Artist to Author: Shelby McFadden on writing her book Grove Hollow Series

This week, our podcast host Charuka Arora has a heart-to-heart with Shelby Nicole McFadden, who has just published her first book Grove Hollow series. From an artist to a graphic designer to a business owner, Shelby wears many hats. Now, she is proudly embracing her new role as a writer, which according to her, has always been a dream of hers.

Shelby has always been quite imaginative, and she has used it to her advantage while writing her very first book, Grove Hollow Metamorphosis. This book is the first of a four-part series, and Shelby cannot wait to start on her second book! Throughout her journey of transitioning into a writer, Shelby has had her doubts and fears. Even after she has written her first book, she is overcome with her imposter syndrome at times. However, she has never let those doubts get the better of her, and has strived to manage both the writing and marketing aspects on her own. Shelby hopes to see her book adapted into a series or a movie one day, and her ambitions should be aspiring to all the artists and creatives out there!

As a working mom with 2 kids, Shelby McFadden’s writing schedule depends on her kids’ schedule, and all mothers will agree that it’s not an easy business. Despite having to jump through these extra hoops, Shelby has not let anything get in the way of expressing her creativity through her words and visuals. For her, the work matters not because of its monetary value, but because she simply wants to share with the world what she has created. That may be the secret ingredient to Shelby’s triumphs, as she knows there is only one way forward and that is onwards and upwards!

Shelby describes her first book as “an enthralling gothic paranormal journey” that is loaded with “intricate narratives, mysterious plotlines, and fantastical elements”. The story takes place in a town called Grove Hollow, where our main character, Jade, moves in with her great aunt. Things begin to unravel as she uncovers mysterious secrets about her family lineage. As she works to come to terms with the crazy history of her family, she comes across a cursed locket that that turns her life upside down!

Tune in to this week’s podcast and find out about Shelby’s transition to a fiction writer and how she was able to create such fascinating characters.

**** – (): 00:00.00

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): And Miss on. Do it but tell me how does it feel to finally you know I love this feeling when sometimes we have projects in our mind as creative of people and then at that point we have no clue how this is going to come true and then you know.

**** – (): 00:13.78

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 00:16.70

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Some days later months yours whatever later it is you exactly have something that you only dreamt of you had no clue right in your hands. How does it feel to have that book in your hand today that you’ve written.

**** – (): 00:28.72

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): You know it’s yeah it is. It’s a very surreal feeling and I don’t think it’s actually caught up with me yet because I’m so like in like marketing mode like I haven’t relaxed yet. It’s just then going going going and. I Thought that it was like oh my book’s done and then I don’t have to do anything and that’s not it at All. It’s just now my brain’s like in marketing design mode again. So to have it in my hand. It was the hardest part was.

**** – (): 00:55.96

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Me.

**** – (): 01:05.20

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Knowing that it was done like I didn’t have to touch it anymore. I didn’t have to edit it nothing like the story was done and I just remember holding my book like when it was finally completed like 100 % and feeling very um, like. It was just like an out-of- bodydy experience like it just was like how is this done like this this can’t be done. Is it done. It’s done and I just felt so proud and just so happy. Um enough a little sad. It was kind of strange I remember October first and I have a friend who’s an author. And I reached out to her and I was talking to her about it. She’s asked me how I was feeling and I was like I don’t know why but I’m a little sad today because the book’s out. Everyone’s buy it or they’re getting it and I’m I’m happy and excited but it’s almost like I had this hangover or something because there’s so much momentum and then it just.

**** – (): 01:56.81

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yam Council holt.

**** – (): 01:59.25

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Comes to a halt and then yes and then it’s like oh I don’t I’ve thought about this book this one part of this the story. Thank god it’s a series for so long and then it’s done and then you don’t touch it. You don’t actually touch the story. So. It’s very strange. It was kind of like a. Like I said goodbye to it or anything but it just felt very um, just weird I’m like I don’t have to touch it I don’t have to actually touch the story. It’s done. Um, ah luckily I get to go right into book 2 which everyone’s super excited about and ask me when it’s going to be done I’m like soon soon. Yeah.

**** – (): 02:33.54

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): You and I start.

**** – (): 02:38.51

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): I mean soon as in like um, a year and a half. But yeah.

**** – (): 02:42.53

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Oh god you know what’s exciting and what I think we’ve always resonated with is because I think both of our Journeys started as art designers I’ve been ah I think I’ve been a designer theater like all my life and I know I share I see those similar traits with you and.

**** – (): 02:49.81

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yeah. Is. It.

**** – (): 03:00.47

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Um, and I think we have a lot of commonality in that sense. Um, you have done several different projects as a creative like you know from being an artist to branding projects to design projects to creating the magazine to I’m sure there are so many more that I don’t even know about right.

**** – (): 03:18.61

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Just a little tiny thing.

**** – (): 03:19.69

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): So how does I’m sure there must be millions time because and I can imagine because I feel like I too I always say this to other people also feel like um as artist if you even have the skill of design like not only like aesthetic of. Of course but basic principles. But also the knowing the tools. It’s like a powerhouse like you have so much most I think power in your own hands to create like you know your dependence on other people to create your visions specifically when you’re starting out when you’re smaller budgets when you you know. It’s so much more I think I have figured that way in my own career where there are projects that I wanted to do and of course I couldn’t afford but I had the skill set. So I converted them and I’m sure you’ve done that a lot of times for yourself, you’ve done the book cover. You’ve done the illustrations. And also not only because of course but also because you feel like you really want to do it because it’s in your head like it’s it’s it’s so much. Everything’s coming to care in that guy my first question how does a book but book is something which is completely away from design. It’s a lot of writing it’s being an author. Ah, so far, you’ve done a lot of design different kind of design and art projects. How does it feel to be wearing this hat of a writer and author and like writing a book which is focused so much on like writing even though I feel like you’ve conceptually really approached it like a.

**** – (): 04:49.15

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): True designer designer because it looks fantastic. It feels fantastic I’m waiting for my copy I Still haven’t had it but um, tell me.

**** – (): 04:56.51

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, hopefully soon? Well I mean as to wear the hat of an author. It’s um I feel like very proud I feel very very proud. Um I in it in some ways. I. Once I got over the imposter syndrome part like no you you published a book. Um, even if even though I went so self publishlished I still did everything as you know a traditional publisher would have done to publish your book. So it’s published I’m an author now. Um. And honestly I I love it. Um I mean if I had to rank my titles on my resume. It would be the first thing. Um I I don’t even want to be looked at as a designer anymore because I want to be so far away client services like I love that I have those.

**** – (): 05:44.39

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Oh wow.

**** – (): 05:51.80

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Resources those tools that knowledge and I’m so grateful for it. But in my heart and my core I feel as though I should have always been an author. Um and it it just really needs sense. Um, once they started writing the book and then when it was all said and done and and I look back.

**** – (): 05:56.60

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Is oh wow.

