I just wanted to say how much your story about Emmy — and your own walk through the "dark woods" of publishing — resonated with me.
There’s something timeless and universal about that image: standing at the edge, knowing the only way forward is through the darkness, no shortcuts allowed. It’s not that fear disappears — it’s that we decide to keep moving anyway, trusting that eventually, our eyes (and hearts) will adjust.
What struck me most is how you captured that pivotal moment right before courage kicks in — the hesitation, the trembling resolve, the almost-whispered self-talk: “I am going to do this. I am not giving up.”
It’s the same voice inside every person who finally stops waiting for permission to live, to create, to speak.
Your story is a beautiful reminder that fear isn’t a stop sign — it’s a starting line.
Congratulations again on your book launch — and thank you for the reminder that the dark woods are not something to avoid, but something to walk through.
This is a beautiful piece of work. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Joe. That’s so nice to hear.
You are an organized family. When I was young and played when it was dark, we just scrambled
Maya Angelou: "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside."
What a beautiful quote! Thank you for putting it here.
Hi Shell,
I just wanted to say how much your story about Emmy — and your own walk through the "dark woods" of publishing — resonated with me.
There’s something timeless and universal about that image: standing at the edge, knowing the only way forward is through the darkness, no shortcuts allowed. It’s not that fear disappears — it’s that we decide to keep moving anyway, trusting that eventually, our eyes (and hearts) will adjust.
What struck me most is how you captured that pivotal moment right before courage kicks in — the hesitation, the trembling resolve, the almost-whispered self-talk: “I am going to do this. I am not giving up.”
It’s the same voice inside every person who finally stops waiting for permission to live, to create, to speak.
Your story is a beautiful reminder that fear isn’t a stop sign — it’s a starting line.
Congratulations again on your book launch — and thank you for the reminder that the dark woods are not something to avoid, but something to walk through.
I’m grateful you shared this.
– Matt
Wow, this comment is beautiful and I thank you. I would be honored if you read my book.
Hi Shell. Just ordered it. Can't wait to read it.
🙌🏻
Gosh, so true. And thank you for digging deep to find the courage yourself to write “My Father’s Daughter,” a terrific read.
Thank you for delving in with me!
Thank you for taking me by the hand. 😉
🫲🏼
🥹