An Overland Park teen is making a big name for herself after publishing a novel at such a young age.
When you first meet Jillian Dunlay, you’ll see she’s very soft-spoken and modest. That’s because she’s found her voice through pen and paper.
"My goal was to write a book before I turned 18," said Jillian.
Jillian began writing her novel in 7th-grade, and now she is just weeks away from her sophomore year at Blue Valley West High School. She set a goal for herself at a young age and achieving that goal is exactly what she accomplished.
"It’s been my heart and soul," said Jillian.
She published a book that has quickly become a fan favorite on Amazon.
"My book is about five teens and they learn a secret about themselves, and they come together to fight the forces who are trying to conquer the world," said Jillian.
The novel, titled ‘Untamed,’ was released back in April, receiving a perfect 5-star rating ever since.
"For a young unknown author it’s fantastic and to have 5-star reviews on it, so far is overwhelming," said Jennifer Dunlay, Jillian's mother.
Jillian said it’s her unique writing style that’s been able to reach so many different readers.
"They can really relate to the characters in the book because they go through a lot of the same daily teenage struggles that we go through," said Jillian.
"It’s amazing to see that somebody so young can write something that resonates with some many people," said Jennifer Dunlay.
From beginning, middle, to end, storytelling is Jillian’s passion. She’s currently writing her second novel, a mystery, and hopes to publish it in 2019.