**** – (): 06:10.44

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): You know the last thirty five years of my life and thinking of just how creative and imaginative I was I mean I plead with toys until I was far too old to be playing with toys because I just loved that storytelling and. You know and then on top of it I always daydreamed I always came up with movies in my head and I’m just a very visual person on top of it. So It’s just you know I’m so grateful to be a designer to have that tool and that knowledge because it’s allowed me like you said it. It is a powerhouse like.

**** – (): 06:34.65

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Garson.

**** – (): 06:45.77

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): I am multiple things and I am very skillful and very creative on top of it so that has allowed me to bring part of my vision to like you know my book is in its wet in its own way very immersive because i’m. As I market it I show visually what’s in my head. Um, you know I not only just put words in my book little snippets but visuals with it I really want people to feel when they visit you know any part of my social media for my book that it’s almost like they’re really immersed in it. And they’re getting that um like 3 60 view of my book. So you know to answer your question. It’s it’s awesome to be an author and um I’m very proud I’m very proud of it and it’s definitely um, a career that I see myself in long term.

**** – (): 07:37.91

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): I love that. But also you know something that I’ve also learned on my own in this journeys and I think I am sure you would resonate with it in the beginning of my career I always thought that okay, if I get to wear Haban had let’s say even if I do multiple things. Oh. If I’m a designer I’ll be a designer all my life if I’m going to be artist. Whatever that means I’m going to be that all my life you point I if I want to be um, you know whatever we want to be and I think that is far from truth I think we all can be multiple roles. But also I feel like in different stages of our lives the primary role changes because I remember when I started my career and and I work quite a few years in design at that point I really wanted to be a designer but I felt exhausted and I felt capped I wanted to expand myself and I figure okay know.

**** – (): 08:29.14

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): E.

**** – (): 08:31.97

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): In the visual arts I want to be a fine artist I want to be an artist and then I figured. Okay no I want to be a creative I want to be creator like you know so my primary roles throughout the years I feel like I’ve been all of those things but intentionally I maybe because we’ve. When you do 1 thing for a very very long time and you want to as a creative person you want to expand and then you figure out. Okay, probably do you think that could also be thing because you’ve done so much of design. You’ve you keep doing your art which is anizing think art is something that you know it’s not a starting point. It’s not an ending point. It’s just.

**** – (): 09:05.18

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yeah, yeah.

**** – (): 09:06.41

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): And ongoing point but it could be also because you’ve done so much of design and you wanted more creative expansion.

**** – (): 09:12.21

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yeah I mean that’s kind of how my Ma art like you said it is. It’s not like star or the the end goals. Sometimes it’s just trickled and honestly when I feel like my brain is so overloaded I Love going straight to the art because.

**** – (): 09:25.77

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, yeah, stay.

**** – (): 09:30.88

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Like painting for me, It’s not something I really make money on. It’s just if people want to buy it. That’s awesome, but it’s a way for my brain to just take a break and zone out for a bit you know when I’m painting I listen to music and nothing’s on my mind except just creating and design isn’t quite like that because.

**** – (): 09:34.29

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 09:45.97

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, yeah.

**** – (): 09:50.88

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): And you can probably relate to this when you’re designing your brain is thinking about problem solving and you know like functionality and everything there’s there’s more than just you know the expressive part so aesthetics right? So you know and and what you what you said about.

**** – (): 09:55.88

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, ascetics.

**** – (): 10:10.75

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Your career has evolved over time and you know you’ve been called to do certain things I think it’s great that people follow those kind of inklings inside like if you feel as though you’re being burnt out in 1 career. Um, you know whether it’s design or. Or whatever and you want to try something new. You want that challenge. It does create that personal growth and career growth and you learn skills through it and they can sometimes help you in the long run you know for instance like I didn’t know I was going to be a writer ten years ago

**** – (): 10:47.79

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, um, um, you really learned.

**** – (): 10:48.90

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, but everything I did with publishing with create magazine and my earlier jobs with you know, an architect for my my first? yeah like my first big job. There was a contract position to create like a 300 page book. Um, and that was like the first.

**** – (): 11:02.39

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Oh.

**** – (): 11:06.26

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Project I ever did at the architect firm that I worked at so I learned publishing early on through design. So it’s like but I didn’t know that you know later on that I was going to publish my own book but those right? but it all kind of came full circle and you never know what skills you’re learning now will be applied.

**** – (): 11:15.63

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): It would come here.

**** – (): 11:24.36

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 11:25.72

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): 10 years from now 2 years from now. Um, and if you are feeling pushed in one direction or trying something new I say go for it because there’s a reason why it’s calling to you and that’s kind of what happened.

**** – (): 11:31.52

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, and I feel what is more exciting about this process is what really entices me I feel like I I feel really creative creatively fulfilled when I don’t know something I feel like. You know when I’m only imagine how is this done you know and then there’s this whole learning of of making those things learning that skillset and making all those things like things when they are not easy I don’t know if that makes sense I Love challenges I Love creative challenges like you know I feel when it becomes.

**** – (): 12:05.26

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): And the same.

**** – (): 12:09.60

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Too Easy I feel like na that is the point I feel like now I it does not of course I can do it I Still want to do it but I need a challenge I need a creative challenge because at that point my mind is not only working on creating something but is continually thinking about how do I do this differently? okay. How can I make this work or like even you know with the you didn’t know you didn’t come from a degree of being an author and I’m so glad I mean I feel like I Love that part of so many things that we do that I do not come from a school I don’t know a degree all of that because that gives me a permission to look at things my way and actually create from like. Like it’s like a puzzle piece. Okay, how do I create this how about I move it here. How about I do because you’re not following Rules. You don’t know you make your own Rules. You find your own logics and you do it.

**** – (): 12:55.45

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yeah, Oh yeah, and there’s so many resources out there too. Um, you know I’m gonna be taking some like writing courses because I mean I haven’t taken a writing course since high school in those like I can’t really even say that was a writing course. Um. But you know I mean it gave me the it gave me the foundation I needed to start writing anyway. Um, but yeah I mean there’s so many resources out there. So and I’m kind of like you where yeah.

**** – (): 13:23.58

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, and you get to create your own curriculum I think.

**** – (): 13:29.68

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yeah, exactly and you learn what works for you I mean there’s so many I’ve already started looking into. Um you know some some resources for writing and and a lot of people say you know you’ve got to do the 3 act plot thing and I’m like yeah that’s not for me. That’s not how my book is either. That’s not how I even like.

**** – (): 13:31.22

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 13:49.54

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): You know, want to read the series. So you know I see what works for me and then but there’s so many other great resources as far as like you know, making your writing even better. So there’s There’s things that like I’m really interested in that I feel like um I’ll take advantage Of. Um, and and like you said it’s like you kind of like pick and choose what you want um and there’s no right or wrong way and ah and you know so even if you don’t have a degree in something I mean the internet’s so huge. There’s There’s always something and what’s great is like master classes.

**** – (): 14:24.72

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): And.

**** – (): 14:25.83

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Now. Um, um I have yet to sign up for it I’m like dying to um that is like something I’m going to be purchasing soon I’m taking like a little bit of a hiatus from everything Som like I just want to learn as much as I can um so you know there’s there’s that in ah in podcasts are.

**** – (): 14:33.89

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, yeah.

