About Jillian

Hi, I’m Jillian Hynes, a writer and poet born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and now residing in Ocala, Florida. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education, and I have held various roles as a Teacher, Mathematician, and Education Consultant. My passion for writing comes from a deeply personal place, and I write whenever I feel a powerful emotion stirring inside me. My best work often emerges from pain, as I write to process heartache, loss, and personal growth.

I started journaling in late elementary school, inspired by Marissa Moss’ Amelia’s Notebooks. However, it wasn’t until my early 30s that I truly found my voice in poetry. During a difficult time in my life, while working an office job, I felt overwhelmed by past heartache and new love. I grabbed a notebook and began to pour my heart out onto the page. Since then, poetry has become a powerful outlet for me to process my emotions, especially around mental health, heartache, and self-love.

One of my earliest and most significant poetry readings took place at an open mic night in Erie, where I read my poem "Paradigm Universe." I was nervous and overwhelmed with emotion but found healing and strength in sharing my words with others. Writing, to me, is not only a creative outlet but a way to connect with others, heal, and help people feel less alone in their struggles.

My writing is heavily influenced by my own experiences with mental health, heartache, and personal growth. I draw inspiration from poets like Sylvia Plath, Mary Oliver, and Christopher Poindexter, all of whom write fearlessly about pain and transformation. I believe in the power of vulnerability and that there is strength in sharing the most raw parts of ourselves.

Outside of writing, I love to journal, paint, dance, and spend time in nature. My husband and I enjoy visiting Lake Erie and Jekyll Island—places that hold a special meaning for us.

I hope that through my writing, I can help others find clarity and peace, just as I have. My goal is to continue writing, publishing more poetry collections, and connecting with readers through events, collaborations, and meaningful conversations. I want to inspire others to embrace creativity as a way to navigate life’s challenges, and I’m excited for what’s to come on this journey.

Drop a Line

jillianmariehynes@gmail.com