fiction
Using writing to heal religious trauma, take down the patriarchy, and advocate for a better world for women all under the name of “fiction.” Oh, and having a hell of a time doing it!
full-length books
by Shelby K. Morrison
These pieces unconsciously predicted my leaving of organized religion and my processing of this information. Unconsciously I was writing my future. Even my current work in progress will be chock full of messages, lessons, and philosophy about my current time. Read for fun, and if it speaks to you, I’m so glad!
What would you sacrifice to learn the truth? That is the question Alex Bowen, a headstrong college student from Beaverton, Oregon, must ask herself when she learns she’s being watched. But who’s doing the spying? And why have they chosen her? Thrown from her world of comfort, yet determined to discover the truth, Alex soon finds herself cut off from family and friends and forced to make allies wherever she can find them. With dead ends at every turn, and more than one pursuer closing in, she quickly learns some questions are best left unasked. Now, with her life and sanity on the line, Alex must resist her enemy’s mind games if she wants to expose every dark secret. To succumb would result in her true identity being lost forever and countless others suffering the same fate. But to succeed, would shatter everything she knows.
For eighteen years Aia Wynnald has lived a lie. Raised as a highborn in the Kingdom of Tharien, she’s filled her days with tutors and archery lessons. But simmering beneath her polite surface is a dangerous gift, one which she must keep a secret. Aia is a Bender. And in Tharien, Benders are feared and hunted. When her unruly power breaks free with dire repercussions, Aia’s lifelong goal of independence shatters. As she scrambles to piece her life back together while evading capture, she disturbs a vengeful force intent on destroying the kingdom. Now, with the help of an unlikely ally, Aia will decide the fate of Tharien. To rescue those she cares about will require accepting what she is. But can she risk becoming the monster she’s dreaded to save the very citizens baying for her blood?
EROTICA shorts
by Samantha Archer
These pieces have been my way of reclaiming my sexuality. While some people may shame me, I now know that these people are simply projecting their sexual shame onto me. It was why for a long time I didn’t want anyone to know. Hence the penname. Samantha was my alter ego – the one who could discuss her wildest fantasies, explore her sexuality, and simply play with words. She was happy to be naughty, sinful, dark. While they may not be worthy of a Pulitzer, these pieces were written for me as my way of rebelling, connecting with my sexuality, and overcoming sexual shame and purity culture. Read at your own risk!
Note: Amazon has all of my safe erotica. If you’re ready for a real walk on the wild side and know the difference between erotica (fantasy) and real life, you may explore the more dubious books on Smashwords. You’ve been warned!
Healing with writing
As a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormonism), the journey through religious trauma is long and arduous. Yet I never knew how much I was using my writing to not only open my eyes, but to see myself with love and wonder. Whether it’s a scathing article about the patriarchy or religion, a loving post to my fellow women with advice, a blush-worthy erotica to reclaim feminine sexuality, or an adventurous fiction book to sooth a piece of my persona, writing has been my tool for healing, activism, and pleasure since I was a child.
All of my writing may not be for you, and that’s okay. I wrote it for me. Some pieces will speak to some, others will speak to others. And some may remain just for me. Here is where I boldly share my voice, especially the voice religion and the patriarchy has tried to quiet. Here is where I claim my power, the power so many have tried to deny me. I hope you gain something of value, even if it’s purely to know me a little better. Writing is powerful. And when used as a healing tool, writing can truly change your world, and the world of others, for the better.