, sometimes ten or twelve straight hours because I would be so engrossed in the work or afraid to lose an idea before incorporating it into the story. Many days my husband came home for supper only to find me still sitting and typing like I was when he’d left that morning. I gradually learned to take breaks, whether to try a new recipe or finish farm paperwork, I began to appreciate time away from the world I had immersed myself in. Now, I’ve developed better habits like setting a schedule for myself, working a couple of hours before walking to the barn or cooking a meal, or maybe even skipping out on writing for a few days if I really need a break.
Question: How do you manage to balance your personal passions, like your time on the farm, with your writing career?
Answer: Time management and personal commitment are key to balancing your passions. Occasionally, I miss time on the farm due to family commitments out of town. My mom lives several hours away so it takes a day or two away from the farm to spend quality time with her. On the other hand, an hour or two with my horses, especially if I’m having trouble with a project, provides a real boost to my heart and mind to get back to work with a feeling of peace.
Question: For those looking to make a career change, especially into a creative field like writing, what advice would you give based on your own journey?
Answer: If you have family, please talk about your dream/potential change with them. They will lose you at times…even at times they need you most. They must understand and accept your commitment, or they may intentionally or unintentionally undermine your efforts. Otherwise, go for it. Listen to the advice of professionals you hire unless your heart is screaming “NO!!” …you invested in them for a reason. Be flexible but consistent. Never give up.
J.Stanion is the award-winning and bestselling author behind My Place Among Them, praised for its realistic portrayal of Indigenous history. The novel has earned several awards, including the BREW Seal of Excellence, the 2023 NYC Big Book Award for Cultural Heritage, and the 2024 Silver Medal Global Book Award for Literary Heritage. The story follows twelve-year-old John Iron Horse, a survivor of the Wounded Knee massacre.
After a 31-year career in education, J. Stanion fulfilled her late father’s wish by publishing her debut novel. She now resides on her family’s cattle farm, where she cares for horses, a three-legged dog, barn cats, and Angus cattle. She enjoys collecting Pine Ridge Pottery, ledger art, and turquoise jewelry. Currently, J. Stanion is working on her second novel, with themes potentially rooted in history or modern farm life.
You can find My Place Among Them on Amazon, and learn more about J. Stanion’s work, blog, and ledger art at www.jstanion.com.
