Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayne Mills.
Hi Jayne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a financial advisor by profession, and I harbored a lifelong desire to become a writer. My dream came true when my debut novel, BOTTOM OF THE BREATH, was published in July 2025.
I began writing the book in 2019, prompted by a shocking family secret that I had learned decades earlier, and thought, “This would make a great book.” I found extra time on my hands while recovering from chemotherapy. As is often the case, something that seemed devastating ended up leading to one of the greatest blessings of my life.
In the course of writing this book and questioning everything from my writing ability to my sanity, I kept coming back to a desire to leave a story for my children in which I share some of the lessons I’ve learned in my life—about the importance of family, the absolute necessity of friendship, and the power of forgiveness.
The book is for anyone who loves smart, emotionally rich fiction and is drawn to books that take you on a journey—both literal and emotional. It’s also for readers who appreciate the beauty of nature, the power of resilience, and a little bit of mysticism woven into their stories.
I have degrees in journalism and finance. I am a Founding Member and past President of Funding Arts Broward, an organization that supports local arts organizations in Broward County. I am also a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.
Additionally, I am a registered yoga teacher and a long-time practitioner of yoga, meditation, and pranayama breath-work. Over the course of my career, I have taught classes about the connection between wealth and wellness.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2019, and while recovering from treatments, I used the time away from work to begin writing the novel I’ve always dreamed of. I quickly realized, in spite of being a voracious reader, I knew nothing about structuring a novel.
After completing the first draft, I began studying the craft of fiction writing and worked steadily on the book for the next four years before finding a publisher and an editor. It took six years from start to finish, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. The novel has been recognized, reviewed, and recommended by the media and readers around the country.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am still enjoying a long and successful career as a financial advisor and portfolio manager. While working full-time, I wrote the novel in the early morning and on weekends.
Since its publication in July, I have been traveling around the country to promote the book. I have appeared on ABC13 The Nine, Fox 13 Tampa Bay Reads, About the Authors on Tubi, KAFF News Radio, WFHG Radio, and in LA WIRE, Ground News, Humanitix, Publishers Weekly BookLife, Kirkus Reviews, Nashville Lifestyles, Paradise News, Grand Canyon Times, and many more outlets.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Publishing is undergoing huge shifts, not the least of which is the influence of AI. Writing is a labor of love for me, and sadly, a very difficult way to make a living. I am able to write only because I have a career that allows the flexibility I need to pursue my creative dreams. On the brighter side, there is are so many ways to reach readers. I have been writing a newsletter on Substack for the past couple of years called “write, brain.” Many writers and creatives have found this and other outlets to share their work and potentially receive compensation from those who want to support them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jaynemills.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notplainjaynemills/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayne.mills.142/
- Other: https://jaynemills.substack.com/
