Check Out Jill Laing’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Laing.

Jill, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Dabbling in writing began for me as a child. I started writing songs and poetry for fun and eventually shifted to journaling using one of those diaries with the lock and key. Remember those? I’m a reflective person and writing my thoughts down has always helped me sort out emotions and just feel better.

While I continued to journal throughout my life, I also found myself drawn to other artistic circles. More specifically, ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop dance. Dancing became a huge part of my life growing up in Miami, FL. I attended a performing arts middle school along with taking dance classes at studios. As a young adult, I picked up salsa and merengue in Tallahassee and swing in Washington, D.C. Back in the day, I let the dancer suppress the writer within.

I also tried reading growing up but have to admit that writing came more naturally to me. I always struggled to find a book that I would enjoy reading when I was younger until in my early twenties when a few key influential friends introduced me to the joys of reading. I finally realized that I was free of having to read what I was told to read for school and that I could explore writers such as Cisneros, Allende, Brown, and many other great authors. In my childhood, I found myself drawn to romance, vampires, mysteries, and Archie comics. No doubt those genres have influenced my writing today.

Fast forward, in 2009, I received a master’s degree in applied linguistics in vibrant New York City. That’s where I began writing novels as a hobby. I had constant stimulation for creative writing from subway acrobats, Central Park musicians, and reckless taxi drivers. I would jot down thoughts or lines I might write down one day in a story on my phone. However, most of my writing ideas have come from dreams. My dreams have always been vivid as if each night I had my own film screening in my mind. And I’m a daydreamer, too.

I spent many years writing as a hobby and attending writer’s workshops. There was a pivotal moment for me in 2019 where I started focusing more seriously on my writing with a goal to publish. I had a few conversations with other writers, mentors, and friends and realized that I needed to put more time into my hobby if I wanted to turn it into a second career. That’s when I committed to writing a little every day. And when the pandemic hit, I completed the first draft of my vampire romance novel that I had begun writing in 2010. With a draft in hand, a friend of mine introduced me to the Creator Institute (CI), and the rest was history. I was acquired by hybrid publisher New Degree Press and published my first book, Bound: Tethered Souls Series in January 2022.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been many obstacles, but I must say a lot of it came from within. Much of my career has been in higher education either through teaching or working in administrative positions. The roles I have held directly helped students with personal and professional development. I kept my writing a secret. I was afraid of what people in my field, and elsewhere, would think about me if I came out as a paranormal romance writer, which now seems counterintuitive.

And like many working mothers, I struggled with balancing priorities. Oftentimes, I was sleep deprived or felt guilty that I was not spending enough time with my family. And I love my family. I put a lot of my own interests and hobbies to the side to spend time with them. And I don’t regret it, but looking back, I do believe that I (and my family) would have benefitted from me focusing a little more on self-care along the way.

Today I recognize that I also wasn’t ready to accept my whole self at the time that I began writing. I wasn’t ready to accept the entrepreneur within. Most of my adult life involved me looking for secure work with benefits. I actually attempted my writing career and my own business once in 2011, after my son was born. Unfortunately, at that time, I did not have the community support and/or confidence to make it happen. And did I mention sleep deprivation?

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a paranormal romance writer, I set myself apart from other writers in that I focus on intercultural relationships. I am also empathetic, which helps me tune into people’s emotions. With these gifts, I believe I am able to write more authentic dialogue. I am known for my optimism and interest in helping other people develop their own career paths.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Being a life-long learner and willing to reflect honestly on who I was, who I am, and who I want to be has been critical in my overall success as a person and professional.

Perseverance and vision have kept me moving toward accomplishing my dream of becoming a published author. What makes a story worth telling is telling it. And I’m a work in progress. As long as I acknowledge that, and keep learning along the way, then I will always be pleased with my journey. Because it is a journey.

And I feel very fortunate having grown up in Miami and having lived in various cities across the U.S. and Spain. I have enjoyed being surrounded by diverse people and cultures. Through my writing, I am able to create unique characters and stories with the hope that I pique curiosity within others about various cultures and history while having fun along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jhlaingauthor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhlaingauthor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jhlaingauthor

Image Credits
Virginia Appleton Photography