After dedicating 31 years to teaching, J. Stanion made a promise that would forever change her life: she would finish the novel her great-grandfather started. That novel, My Place Among Them, not only fulfilled a personal vow but also catapulted Stanion into the literary spotlight, earning her prestigious awards and topping bestseller lists. What began as a labor of love evolved into a powerful exploration of Indigenous history that continues to resonate with readers across the world.
A Promise that Sparked a New Career
J. Stanion never expected to become a bestselling author after decades in the classroom, but a promise to her late father altered the course of her life. Reflecting on the promise she made to him, Stanion shared, “I never dreamed I’d publish a novel after teaching school for 31 years, but I did. It was a labor of love. Before he died of cancer, I promised my dad I would get it done.”
Her father’s encouragement ignited the spark she needed to transform her great-grandfather’s historical manuscript into a fully developed novel. This manuscript—written by her great-grandfather about his experiences with Indigenous communities—served as the foundation for My Place Among Them, a work that would later become Stanion’s first published book and an award-winning historical fiction novel.
From Teacher to Storyteller
Teaching was Stanion’s calling for much of her life, but writing had always been a passion that simmered beneath the surface. Long before the novel came to be, Stanion used writing as a way to express herself, whether through poetry or personal reflections. She described how writing helped her process emotions and thoughts, saying, “Writing allowed me to express my anger in solitude, my love from a long distance away, and my thoughts and dreams in a way I could organize them later into goals and actions.”
That reflective nature became a key aspect of Stanion’s writing style, allowing her to weave together complex emotions and historical events in a seamless narrative. Her experience in education, particularly her time teaching children, also contributed to her ability to create compelling and relatable characters in My Place Among Them.
The Awards that Followed
Since its release, My Place Among Them has garnered critical acclaim, earning several prestigious awards that solidify Stanion’s place in the literary world. The novel has been celebrated for its historical accuracy, evocative storytelling, and sensitive portrayal of Indigenous history. Among the many accolades it has received are:
- 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 awards reflect the novel’s powerful impact on readers and critics alike, showcasing Stanion’s ability to connect with her audience through a story that transcends time and culture.
Rediscovering a Family Legacy
Stanion’s journey as an author is closely tied to her family’s history. Her great-grandfather’s manuscript was an unfinished project that documented his observations while working with Indigenous communities at the turn of the 20th century. When Stanion found the manuscript, she knew she had to bring it to life. She shared the challenge of working with such an old document: “The original manuscript… was the greatest obstacle I had to overcome first. It was typed on the back of a car dealership’s stationary in 1920. The paper was fragile, the Victorian era writing was verbose and repetitive.”
Despite these challenges, Stanion preserved the heart of her great-grandfather’s work, infusing it with her own voice and modern sensibilities. The result was a novel that not only honors her family’s legacy but also opens a window into the complex and often overlooked history of Indigenous peoples in America.
A Transition That Paid Off
For Stanion, the transition from educator to author was more than a change in profession; it was a rediscovery of her own identity. She now dedicates much of her time to writing, speaking, and sharing her literary work with the world. As she continues to write and explore new stories, Stanion remains focused on the power of storytelling to preserve history and inspire change.
She encourages aspiring writers and dreamers to follow their passions, even if the journey seems uncertain. Her advice is simple yet profound: “Never give up.” This resilience has propelled her from the classroom to being a multi-award-winning author, proving that it’s never too late to find your true calling.
Ready to Discover the Story?
If you’re intrigued by stories that explore rich cultural heritage and the complexities of human relationships, My Place Among Them is a must-read. Journey alongside John Iron Horse and experience a story rooted in resilience, survival, and the power of human connection.
Find your next favorite read and get into J. Stanion’s bestselling novel. Purchase My Place Among Them today!
Available on Amazon and learn more about J. Stanion’s journey at www.jstanion.com.