**** – (): 14:43.36

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 14:43.97

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Readily available at our fingertips but and Youtube so it’s it’s really great that the world we live in that we have that opportunity because yeah, we have a ton of resources. So um, I’m really thankful for that.

**** – (): 14:50.12

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Have a lot of resources.

**** – (): 14:59.90

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Amazing time me something did you have another I’m um I have this a lot of times I feel like when I am transitioning from 1 role to another. Um, it’s not a transition. It’s a leap I I’d say you leap like okay sure one project to another It’s okay, that’s that’s a transition but 1 like you know? Okay, this is one something I perceived myself and oh like for me when I really decided I want to be an artist from from where I was to that it took me a lot of letting go of my own limiting beliefs. Um, what ifs. Failures fears judgments rejections. All of that. It’s a huge huge emotion and specifically when you know you have to figure your way out of it like you know you have this vision now you have to figure out how do you reach here. And you take this new identity. Let’s say your identity of being an artist and designer and then now going into this shifting in this new identity. Do you have any challenges any personal challenges and like you know how did you prepare your mindset for it and how did you move forward.

**** – (): 16:09.23

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, I mean I’m very much like you where I love a challenge. Um I think I get a little bored if I’m not like constantly stimulated by something um and you know initially when I took my big risk of working for myself. You know I learned what fear was and I learned to push it aside. So that really, um, it’s still kind of there here and there. But for me I’ve just it’s been so long that I’m able to kind of just not listen to it So when I’m taking this huge jump like from going to designer to working on personal projects to now writing a book. Um, I Think what it came down to for me personally I and I was even talking about this tonight that I I really I think my goal has shifted um my career goal has shifted in a sense that I just I don’t care. About what people think I don’t care what people have doubted me even with writing the book and everything and it’s so funny because now it’s like people are reading the book and they’re like holy shit oh excuse me sorry I don’t mean to swear but that’s really like verbatim with they’re like crap you know like they they.

**** – (): 17:16.69

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): No, that’s okay, that’s open.

**** – (): 17:22.42

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): I Can’t believe like she wrote this book like this is like I didn’t know she had it in her kind of thing and it’s in some ways.

**** – (): 17:26.86

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Who had a I never thought you would I was like you it. There is nobody better ah to write design and make this book than you since the day you started sharing it on I think foggly.

**** – (): 17:31.49

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Ah, yeah, right? Yeah, but you know but you hear things you hear things through the great mind and you know there are moments where it really made me sad. But then I was like ah, whatever like at the end of it all. It doesn’t matter what people.

**** – (): 17:41.64

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, and and.

**** – (): 17:50.80

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Think I just and I’ve had this throughout my entire career I’ve had newssayers constantly you know, telling me to slow down and whatever to stop working focus on family. Yes, yes, so anyway, what I’m trying to what I’m trying to get at is that um my goal for myself.

**** – (): 17:57.66

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, that could be something you do a lot of things.

**** – (): 18:09.90

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, it’s just you know I have such a huge imagination I got so much creativity and I am really owning it like I think this book really gave me that confidence to say like hey you know what? like look at what you’re capable of doing um and so you know my next steps. It’s not even just.

**** – (): 18:14.60

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Um, yeah, yeah.

**** – (): 18:24.97

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): That’s your.

**** – (): 18:27.83

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Book like I I have a huge vision for this entire story. Um, even if it’s just me on the road like believing myself in this and my next step um with the series I Just I know what I’m capable of doing and I think that is if anybody’s listening to this.

**** – (): 18:43.23

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 18:46.99

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Know what you are capable of and know what you can definitely do? um but not in a limiting way because you know I I believe in myself I know I know how creative I am and and it’s only just getting better and better and better and that’s something really, it’s taking me time to be very proud of and even recognize.

**** – (): 19:05.35

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 19:06.71

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): I Think everybody else recognized it before I did so um, you know to answer all that you know the question I think when it comes to taking even the next step after this it’s going to be a little bit scary. But um, you know after I write the Book. Um. Like I said I want to be I Really want to push this to a production of some sort. So Wow, That’s just it’s just on my horizon. It’s like really my end and goal and something I want to be creatively a part of um and it’s.

**** – (): 19:29.88

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): I Love that.

**** – (): 19:37.37

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, imagine a film on this. How fantastic.

**** – (): 19:44.43

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Ah, yeah, and and I I see it I feel it and it sounds it sounds farfetched. Um, but I truly do feel it and yeah, yeah, yeah, there’s really nothing and that’s true. It.

**** – (): 19:49.55

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): No absolutely any project in the bind beginning sounds far much. We all know that the by now I’ve understood this point nothing is far fleshed and yeah.

**** – (): 20:03.43

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Right? And and I really do feel like I’m going to get it there and um I just I know how creative I am and I do feel it so you know while it was really scary to start writing. Um you know I know it’s gonna be very scary when it once it gets to the end of the fourth book and now that’s my next career steps.

**** – (): 20:06.42

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): You will You will.

**** – (): 20:22.99

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): So um, but I just know I’m like I I believe in myself I see it. Um I feel it I Know there’s no boundary for my imagination. So I think that’s that has been my real focus is is not really even what it is that I’m doing but just like what I can do.

**** – (): 20:31.91

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): I Love time.

**** – (): 20:41.80

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): So.

**** – (): 20:41.62

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): That’s so fantastic I Love that and I love that that we sometimes we ignore that. But sometimes when I think the true power comes in when we start recognizing it something that you also said like you know you’re also someone who does so many things. Um. You have this lot of creative energy and that I think you have that Um, like you know you’re constantly like you have fuggly then you are but knowing the book and you have you? always you have always ever since I’ve known you I’ve always seen you and working on so many things apart from a full time job of being a parent.

**** – (): 21:07.12

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Do it.

**** – (): 21:14.50

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, yes, right, right? right? That’s my first job right? It is. That’s my hardest job. Yeah, and you don’t get paid for it on top of it. But there is a reward.

**** – (): 21:14.60

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): And with 2 2 children I’m sure that’s that’s the biggest load yeah and the most I think demanding job. Yeah, and demanding I mean not an easy one. Oh my goodness. Yeah, that’s true. Ah.

**** – (): 21:32.24

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): When.

**** – (): 21:33.28

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): But tell me something you know so I have always um I don’t know I don’t think at this point I recognize myself so I don’t like to write I or haven’t tried as much at you know, nonfiction and bewriting. But I love I’ve been writing in the morning and ah one day I want to like. I love writing short pross and like I want to publish a book like that. But there is this fear I think so or stories that we tell our minds and I’m going to ask you this specifically because I’m so much like you I I pro I feel like I work on 3 businesses at one point. And I am always togg like my team keeps telling me like you know how? how how do you try to make a thing so hard for yourself and like I’m obsessed like if I get like I have this bug if it something comes to my mind I’m like now I need to do something about it. But with writing I feel like. When you have so many things going on I have always found it difficult to ground myself or maybe that’s a picture that we’ve always been told if you have to be a writer you have to sit at 1 place you have to like you know you have that calmness and like and I feel like oh my god I have not up when I have great days like. My mornings that is when I have a very tiny notebook I don’t have it here right now but I have this after my journal I have like this tiny notebook where I just um, every day I’ve just come like you know I have this. It’s but this thick now but every day I’ll write something anything I don’t push myself too long with something that i.

