Illumination Author Feature: Jordan Taylor Nilan

Illumination author Jordan Taylor Nilan with her bunny, Marzipan, who inspired her book

For Jordan Taylor Nilan, storytelling has always been part of her identity. Her debut children’s book, Marzipan’s First Christmas, didn’t just win hearts—it won the 2024 Illumination Gold Award in the Holiday category. But Nilan’s journey to this moment wasn’t just about awards; it was about inspiring readers of all ages with a simple yet profound message of love, kindness, and faith.

We sat down with Nilan to discuss her creative process, the joys and challenges of writing, and what inspires her to continue sharing heartfelt stories with the world.

What Winning an Illumination Award Meant to Nilan

Winning the Illumination Award was more than a moment of validation for Nilan—it was a nudge to embrace her accomplishments without comparison. “It can be easy to have impostor syndrome and compare myself to other indie authors,” she shares. “An award doesn’t ‘cure’ these things, but it is a good reminder that I don’t need to be so hard on myself throughout the creative process and beyond.”

Professionally, the recognition opened doors, but personally, it served as an inspiring reminder that her work was making an impact.

An Unlikely Holiday Guest

The inspiration for Nilan’s award-winning book came wrapped in fur and holiday magic. “Shortly after my husband and I got married, a week before Christmas, someone abandoned a white bunny outside our home. Thus, the idea for Marzipan’s First Christmas was born!”

This serendipitous encounter with the real-life Marzipan became the heart of her debut story, reminding readers of the beauty and hope that even the smallest creatures can bring.

Crafting a Tale That Resonates

Writing Marzipan’s First Christmas was as much a labor of love as it was a creative challenge. Nilan was guided by the wisdom of Roald Dahl, who said, “Kids are smart. They know a lot more than we give them credit for.”

“I worked hard to come up with creative rhymes and turns of phrase that both kids and parents could enjoy,” Nilan explains. The process of condensing a story into fewer than 1,000 words while ensuring each stanza connected seamlessly with its illustration was no small feat.

Her first draft took nearly a month, followed by two weeks away from the manuscript to approach it with fresh eyes. With the support of beta readers and her talented illustrator, Jess Bircham, Nilan refined her story into the charming and impactful book readers love today.

Facing Challenges With Grace

As a self-published author, Nilan aimed to create a book indistinguishable from those on traditional bookstore shelves. Achieving this level of professionalism came with its own hurdles. “I spent a lot of time studying the covers and font choices of many children’s books,” she says.

But the steep learning curve of self-publishing wasn’t one she climbed solo. With guidance from fellow indie authors, she navigated platforms like Ingram Spark and gained the confidence to release her book. “I’m incredibly grateful that my road to self-publishing wasn’t one I walked alone,” she reflects.

The Heart of the Story

At the core of Marzipan’s First Christmas lies a message of compassion and faith, beautifully captured in the book’s closing lines:

“All of God’s creatures, no matter how small / Deserve a home on Christmas, and love, after all.”

Jordan hopes her readers—both young and old—carry this sentiment with them, finding ways to care for others, especially during the holiday season.

Encouragement for Aspiring Authors

For those dreaming of publishing their own work, Nilan offers reassurance: “The end result is so rewarding. The ability to look at your finished product and say, ‘I did that’ is such a confidence-booster!”

She knows firsthand the fear of putting your work out into the world but believes the joy of creating is worth it. “I think it was a gift that my story practically wrote itself when the real-life Marzipan showed up outside our home!”

What’s Next for Nilan?

Nilan’s journey is far from over. Although she’s currently enjoying a new chapter in her life as a first-time mom, she’s already looking forward to expanding the Marzipan series. “I’m excited to write the next book in the Marzipan series,” she says with enthusiasm.

Submit Your Work Today

To anyone considering submitting their work to the Illumination Awards, Nilan has one simple message: “Do it! I didn’t think I’d place, let alone win. You’ll never know if you don’t try!”

Nilan’s story reminds us that inspiration can strike in the unlikeliest of ways. With faith, creativity, and a little help from a furry Christmas visitor, she’s crafted a tale that resonates, proving that every voice—no matter how small—can make a big impact!

Illumination author Jordan Taylor Nilan’s medal, certificate, and book

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