Interview with Jill Niebuhr

Author of Crush, A Collection of Poetry

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in Wells, MN. After moving around a lot throughout my life, I moved to Saint Peter, MN seven years ago and I still live there today.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

Saint Peter seemed a nice place with a lot of nature and easy access to the city.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

Crush is comprised of poetry I have written since I was around ten years old to 36. Poetry gave me a safe place to express myself and develop my sense of identity. I lived a difficult life and writing allowed me a refuge from the world I have really needed.

Since Crush includes my formative writing years my intention for it was to expose people to poetry who may not have read much of it. I also thought the simpler form of it would inspire other people to write and share their ideas and thoughts on things.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

It is a melodic introduction to living through loss, difficulty, exploring human nature, and exploring ideas of love that are common in the world. It is about finding your voice and discovering the strength to stand out as yourself.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Someone having an identity crisis or someone unsure of where they fit in the world, someone dealing with trauma or learning to cope with loss and drastic life changes.

The material is suitable for teens and young adults, but also fans of good literature. There is a melodic form to some of the poems which is why I am also a songwriter, so anyone who appreciates music as well.

Finally, it is for anyone who is interested or has found themselves on a search towards the deeper meaning of love, and wishes to reject the conditional form of love we have structured ourselves with in the world.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I found I was really good at it! Writing was what I used initially to help me escape from the world and feel safe in it, but the more I wrote the more I wanted to write.

When I started sending it in, I started winning awards, and the more I shared it the more fans I got. I found my knack while I was really just trying to cope and feel happy.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

It will all work out.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Well, I am a musician also and I have been underground most of my life due to some circumstances I have had to learn to overcome. Now that I am starting to pursue my professional goals due to my success in the other areas I have needed to tend to, my preparatory projects will start to become more in demand.

My intention for Crush was not to become an overnight success but to leave breadcrumbs over the experiences of my life knowing that someday those pieces would become more and more important.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Learning my way of doing things and how to put my unique voice and stamp on what I do. I would frustrate myself at times trying out other structures but have learned that those challenges add context to what I am trying to do. It always comes back to my unique way of offering my poetry or music or creativity to the world that sets me apart.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I love the creative process. If I could spend every day solely devoted to my projects I would be very happy indeed.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I don’t enjoy booking things and being in charge of all the details. I have been successful at doing it, but it takes so much time that it means I have to limit the projects I complete.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

I am writing it right now. It is a self-help book that is geared towards sharing what I learned in the things I was working to overcome the last 20 years. It is meant not only to help people have to struggle a lot less than I did, but it is also a manual that will help people avoid the situations I found myself in altogether.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I self-published Crush and planning to find a publisher for my next book.