**** – (): 23:01.70

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): But I also feel like I have this resistance that for me to intentionally sit and write I need this whole like I have to sit and have relaxed and not have so much Cuos and all of that I want to understand how did you work out on it. You are again the same person who has so many things and. You have children I think there’s no more explanation to that. Um, how do you do that.

**** – (): 23:24.62

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, yeah I mean um, it. It’s um, it’s a balance. Um I think I read this a long time ago I don’t know if we wrote it? Um I think it was beginning a writing and and they said um, find a spot. The e. Feel is where you feel the most creative and right there every day and like you said it’s like you know you have to be in this calm state like no chaos. Um, so anytime I’m juggling any of my jobs. It’s never when the kids are awake. It’s impossible I mean I think today my daughter asked me to play the monster mash song like 8000 times within 20 minutes so you know it’s it’s impossible. There’s no way I can shift from all of that and and be creative and and work effectively. So for me I just.

**** – (): 24:04.50

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Ah.

**** – (): 24:21.29

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): You know when the kids go to bed is when I open my laptop so well everybody else probably think yeah threw up. Well if yeah, no I mean I used to this book this first book I I wrote.

**** – (): 24:25.65

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Throughout the entire day. Oh I thought you would be working throughout the day.

**** – (): 24:39.31

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): And a majority of it was that night but my daughter was younger, she was taking 2 naps a day. Um, so I would write when she was napping but now she’s down to 1 nap a day and during that map. Um, that’s when I’m cleaning up grabbing my other you know my other kid from school. So I’m really losing that extra time during the day. So but you know a majority of my work in general is when my kids go to bed whether I’ve mowed the line like I pushed mow my line I don’t sit on a tractor. Um, you know whether I’ve gone to the gym or whatever. Um. Whatever it is after dinner and after the kids go to bed. That’s when I open my laptop and I start working. So um, you know once in a while I’ll feel so burnt out and I can see it in my work. It’s not as good. Maybe my mood’s kind of like I’m more testy.

**** – (): 25:30.73

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 25:33.35

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): So that’s when I’m like you know what you need to just go sit and um, like watch a movie tonight and I will and and I’ll even force myself sometimes to because it’ll be like a whole month of me like not really relaxing and just working and that’s just the reality of it right now if I want to get something done I don’t have a.

**** – (): 25:46.37

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): I am.

**** – (): 25:52.88

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): 9 to 5 it used to be I just wake up go to you know, go upstairs to my office and I work. Um, until um, you know until I had kid. So.

**** – (): 25:57.20

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Um, yeah, what one six sorry wo but sorry I got you sorry she’s going to. Well.

**** – (): 26:06.87

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): No, no, no, no, that’s okay I’ve got 2 dog and 2 cats I know how it is oh it’s it’s mayhe around here. but but yeah sure sure.

**** – (): 26:16.71

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): But but but who but.

**** – (): 26:27.65

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Let just give me 1 moment who.

**** – (): 26:44.47

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Um, I’m recording to my bed today trick is it’s little yeah, it’s a little. It’s pretty early in the morning for me here and I was like that’s why we had to make this work because our time zones.

**** – (): 26:48.92

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Oh no, oh my gosh I don’t blame I’m gonna be going right there after this.

**** – (): 27:00.88

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Time Zones do not work. Oh I know I know.

**** – (): 27:02.30

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Different and you had children and all of that. Yeah and I was like but it’s okay, we made it work I was like I’ve recorded from my bed I may not be able to go to the studio but we’ll make it work. Okay, yeah, sorry you were seeing something.

**** – (): 27:16.50

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, yeah, it’ll be fine. It’ll be fine. No, that’s okay, um, yeah, like with with um, working and everything like I literally just worked when the kids go to bed. Um, and I go you know and I find a spot in my house that works. Best and it’s either in my bedroom. Um on my desk or on my kitchen counter like um, you know the kitchen island like those are the 2 places that for some reason I can’t write anywhere else just doesn’t feel right? So um I mean that’s this That’s how I balance everything it’s like I buy my spots.

**** – (): 27:38.59

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): That’s not madam.

**** – (): 27:50.65

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Wait till the kids are in bed sometimes I work till midnight sometimes I’ll work just for an hour um but I always make an attempt to to write every day at least and work.

**** – (): 28:01.89

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, how do you? Um, how do you balance? Um, your personal lifeids all of this I think this is also one of the biggest struggles when you have so many ideas very little time and too much to do and.

**** – (): 28:15.44

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Here.

**** – (): 28:18.77

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Specifically when you’re someone who gets immersed in projects I think like if and you have like a creative thought and you’re working on it. You’re like soul so immersed into it. How do you do that.

**** – (): 28:29.69

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): It’s it’s tough I mean my work-life balance right now. Um, it’s It’s a work in progress. Um, it really is because um, you know I’m a mom during the day and.

**** – (): 28:43.12

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 28:45.90

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, and I have a career and that’s something I just I don’t want to give up on and I have goals. But um I do try to make it make some time. Um that is important and I think that’s important for anybody to you know, take take that time. Your busy schedule. Even if you’re forcing yourself and you want to work. Um, it ist it is important especially self-care I need to do more of that I don’t um I have this big like this huge bathtub. It’s like a soaking tub and I think of taking like 1 bath and watched like.

**** – (): 29:13.61

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Um, yeah.

**** – (): 29:17.82

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Oh.

**** – (): 29:22.84

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): You know queer eye and that was like it on Netflix and I’m like why am I not doing this more like I need like esson salt I need bath bombs I need to just chill watch just like some shows or read a book or something. Um, so that’s like my goal is to try to do that at least like twice a month just to like unwind. And get away from everything and and that’s me my self-care goal. So but its self carere is really important definitely and in selfcare isn’t going to the grocery store. It is doing something that makes you feel good. Um.

**** – (): 29:49.22

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): I Actually add.

**** – (): 29:56.54

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): It’s cooking I Love cooking.

**** – (): 29:58.81

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yes, cooking. Yes I’m getting back into cooking I haven’t cooked much with kids because all they want to eat is like Mac and cheese and then I’m exhausted at the end of the day but I’ve been making like homemade soups lately and I’m like and it’s so easy. So I’m like even just like that just like a different routine. Um.

**** – (): 30:11.83

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, disconnecting you from your yeah usual parts I Love that now tell me something something that I am so amazed.

**** – (): 30:18.58

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Good Yeah, just connecting. So yeah I Totally agree with that.

