My name is Jilly E. Williams-Pierre. I was born on March 3, 1978 on the beautiful Caribbean Island called, Dominica.  The formal name is The Commonwealth of Dominica, which is not to be confused with The Dominican Republic. These two Islands are very different.  Dominica is a small Island Paradise with about 73,000 inhabitants and is part of The Lesser Antilles.  This mountainous Island is nestled between two French Islands; Guadeloupe to the North and Martinique to the South. The official language is English, but a French based Creole is widely spoken. Whereas, The Dominican Republic is a Spanish speaking Island, located in The Greater Antilles and is one of the two Islands which makes up Hispaniola; the other being Haiti.

I am fortunate to be born into a very large family with many Siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins and to be a citizen of two unique Caribbean Islands; Dominica and ST. Thomas.  Life in Dominica was beautiful and innocent.  As a child growing up in Woodfordhill, I spent most of my leisure time in garden or on the beach. At a very early age, we were thought to do laundry by hand, tend to crops, cook, clean, iron and take care of ourselves. This was my life and I loved every minute of it! I never complained about having too much to do…there was a profound and deep appreciation for that simple lifestyle and for Family.  Some of my favorite pass time included; spending time with family members in my birth village of Grand-Bay, Swimming, picking Sea moss, catching Crawfish, Whelks, and Crab hunting late at night. My Sister and I spent many afternoons in a nearby field picking and eating Guavas.  As a very wet, green, and fertile Volcanic Island, Dominicans cultivate many different crops and benefit from the bounty of the land!

In 1990, my family migrated to ST. Thomas Virgin Islands, where I continued my studies. I embrace both cultures because they have shaped me into the woman I am today.  ST. Thomas is located South of Puerto Rico and is equally beautiful with stunning white sand Beaches. This Gem of the Caribbean is a territory of The United States of America and is a popular Tourist destination. There, I attended the Ulla F. Muller Elementary School, Addelita Cancryn Junior High and Charlotte Amalie High School.  I always loved writing, but it was only during my Junior year of High School through tragedy, that I realized I had a gift for writing Poetry and Short Stories.

In 1995, there was a murder that took place at my High School and knowing both individuals, I felt a profound sadness inside. I remember sitting in my classroom on that tragic day and while tears streamed down my face, I felt the urge to write. I had no idea what I was going to write but I took my pen and put it to my book and starting writing.  The thoughts just flowed and flowed…I never struggled for a minute. I wrote my first Poem entitled, “Life, Death, & Murder.” That day, I wrote and wrote…I had to stop myself because the thoughts were racing in my head. Writing felt natural and so I made a commitment to continue writing whenever I felt inspired.  Thanks to Authors’ Lounge, I can continue this journey that I embarked upon many years ago.

In 1998, I graduated with Honors from Charlotte Amalie High School and went on to study Business Clerical at Earle C. Clements JCC in Greenville, Kentucky. During my time there, I entered a Poetry contest and to my surprise, won 3rd place. This great accomplishment gave me the confidence and boost that I needed to work towards my goal, which was to publish a book of Poetry. So, I wrote whenever I felt inspired. I didn’t rush or put pressure on myself…I didn’t set any deadlines.  I just knew that I would follow my heart and fulfill my dream one day.

My dream became a reality in 2007, when I published my first book entitled, “Just Imagine.” Then I pushed myself further and published a second book in 2013 entitled, “Echoes from Within.” I continue to write behind the scenes and push myself into different Genres.  I love writing and I appreciate that I can express myself freely without fear or resistance. With my intense imagination and inspiration from life’s experiences…I can be invincible.  Thanks to Authors’ Lounge for this amazing opportunity to share my work with readers out there!

Life is a journey and we are the passengers traveling on its path.  So often on this journey, we experience hurt, betrayal, loss, love, pain, etc.  We are misunderstood, stranded, abused, deceived, rejected, and oppressed.  It is an unremitting battle to get out of bed, to eat, sleep, and just go on with our daily lives.  We need to have an avenue to express our feelings so that we do not drown in defeat and self-pity.  For me, writing is my avenue.  When I write, I use the first-person form because it allows the reader to become the main character of the story and to experience what I feel. As a shy Pisces, I am passionate about writing and my greatest expectation is for my work to be enjoyed and appreciated! With that being said; my only request is that you prepare yourself…open your hearts and be ready to journey with me in Authors’ Lounge, as you listen to the echoes from deep within!!!