Welcome!

Hello, and thank you for finding your way here. I'm Emily Shilling, and I'm honestly a little amazed that I'm writing these words. Not too long ago, the idea of having my own author website felt like an impossible dream, something that "real" writers had, not someone like me who started writing stories and poetry in notebooks and hiding them away.

But here we are. Here I am. And I couldn't be more excited to share this journey with you.

Who Am I?

I'm a storyteller who believes that the most powerful narratives often emerge from the spaces between light and shadow. My work spans from contemporary fiction that dives deep into the complexities of human healing and growth, to epic fantasy adventures where characters face impossible choices in worlds filled with magic and political intrigue.

You might know me from Grace Under Fire, a novel that emerged from countless conversations with women whose experiences taught me that strength comes in many forms, and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is trust someone else to catch you when you fall. Or perhaps you've discovered my fantasy series, starting with Ireiale's Peril, where a young healer named Ena must navigate a world where nothing is quite what it seems, and power comes with a price that might be too high to pay.

What You'll Find Here

Whether you're in your twenties and figuring out who you want to become, in your thirties rebuilding yourself from the ground up, in your forties discovering new facets of your identity, or anywhere in between, I write for people who understand that life is complicated, messy, and beautiful all at once.

My stories don't shy away from difficult themes. They explore trauma and healing, complex relationships, the search for identity, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable in a world that often rewards putting up walls. But they also celebrate resilience, growth, and the profound connections we can build when we're brave enough to let others truly see us.

In my fantasy work, I love creating worlds where magic and reality intertwine, where characters must grapple with moral complexity, and where the line between hero and villain isn't always clear. I'm fascinated by power, who has it, who wants it, and what people are willing to sacrifice to get it or keep it.

Why I Write

Every story I tell is ultimately about the same thing: the belief that healing is possible, that growth never stops, and that your story, whatever it includes, matters. I write for anyone who has ever felt lost in their own life, who has questioned their worth, or who has wondered if they're asking for too much or too little from the world around them.

I've learned that the most radical thing we can do is refuse to let our past have the final word about our future. We get to decide what our stories become. We get to choose who we trust with our hearts. We get to reclaim our voices and our right to take up space in this world.

What's Coming

This website will become a hub for all things related to my work and the themes that drive my storytelling. You can expect:

• Behind-the-scenes glimpses into my writing process (spoiler alert: it involves a lot of coffee and talking to my characters out loud)

• Book updates and release information for upcoming projects

• Thoughtful Blog Posts about the themes that fascinate me, healing, power dynamics, finding your voice, and building authentic connections

  
  

A Personal Note

To my family and friends who have supported me through every joy, sorrow, and hilariously chaotic moment of this journey, thank you. Your unwavering encouragement has brought so much light into my life, and none of this would be possible without you.

And to anyone who has ever suffered at the hands of others: may you find peace and healing. Your story isn't over, and you deserve love, respect, and care exactly as you are.

Let's Connect

I believe that the best stories happen in community, and I hope this space becomes a place where we can explore the big questions together. Whether you're here for the fantasy adventures, the contemporary explorations of human complexity, or simply because you're curious about what makes a story worth telling, welcome.

Your journey matters. Your story matters. And I'm honored that you're considering letting my stories be part of your own journey, wherever it may lead.

Here's to the stories we tell, the connections we build, and the endless possibility of what comes next.

With love and gratitude,

E. Shilling <3