**** – (): 30:28.44

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): You know there is 1 thing that people talk about self-purishing which is okay, you know you talk about and I don’t think at least in front of me I’ve seen so many ah specifically in a closer circle like someone who’s done such an incredible job like you have you’ve not only like published your work. And something that I’m I’m I’m going to point out about things that a lot of us struggle with and I’m going to include myself you started writing your book you started promoting it just along the side. You started writing about it. Not an easy job you both know because you know when you’re in the process. You know you? There’s so many opinions and your own opinion also like. Ah, is it good enough should I share now or you know all of that you did that. Ah then you self published then post that you’ve been doing yourself marketing. Ah, you’ve been continually trying to create buzz around your work. You’re taking your distribution channels. Yeah, making sure congratulations on barts and noble. You’re making sure your books at places that you always wanted so it’s a lot of work and honestly we understand that and I’m sure you also we all anyone who’s been a business owner or is a creative entrepreneur knows that like we wear so many hats like ah.

**** – (): 31:25.70

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Thank you.

**** – (): 31:40.95

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): If there was a team if this was done by let’s say but traditional publisher or someone it would have been easily a team of 3 4 people someone would be taking care of distribution design. Um, you know your Pr in marketing and then you’d be writing but when you’re doing a ah, it’s like 1 army all of this and you’re still doing a great job.

**** – (): 31:57.88

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): We.

**** – (): 32:00.20

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): And and I see that you knew that you had to make sure that you were marketing this book well because it meant so much to you. But how do you switch on that and how do you? How do you battle that? Okay, no I’m in a creative zone because marketing even though it’s a creative. It’s also a lot of strategic. Okay, you want to make sure you are reaching out. You make sure distribution is strategic.

**** – (): 32:05.21

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): You.

**** – (): 32:19.89

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): How do you like how you’ve been able to do all of it.

**** – (): 32:21.69

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, oh man, um, you know it’s I don’t know why how to answer that one. Um I Guess the best way to answer that would be I’ve just I just go like I I don’t. I Don’t really have a marketing plan. Um, you know I should I mean I kind of do I Guess um, you know I have like yeah I mean the thing is with marketing. Um I mean I’m doing more than just social media like behind the scenes I’m reaching out to bookstores.

**** – (): 32:43.95

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): But that’s more mental.

**** – (): 32:57.56

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, yes.

**** – (): 32:58.61

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, I so that’s like on my list of things that I’m doing every day you know doing emails I’m really doing my own pr um I’m in Facebook groups um trying to market my book. Um, which has been pretty successful. Um I musta. Ah. I’m networking with people I’m I’m not super huge on the influencers. But you know my goal is like for tick talk to grab it and go with it. So I’m reaching other people there and I think really like my marketing plan is just finding the avenues that I want.

**** – (): 33:21.69

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 33:37.21

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Or where I want my book to be um, you know whether it’s at Barnes and noble airports that sort of thing and then um, word of mouth. How can I get people to talk about it. Okay well I need to go get people to talk about it and people are already talking about it too which is great. Um, so I’m that’s.

**** – (): 33:37.80

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, yeah.

**** – (): 33:53.28

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 33:56.65

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Not a huge job for me. So it’s like okay, there’s word to mouth and then um, how you know press releases like I still have to write my press release I need to pitch it to people to like different you know avenues in that direction. So it’s it’s really just like understanding what marketing is. How can I push my book out there like I just did my first event um over the weekend I didn’t think I was going to sell more than thank you I didn’t think I was going to sell like you know more than ten. It’s a cracked show in central Pennsylvania which I know you’re not super familiar. But.

**** – (): 34:22.16

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Congratulations.

**** – (): 34:32.60

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 34:34.59

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Pennsylvania is a very I mean where I live. It’s a very rural rural area. Luckily I have like ah a big university here. It’s ah it’s a Patriot League University so there are kids that are in my demographic who were at the event but I ended up.

**** – (): 34:37.94

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Oh.

**** – (): 34:51.67

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Selling out completely and I almost didn’t bring all my paperbacks that came in that day and luckily um I had those sold out of those sold out of all of my hardcovers so you know doing those kind of events doing book signings um Barnes and noble’s going to have me do a book signing um at some point and then.

**** – (): 35:09.63

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yay.

**** – (): 35:10.51

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): They’re gonna have me doing it at the University in 2 which is gonna be crazy and then tonight I just had a meeting with a local community group. There’s me like anywhere from 75 to like 90 people possibly at this event and the end of the month that I’m gonna be doing um like a whole reading and everything So it’s just. Um, just really pushing myself pushing my like my comfort zone and getting myself out there. Um, so that that has been my strategy um as well as continuing with social media creating that like visual marketing getting people sucked into the Story. So Um I. Like I said I don’t really have a strategy I I don’t yeah I don’t know I I think I’m just very I don’t know I’m just very Fortunate. Um.

**** – (): 35:48.87

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Ah, but how do you do that I have understood my questions How how how do you keep yourself creative How how are you doing all this all by yourself.

**** – (): 36:05.92

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): I Feel like so like conceited saying this but great I I’m just very creative and I’m so thankful for that because and I and I think too I’m I’m yes, very hardworking and and you know what? I.

**** – (): 36:12.44

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): But you are you not all I think you’re not only creative, but you’re also very hardworking item. It is clearly always shown in your work I mean it does take a lot of discomfort.

**** – (): 36:25.23

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yeah, it does um it really does and I’m an observer there’s times where I’m very quiet and people probably think there’s not much going on upstairs I break things apart and that’s just something I Really like to do so as I’m you know watching? yes like whether it’s like a show a book or.

**** – (): 36:37.75

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Me too. Yeah, how did someone do that.

**** – (): 36:44.85

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): But people are doing online like I liked yes and I’m like I’m picking things apart and they’re like I’m putting them someplace storing them somewhere so you know some of my marketing techniques might have been influenced by some things I’ve read or seen um and then on top of it when I feel like.

**** – (): 36:49.24

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): There.

**** – (): 37:03.26

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): um um I just did a video on this on my um and my author Instagram about creating content um dynamic content and you know how to do that and pulling yourself apart like you have to not only am I marketing my book I’m marking myself as a person as an author. So.

**** – (): 37:18.00

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): So yeah.

**** – (): 37:22.60

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, and you know there’s some days where I’m like what am I gonna post like what haven’t I posted and I always think of something because um, you know I have just like this strategy when it comes to creating content and that’s um, how can I engage people in different tiny like whether it’s.

**** – (): 37:33.38

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 37:40.50

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): How did I create my um, my book Cover. How did ah like I come up with this one chapter or just anything just thinking of something that people might be interested In. Um, so that’s probably how I do it. It’s just I’m breaking things apart and then doing those little things. On top of it if that makes any sense.

**** – (): 38:01.29

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): I Love Absolutely Absolutely I think I ought to work very similarly and it’s not like I think I’ve it’s it’s I think I I’ve worked so much more like that because and I think it’s also because when you’re not um. You don’t come from a trained background of something a lot of you How you have to figure out yourselves and I think I have come from that place when I wanted to do something I had no clue about it. Let’s say Specifically let’s say when I moved out um from from a smaller town and move it can be so many different life areas.

