Jill Anderson is interested in themes of social justice, life-changing experiences, resolution of conflict, redemption, and building a vision for our lives.  She brings a rich background to her writing: undergraduate degrees in Psychology and English, graduate studies and degrees in Philosophy and Special Education.  She graduated from The Film School in Seattle, authored a screenplay, and has nourished her writing through classes, workshops, and professional affiliations.  What does she consider most helpful to her writing?  “Film School.” Running from Moloka`i won two awards for unpublished fiction—one award as YA, and the other in both YA and Adult categories. 

She lived in Hawai`i for several years.  This prompted her interest in the cultural conflicts triggered by the treatment of those with leprosy; the topic is still emotional on the islands, fraught with pain even after generations.  On Oahu, Jill was a mediator for conflict resolution at the Neighborhood Justice Center in Honolulu.  She was invited by the Dept. of Health to conduct mediation training for the medical staff at Kalaupapa—the relationship between the medical staff and the patients had been tenuous for some time.  Jill could empathize with the resentment felt by patients: “All they do is cut you up.” 

She began extensive research for her first novel of historical fiction, RUNNING FROM MOLOKA`I release date Nov. 1, 2020   

Fun facts about the author:

1.      She enjoys building streams and ponds. 

2.      She loves pickleball.

3.      As a child, she once offered to make a divine trade:  God could have her parents…in exchange for a horse (preferably Rastus, pastured at the Elkhorn Lodge in Estes Park, CO where she grew up.  (Spoiler:  it probably will not work for you, either.)