J. Stanion’s Approach to Writing: Crafting Historical Fiction from Personal Legacy

Typed on the back of a car dealership’s stationery from the 1920s was J. Stanion’s great-grandfather’s forgotten manuscript. When she stumbled upon it, she knew she had uncovered more than just family history. That old, fragile document became the foundation of her award-winning novel My Place Among Them, launching Stanion on a journey of storytelling rooted in both personal legacy and historical truth. Today, her approach to writing is a blend of meticulous research, cultural respect, and a deep personal connection to the past.

A Promise That Led to a Bestseller

Stanion’s journey into writing was born out of a promise she made to her father before his passing. He had always encouraged her to write, and completing the novel her great-grandfather started was a way to honor his memory. “I promised my father I would publish this story,” she shared. That promise became the driving force behind My Place Among Them, a novel that would later receive multiple accolades and land on bestseller lists.

Set in the early 20th century, the novel follows the life of John Iron Horse, a young Lakota boy who survived the Wounded Knee massacre. It tells the story of his struggles within the U.S. government’s Indian Education program, which aimed to assimilate Indigenous children. The novel’s historical depth and emotional resonance have struck a chord with readers and critics alike.

A Legacy of Storytelling

Stanion’s great-grandfather’s experiences working with Indigenous peoples at the turn of the century gave her a unique starting point for the novel. However, it was her personal connection to that legacy that fueled the narrative. “I wrote this novel in this setting because the story is based on a manuscript written by my great-grandfather,” Stanion explained.

Her great-grandfather’s account wasn’t a finished product, so she took on the task of rewriting and expanding the story. Her dedication to staying true to his perspective while weaving in modern research and cultural authenticity is a hallmark of her writing process.

Weaving History and Fiction

Writing historical fiction requires a delicate balance between factual accuracy and creative storytelling. For Stanion, this meant not only relying on family records but also reaching out to experts and tribal elders to ensure that her portrayal of Lakota culture was both respectful and accurate. When discrepancies between her great-grandfather’s manuscript and modern understanding arose, she took the time to verify details with Lakota sources, ensuring that the novel remained true to history.

Her approach to writing is deeply influenced by her respect for cultural heritage. As she noted, “It is very important for me to preserve and highlight cultural histories because I believe that cultural identity has intrinsic value.” This commitment is evident throughout My Place Among Them, which is not just a story about survival but also a tribute to the resilience of Indigenous peoples during a difficult chapter in American history.

Awards and Recognition

Since its publication, My Place Among Them has garnered numerous awards, establishing Stanion as a prominent voice in historical fiction. The novel has received:

• 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 the novel’s powerful storytelling and its contribution to raising awareness about Indigenous history. Readers have been captivated by the authenticity and emotional depth that Stanion brings to the page.

Crafting Stories with Emotional Depth

At the heart of Stanion’s writing is a desire to tell stories that resonate on an emotional level. Her approach to character development is deeply influenced by her personal experiences and connections. Whether she’s drawing from the quiet strength of her rural life or the cultural lessons passed down through her family, her writing is always infused with a sense of emotional truth.

Stanion’s ability to create complex characters who navigate challenging historical realities has earned her widespread acclaim. My Place Among Them doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, but it presents them in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking, allowing readers to engage deeply with the material.

Discover the Legacy for Yourself

J. Stanion’s My Place Among Them is not just a historical novel — it’s a story of resilience, cultural identity, and the power of personal legacy. If you’re drawn to rich, well-researched historical fiction that explores real human struggles, this is a book you need to read.

Don’t miss the chance to experience a legacy brought to life. Buy My Place Among Them today! Available on Amazon, or visit www.jstanion.com to learn more about the author and her creative process.