**** – (): 38:34.89

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): 3

**** – (): 38:36.16

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): And I think okay how do people do this like how do people find a job. Okay, this is why this is what they’re doing as step 1 okay, not that someone’s telling me but I’m reading through like their actions and what they’re doing if someone is writing a book. Okay, what did they first do what? if they’re marketing it specifically people I look up to I’m like. Wow that person did this how if I have the chance to ask that I will always ask like you know I love what you’ve done I’d really like to know how did you do it? How did you prepare yourself or otherwise I’ll keep look i’ was talker like if I love someone I’d be like rooting for them and I’ll be like oh I love what you’re doing and I’ll keep watching them. Um i’ll. Like I’m like this star I think I starryeyed kid who’s like if I especially like I’ve been rooting for you because every time I see you I’m like wow I love how she’s doing it I love how she’s doing it and I keep watching you oh that’s how she did it even though if I don’t have everything together but one day when I there will be a day where I need to apply any of those things and I look. I’ll think about it. Okay I loved how Shelby did her cover and then promoted the book like that I think that’s something I could do you know how you piece together and like you get scrappy but you get creative. Both.

**** – (): 39:41.75

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, yeah, yes, yeah, you get scrappy but you get creative I Love that? Yes, absolutely I mean that’s that’s but oh I was gonna say that’s really how Ah how it is like you really nailed.

**** – (): 39:50.10

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): How does it feel now. Go ahead. Great sorry.

**** – (): 39:59.46

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Nail that.

**** – (): 40:01.78

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): You probably look a lot tired today because I think there’s also like this load I think that comes in like you’re all, um, it’s I think creative project and I was telling this to my partner the other day like from reaching whatever dreams like whatever goals we have. Reaching point a to point b um, and once you reach and it’s not like it’s like you slowly it’s like you go 4 steps forward to step backward left right up down this that and then you finally somehow you land here and I’m telling today.

**** – (): 40:26.58

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yes, yes.

**** – (): 40:34.77

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): And that happened to me a few weeks ago and I was telling him that you know I feel like there’s this huge shoulder on my head a huge shoulder huge mountain like something’s really heavy on my shoulder and I feel like I’m always dragging it like um even though it’s creative even though I feel happy I love but I know that. I am pulling this weight so every day I get up and I feel like I have to pull this like I have to pull this like I have to do this and sometimes it is exhausting like you know when but that is why we need the downtime we need the rest and then we have that energy and then we’re back at it. How does it feel to you.

**** – (): 41:10.73

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): I mean yeah I mean I think I felt like this week actually I felt this week was probably the latest load I’ve had um I actually got to watch like yeah I actually got to like lay in bed every night and watch a movie. Um I haven’t done that really long time.

**** – (): 41:20.89

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Um, oh.

**** – (): 41:28.46

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, and ah, at one point I was like wait I should be doing something and like no, you need to just you need to sit like stop it? Um, so but when you start feeling that way. Um, because I definitely do I mean I mean just to give you an example. Um I I feel exhausted today I mean today’s

**** – (): 41:36.80

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Um, yeah.

**** – (): 41:47.79

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Then like 1 of the days. Yeah, oh yeah, yeah, and I mean this has been like 1 of the craziest days just because you know my daughter had to get shots today and I knew she was going to hate those and um, you know my son I had to go grab him and I had like all these errands to do and then i.

**** – (): 41:48.58

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Um, and you still here.

**** – (): 42:05.74

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Really had time to eat and then I had a meeting tonight and so it just feels like there’s so many things and then on top of it I’m you know right? and then on top of it I’m like you know I’m finding some people to help promote my book. Um I’m so I’m emailing and I just feel like there’s so and I’m not good at writing stuff down and then I need to.

**** – (): 42:08.80

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, it’s kids too much.

**** – (): 42:25.30

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): So it just feels like you know when you said it feels like there’s a mountain on your shoulders. Sometimes I think there’s moments where my head feels like it’s going to explode and I’m trying so hard to organize it all and some days are really good like some these I’ve got it some weeks I’m like yeah, it’s it’s it’s fine I got this? yeah.

**** – (): 42:25.42

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, yeah.

**** – (): 42:33.99

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, yeah, sometimes it’s fluid I’m like you know now how this technique is I mean and again there’s another problem and then there’s another problem you like okay now that’s that’s gotten harder so you pull through like you I think.

**** – (): 42:48.74

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Here.

**** – (): 42:53.61

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Are days and I completely like I remember we had to. We had to record one day and I had to cancel it because at that day I think a day ago I realized like you know what this doesn’t feel right now because now I feel like if I keep pushing I may break like I may break. And I need to take one day break and I I really need to start? um, realizing that if I push myself too far. It’s not going to help me so we need that downtime and and some days are days where you know? Okay, you need to show up even if it’s hard like you did you show up.

**** – (): 43:12.62

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): He answered.

**** – (): 43:20.43

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Ah, right.

**** – (): 43:27.14

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yeah, like today was definitely when it safe but you’re right? It’s like there’s um, you know those those times where and I’ve had I’ve had them I think all of September was one of those days. Um I think we were supposed to talk ah like early in September and and.

**** – (): 43:29.87

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 43:44.73

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): I had this printing issue and I was like I’m not in a good mental space right now. Um, it’s just it’s insane and and I think like I was putting out fires the entire month of September and you just had to show up for it and but you know there were times even with writing um I wanted. You know I think I took a whole month off of writing my first draft because I was just so tired and I felt like there’s so much going on. Um, maybe is like a couple weeks or something but I allowed myself to to do that and I think people get hung up on that. Um, and I mentioned this on a different podcast. Episode with Sarah um, and you you know people sometimes they feel like if they take a break that they failed and I I had to really get through that. Um I had to not feel that way. Um, your body is just.

**** – (): 44:33.60

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Shall you into march.

**** – (): 44:41.53

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): I’m sorry oh can you hear me? Okay, yes, okay, you can hear me. Okay, oh okay, oh.

**** – (): 44:45.36

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Um, can you see something? Yeah, a little bit see yeah you we do and your audios a like I know you’re cutting in between yeah, right now. Yeah.

**** – (): 44:59.56

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Okay, am I Okay right now is my audio. Okay, no me see no, do you want me to take my headphones off. Okay, let me try that.

**** – (): 45:01.38

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Not so Good. No.

**** – (): 45:12.12

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, better, No no, no, it was just the internet I think it is. It’s better. It’s better. No better, better better. Perfect go ahead.

**** – (): 45:19.36

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Oh oh? Okay, okay, perfect. Um, so gosh what was I talking about? Oh um, gosh what was the time I was just trying with Sarah oh when people take a break. Um. When people take a break they feel like they failed and that’s not how you should feel at all and I’ve been I’ve been I felt yes you feel guilty and really, it’s just your body saying you cannot stop pushing yourself. You need to rest? um.

**** – (): 45:39.50

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Oh God guilty.

**** – (): 45:54.27

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): ve listened I’ve really had to like force myself to listen to those. Um, sometimes you can’t sometimes you just have to push through and you they light up the end of the tunnels there and you’re like I’ll rest then um, but you know if it’s just your average you know workload and you know for me with writing like I took three weeks off because I really needed it.

**** – (): 46:02.22

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Now.

