Who's that Poet?

Get to know Jillian Stacia

First things first, please introduce yourself and share some fun facts:

My name is Jillian Stacia, and I am a writer from Baltimore, Maryland (Go Ravens!) I do a variety of different writing and am currently working on the Greeking Out book series with National Geographic Kids. I'm also working on a YA novel and a poetry collection.

I'm a mom of two amazing kids, Everett and Kendall, and am married to an actuary/finance guy who loves me dearly and is utterly perplexed by my infatuation with words. I'm also the oldest of 7 kids and a cancer on the horoscope, which tells you everything you need to know about my personality. Oh, and I make a lot of really bad (re:stupid) jokes. if you're wondering if I'm joking, the answer is always yes.

How long have you been writing poetry and what made you start?

I've always loved poetry and have a whole notebook full of embarrassing poems from high school. I started pursing it in adulthood after having kids.

Writing essays seemed too daunting with young kids, so poetry in the Notes App became my creative outlet of choice in that season. My kids are older now, but I've fallen hard for poetry. And the Notes App.

What is your writing process like?

I like to write in the morning before my brain is fully awake. I try to generate as much content as I can in the morning hours, and then I'll edit throughout the day when I have time. Like I said, my Notes App is completely unhinged and filled with random phrases and half-baked poems. I keep track of any cool phrases or images that I know would be great in a poem one day.

How do you make or find time to write?

Practically, I write in the mornings before my kids are awake. I also write on my phone in the small pockets of time when they are independently playing.

But really, it came down to a mindset shift for me. I am a better person when I write. I am a better mother when I write. Writing (and poetry in particular) is the closest I've come to experiencing magic.

And my kids deserve a magical mom. So I do it, and I do it without guilt (except for the times when I feel guilty).

How does being a mother impact your poetry?

Being a mother changed the way I view the world. This shows up in every single aspect of my writing, including the poems that may not directly reference my children. A huge theme in my poetry is that the world is hard but there is still some good in it, and that is all for my children. Everything I write is for them.

Do you have any other creative pursuits? How do they relate to or enhance your poetry?

I write in many different styles and genres, and this helps improve my poetry and makes the words come faster. But honestly, poetry is the thing that helps take all my other writing to the next level. It's amazing how much better my essays are when I write poetry on a regular basis.

One last thing…

My youngest is about to start kindergarten in the fall, and I will finally have reached the golden era of school aged-kids. Starting this new season reminds me of how far I have come.

To the mamas out there knee deep in the baby, butt-wiping stage: I see you. I feel you. I was you. Writing and creativity is meant to be soul-giving, not another item on your to-do list. Do what you can and let the rest go. It's so easy to compare yourself to other writers on the internet who are producing content on a daily basis. Let go of the pressure and make the art that feels good to you in this season. Your circumstances will change eventually. Give yourself grace. And drink lots of coffee. Coffee helps.

You can find Jillian and her poems on Instagram.