Lewisburg author loves to 'tell stories and share imagination' with readers

Justin Strawser, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
Updated ·3 min read

Mar. 22—LEWISBURG — Local independent author Shelby McFadden said she is excited to share her imagination with readers.

McFadden, who grew up in Columbia County, in October debuted the young adult novel "Metamorphosis," the first of a four-part series called Grove Hollow. "Metamorphosis" is a gothic paranormal romance that takes place in the 1980s.

"My favorite part about writing is being able to tell a story and share my imagination with people," said McFadden, 35, a 2007 Bloomsburg High School graduate. "I am so creative on the visual side, so to do the emotional part and carry people through a story is intriguing. I was always a storyteller. My family, we have a huge imagination."

McFadden earned a degree in communication design with a focus in graphic/advertising design from Kutztown University in 2011. She moved to Lewisburg from Maryland with her husband two years ago to start a family.

Set against the backdrop of 1985, "Metamorphosis" invites readers into the world of an ordinary 18-year-old girl, Jade Whitney, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a family secret and encounters a ghost named William Montgomery. As Jade navigates the complexities of a new private school, love, friendship, and the supernatural, readers are transported on a journey filled with mystery, romance, and intrigue.

Early reviewers have described Grove Hollow as cinematic and atmospheric, comparing the book to "Stranger Things" meets "Sixteen Candles" and "The Summer I Turned Pretty" meets "Casper," McFadden said.

"I love the '80s," said McFadden. "I'm an '80s/'90s kid. I knew I wanted my story to be set in the '80s. There were such limitations with technology, no internet, no cellphones, which adds a romantic element. When I think of the '80s, I think of adventures. I grew up on "The NeverEnding Story" and "The Goonies." This felt right."

"Metamorphosis" also focused on the Gilded Age of the 1880s.

"I poured my heart and soul into crafting intricate plots, richly drawn characters, and themes of love, loss, and redemption, hoping to capture readers of all ages," said McFadden. "The Grove Hollow Series offers a fresh and compelling take on the paranormal romance genre."

McFadden personally designed the books and covers and had an editor for the story. She chose the self-publishing route to ensure her vision for the series stayed intact.

McFadden is working on the second novel in the series "Senescence," which she expects to debut in 2025. Parts three and four are called "Mimicry" and "Ressurection."

McFadden is also the founder of Touch Her and Die, a romance-focused online book store that sells romance novels and apparel. The name of the store is inspired by a common trope in romance novels.

McFadden will host an author event at Barnes & Noble in Lewisburg at 1 p.m. April 13. Her next two author events are at Barnes & Noble stores on April 6 in Annapolis, Md., and on July 5 in Wilkes-Barre.

Her books can be purchased on Amazon and in select Barnes & Nobles in Lewisburg and Wilkes-Barre. Signed copies can be purchased through Touch Her and Die.