**** – (): 46:12.56

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 46:13.94

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, I just was feeling very uninspired and just the weight of it all just felt like a lot and then when I was you know I took that time and I and sometimes I feel like this is kind of a weird thing but like I truly believe that every like timing is everything So I think like what I would have written during the time.

**** – (): 46:28.90

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah.

**** – (): 46:32.74

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): But I didn’t take a break if I hadn’t taken that break. It wouldn’t have been as good as after I took the break So really be tredging yourself. Yeah right right? So definitely listen to yourself. Um in the situations because that’s your body’s telling you that you’re burnt out.

**** – (): 46:35.96

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, yeah, absolutely you come from a different perspective. Also.

**** – (): 46:52.71

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): And that’s true. Burnout is real.

**** – (): 46:53.72

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): And yeah, I am so happy and I’m so amazed and I’m so proud of everything that you’ve done so far and I only know this is just the start of anything that you’re doing and I’m I’m sure one day we’ll get to see. Um. I don’t know we’ll see um I think from what I will look forward to is seeing your name on a product on um on a movie on a film set um somewhere and I know that’ll happen. Yes, open Netflix night like it is ah yeah, know that.

**** – (): 47:19.89

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): You open Netflix. Yeah yeah, you open Netflix and it’s gonna say grow gro hollowo. Yes, definitely what’s gonna happen I see it.

**** – (): 47:30.42

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Happen I I’m and that yeah I’m going to send you a picture but I’m so excited I’m not only excited but I’m very inspired sorry I lost you again.

**** – (): 47:33.47

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): I Thought they would be like we talked about this.

**** – (): 47:42.71

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Oh yep I hear you.

**** – (): 47:47.63

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Hello.

**** – (): 47:51.41

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Hi.

**** – (): 47:53.43

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Hello.

**** – (): 47:57.10

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Hi Can you hear me? Okay I think your internet cut out a little bit. Okay, good good.

**** – (): 47:58.22

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah I can hear you? Yes, yes.

**** – (): 48:04.98

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yes, you were saying something.

**** – (): 48:09.20

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Oh just that you’re going to see my name on Netflix and then we talked about it.

**** – (): 48:15.75

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Know that’s I’m sure that’s going to happen. But also I think I’m always looking forward I’m always looking up to you I I love your creative energy I love how much heart and soul you put into things. It’s not only a product that you create a book that you write. It’s like an experience that you’re always sharing with all of us I know. I have always felt like a part of it as a viewer and I’ve always been in love with whatever you do and I only hope it only gets better and better from here before I let you go I want all of us who is um, listening to this episode to make sure that we bring a copy home because it truly. It’s of course about supporting each other but it was also like you know how we share our worlds with each other our creativity. So I’m going to let you take the stage we will link everything the book your process like you know all information in the show notes. So make sure everyone who’s listening can go should definitely go to the show notes because. You know there’s so much pressure in that but Shelby how about you pitch in and tell us what and what we wear and how whatever we need to do to get your copy.

**** – (): 49:23.92

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, so my my book is available on um, pretty much any bookstore it could be at Barnes and noble waterstones or it could be at your favorite bookstore like down the street. Um, it’s in libraries. It’ll be available in libraries too. But it is available on Amazon.

**** – (): 49:40.74

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Shelby I’m losing you one sec.

**** – (): 49:41.40

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, you can order. Okay.

**** – (): 49:45.50

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Let me see if if it’s my internet I don’t know let me see if it’s that I want to get this part right.

**** – (): 49:50.37

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Okay, mine saw full bars. Okay.

**** – (): 49:57.63

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Can you try now.

**** – (): 50:02.80

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yeah, can. Okay so I’ll just start over. Um, so you can get my book. Um, pretty much at any bookscore. Oh sure sure for sure.

**** – (): 50:07.60

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): 1 like 1 like 1 second one second it’s still still breaking. Let me see if it’s.

**** – (): 51:32.24

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Ah I have you I thought I lost you? Yeah, it should be better now. Go ahead.

**** – (): 51:34.75

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Um, hi Okay, okay, um, so you can get my book at any bookstore a local bookstore library bars Noble Waters stems.

**** – (): 51:50.39

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Yeah, yeah, perfectly now.

**** – (): 51:50.47

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Is it going through.

**** – (): 51:58.38

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Ah, you guys on good. Can you not hear me. Yeah I Yeah I’m getting you.

**** – (): 52:01.70

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Okay, are we good? You think hopefully oh okay, good. Oh I could I could I ah you okay, um, and let me see um so my book is the build on Amazon so you can get the. Digital version hard copy or paperback there and like I said any bookstore library Barnes and noble waterstone that those kind of bookstores. So um, yeah, that’s where you can get it.

**** – (): 52:28.91

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Amazing. So and where can we follow you on Tiktok on Instagram for if you have a website where we can come and support you.

**** – (): 52:40.79

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Yep I’m on Tiktok um at Shelby and Mcfadden and then Instagram I have an author page which is Shelby and Mcfadden and then um groveella series is Instagram and Facebook.

**** – (): 52:53.81

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Amazing. So I’ll make sure we take all the links from you and we make sure that we link the Amazon link the bars and number link all important links the link to your website Tiktok Instagram some images of the book that you will share with us and. We’ll make sure that we have this on the website. So everyone who’s interested make sure you go and go and read that and when are you doing? Okay, another task I have for you when are you doing an audible. We need an audio work.

**** – (): 53:25.81

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Oh my goodness. Um, ah soon I know it’s gonna be the only way my dad actually reads the book. Um I have to do it soon? Um I’m still kind of looking for somebody I’m very picky when it comes to.

**** – (): 53:28.44

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): I Need an audiobook I Love Audio Books I Love Audio books.

**** – (): 53:42.10

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Party were you not doing yourself.

**** – (): 53:43.44

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Voices. So it’s gonna have to be the right person. Um I’m no way oh my goodness. No oh I’ll like trip over my words I’m so bad I have to like practice that um I thought about doing it just. Because the costs but I was like oh gosh. No I couldn’t um plus I hate my voice so that would not be good either. So hopefully soon um, I’m hoping by like end of next year we’ll see.

**** – (): 54:12.79

**** – (): charukaarora

**** – (): Perfect. But whenever you do you let us know. Thank you so much Shelby. Thank you so much for your time I really appreciate it and I only hope the best for you and you hope you have a good night. Take good rest.

**** – (): 54:19.88

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): I Definitely will.

**** – (): 54:27.30

**** – (): Shelby

**** – (): Thank you? Oh I shall I definitely will. But thank you.

About The Guest(s):
Shelby is a multi-talented creative who has worked as a designer, artist, and author. She recently self-published her first book and has been actively involved in marketing and promoting it. Shelby’s creative energy and dedication to her craft have made her a source of inspiration for many.

Summary:
Shelby shares her journey as a creative, discussing the process of writing and self-publishing her book. She expresses her pride and sense of accomplishment upon completing the book, highlighting the challenges she faced in transitioning from a designer to an author. Shelby emphasizes the importance of following one’s creative instincts and continuously learning new skills. She also delves into the delicate balance between her personal life, work, and creative projects.

