An introduction of sorts

Welcome to my chaotic life journey. I'm Shell.

The other day, my partner came home excited to share something. He has been binge-listening Joe Rogan podcasts, particularly the episodes featuring writers. In one way, I think it helps him understand me as a person, which he consciously tries to do. He also finds writers simply fascinating and full of inspiration. Both compliments. No, you can’t have him.

“I heard about an amazing platform for writers you have to join,” he said. “It doesn’t sound like a writing platform, but apparently, it’s a big deal.”

It took him a minute to remember the name before blurting out, “It’s called Substack!” I smiled and told him I knew of it and had already created an account. I confessed to naming my first publication, The Infinite Dreamer, to which he smiled in approval. He knows how fiercely I’m fighting for my creative dreams and is my biggest fan.

But when he asked to read it, I was embarrassed to admit I hadn’t written anything yet. And when asked why, I couldn’t find any good excuses. I didn’t know why I hadn’t started it yet.

That’s not true. I know why. I hate introductions. And I knew this required one.

Writers often joke about how writing a story with tens of thousands of words is easier than writing a blurb about their book. I feel the same way about introducing myself on new platforms.

It’s easier for me to tell you my life story right off the bat–every nitty gritty detail–than to briefly introduce myself and why I’m here. But I will give it a shot anyway because why the hell not?

Hello.

My name is Shell Sherwood. No, not really. It’s a pen name derived from my childhood nickname and my great-great-great grandmother’s last name on my mother’s side. I love it so much that sometimes I forget it’s my pen name and unintentionally confuse people in public.

I’m a poet, author, mother, creative, and all-around dreamer. At first, I thought I was on a ‘writing journey’ to publish a book. Now, I’ve realized the path has changed. I’m not on a journey to write a book– I’m on a journey to obliterate and rebuild my life while trying to write a book.

A life journey and a crazy one.

At the start of all this in 2020, I was a SAHM mom of three boys, freelance writing for work, trying to mend my 10-year relationship with my fiancé, and battling unhealthy levels of depression, anxiety, and PMDD symptoms.

I needed something to grasp hold of. Something to bring me back to reality. Writing became that thing.

Since then, my life has been turned upside down, inside out, rolled down a mountain, thrown off a cliff, squeezed through a meat grinder, and hung out to dry.

In the past 3.5 years, I started writing more often, found a fantastic writing group (Moms Who Write), published some of my poetry, wrote my first kid-lit manuscript, hired my first editor, started a blog, and gained more self-confidence than I ever dreamed. I tapped into my spirituality, took a real breath for the first time, and found solace in myself as a creative being.

Not too bad, right? That was the good stuff.

I also got separated, entered a heartbreaking custody battle, got kicked out of my home, lost most friends and family connected to my ex, started shared custody, met the love of my life and his four children, got pregnant, was financially wrecked, moved into a basement apartment, moved into a crazy overpriced rental home with my new partner, (soon will be moving again into hopefully our forever home,) and all while battling a roller coaster of emotions every day.

There’s been a lot of life happening.

I’m now a SAHM mom of three boys, a girl, and four bonus kiddos, freelancing random jobs for work and living with a partner who supports all my creative dreams. I’m still recovering from the past few years of trauma, and I still battle PMDD symptoms, but my overall health and well-being are far beyond what I ever thought they could be.

Now, I consider myself on a journey that includes writing but is not contingent on it alone. My current goals:

• Self-publishing my debut poetry collection.

• Shifting out of the toxic freelance writing industry.

• Incorporating creative and spiritual practices into my daily life.

• Starting a new career in energy healing.

• Finding a real balance between parenting and working.

• Writing as many books as I can before I die.

• Cutting my caffeine intake. Just kidding. Wanted to see if you made it this far.

This space will be a confessional, with intimate updates on my journey, struggles, successes, and lessons learned. I’m going to try to post twice a month, maybe more. There may even be some exclusive poetry, stories, and goodies. Time will tell.

I’ll end this note with my first confession: I consider myself an expert in surviving the unexpected. Nothing more.

This journey has already been raw and messy, imperfect on all accounts. But if I can inspire at least one person to make a change that alters the course of their life positively, sharing my experiences will be worth it.

Brief enough? Probably not. Welcome, I’m so happy you’re here.

Till next time,

Shell