Key Takeaways:

• Following creative instincts and constantly learning new skills can lead to personal and career growth.
• Finding a balance between personal life, work, and creative projects is crucial for overall well-being.
• Taking breaks and practicing self-care is essential to avoid burnout and maintain creativity.
• Marketing and promoting a creative project require strategic thinking and finding effective ways to reach the target audience.

Quotes:

• “I don’t care what people think. I don’t care what people have doubted me. I just go and I don’t really have a marketing plan.”
• “Know what you are capable of and know what you can definitely do.”
• “Listen to yourself. Your body is telling you that you’re burnt out.”
• “You really nailed it. You really nailed that.”
• “Sometimes I feel like there’s a mountain on my shoulders. Some days are really good, some weeks I’m like, ‘Yeah, it’s fine. I got this.'”

Charuka Arora is the founder of the Arts to Hearts Project and Host of the Arts to Hearts Podcast. She is also an acclaimed Indian artist known for her contemporary embellished paintings. Her unique blend of gouache, collage, embroidery, painting, and drawing explores the intersection of art, culture, heritage, and womanhood. Through her work, she tells stories of female strength and encapsulates them in pieces that can be treasured for generations.

Charuka’s work draws inspiration from Hindu mythology, recognizing women as vessels of Shakti, the cosmic energy. She beautifully portrays powerful goddesses like Durga Maa riding a tiger or lion, symbolizing their unlimited power to protect virtue and combat evil.

Through her art, Charuka invites us into the world of women, showcasing their beauty, strength, and resilience. Her creations not only exhibit exceptional talent but also serve as an inspiration and a symbol of hope for those challenging societal norms.

Arts to Hearts Podcast is a show delving into the lives and passions of renowned artists. From running creative businesses and studio art practices to cultivating a successful mindset, Charuka Arora engages in heartfelt conversations with her guests. Experience your personal happy hour with your favorite artists, right in your studio.

Through candid discussions, Charuka and her guests reveal the joys and challenges of a vibrant creative life, both within and beyond our studios. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as you tune in.

In this week’s podcast, our guest Shelby McFadden discusses her journey of writing and then publishing her book. She talks about how important it is for creatives and artists to follow their instincts and not care about what other people may think. Talking to our host Charuka Arora, Shelby also discusses her book marketing strategies including reaching out to bookstores and working on social media engagement.

What it means to be a creative

While Shelby only started writing recently, she was a designer before as she always felt drawn to the power of creativity. For her, having a background in the graphic designing industry give her the right tools that bring her visions to life.

“I am multiple things. I am very skillful and very creative on top of it, so that has allowed me to bring part of my vision to my book.”

Shelby McFadden – Arts to Hearts Podcast E38, S03

Contrary to what many people might think, design is not just about aesthetics. Design is also about functionality and problem-solving. As a designer, she has approached her book in a unique way where she has always aimed to create an immersive experience for her readers. Now she is able to use the visuals and images that only existed in her imagination and bring them on paper through her book.

“I not only just put words in my book, but visuals with it. I really want people to feel when they visit any part of my social media for my book that it’s almost like they’re really immersed in it.”

Shelby McFadden – Arts to Hearts Podcast E38, S03

Bringing her designer skills to her writing desk

In a way, Shelby’s first book can be seen as quite symbolic. The ‘Metamorphosis’ is not just a title name of her book, but it also hints at her own metamorphosis; her transformation from one role to another. When talking about becoming an author from a designer, Shelby calls it a significant shift in her life. At the same time, for Shelby, being a writer is what she dreamed of her whole life.

Shelby always had a vivid imagination, it’s just that now she needed to bring out her creativity through a different medium. Now, she no longer wants to be solely seen as a designer as she feels a sense of pride and fulfillment in her new role of being a writer. Shelby thinks that being an author is her true calling.

“I played with toys until I was far too old to be playing with toys because I just loved that storytelling.”

Shelby McFadden – Arts to Hearts Podcast E38, S03

“In my heart and my core, I feel as though I should have always been an author.”

Shelby McFadden – Arts to Hearts Podcast E38, S03

With so much on Shelby’s plate, we wonder how she was able to muster up the courage to give up her stable career and take up this ginormous task of creating an entire functional world. Shelby credits her creativity and hard work for this achievement. Throughout her career, she has embraced change and pursued new challenges and she encourages others to do the same, even if it means transitioning from one career to another.

“So it’s just really pushing myself, pushing my comfort zone, and getting myself out there.”

Shelby McFadden – Arts to Hearts Podcast E38, S03

When the topic of listening to the inner voice comes up, Shelby points out that even if an artist does switch their field, they can still find a way to apply their skills to this new endeavor. That is the beauty of creativity – people always have something that can help them embrace change.

Achieving her life-long dream of writing a book

It’s an entire journey of conceiving an idea and then executing it, and for Shelby, it was by no means easy. There was self-doubt and uncertainty, however, she made it through. As soon as she realized the story was complete, she felt overwhelmed with happiness and pride.

“It was just like an out-of- body experience like it just was like how is this done like this this can’t be done.”

Shelby McFadden – Arts to Hearts Podcast E38, S03

While it felt surreal for Shelby to hold her very first copy, she also felt something else that she did not expect.

“It’s very strange. It was kind of like I said goodbye to it or anything. But it just felt just weird.”

Shelby McFadden – Arts to Hearts Podcast E38, S03

Shelby’s sadness may be unexpected, but it’s also understandable. Creatives and artists spend a lot of time working on projects. They pour their heart into it, and it becomes an important part of them until they have to let it go. It’s natural to feel these complicated emotions, as they signal the beginning of something new, just like with Shelby, who is excited to start working on her second book right away!

“Luckily, I get to go right into book 2 which everyone’s super excited about.”

Shelby McFadden – Arts to Hearts Podcast E38, S03

Grove Hollow Series is a collection of 4 books, where the first two take place in the 80s. Her book is really about the mistakes we make in our life, the lessons we learn, and how it helps our soul to evolve. The first book, Grove Hollow Metamorphosis, is available on various platforms and Shelby also plans to release an audiobook soon.  

Being a mother and a writer

Shelby is a mom of two and that means that she has to balance her role in her personal life as well as professional life. For Shelby, being a mother is still the most important thing in her life, however, she does a great job in making sure that it does not affect her creative passions. She is still in the process of figuring out how to juggle her motherhood responsibilities while pursuing her goals as a writer. However, she has figured out something that has been working for her so far. While Shelby does try to find time during the day, it’s at night that she has the opportunity to do the real work. As soon as the kids go to bed, Shelby takes out her laptop and starts working.

Every person has a creative dream and at some point, they either choose to let it go or they move forward with a plan. It took Shelby years to finally achieve what she always wanted to do, but she did it. Everyone around Shelby told her to give up and focus on family, but she proved them all wrong and wrote a fantastic book that I can’t wait to get my hands on!

Listen to this week’s Arts to Hearts Podcast and learn more about Shelby’s journey and why it is never too late to change your course. You can find Shelby’s book at any local bookstore, library, or online platforms like Amazon. Stay connected with Shelby on Instagram and TikTok to get updates on her latest projects and behind-the-scenes insights.