On November 14, 2023 Starfish Stories Publishing released its first annual anthology project: A collection of stories that bears witness to the extraordinary lives of stories of ordinary women. We intend to use this project to cultivate safe and sacred spaces for women to share their lives with one another and the world.Β
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In this special blog series, it is our honor to introduce these women to you πΒ
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Melissa Strait
York, PA. United States.
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Why did you decide to participate in this project?
I thought that my story needed to be told because as women we often feel that there is a correct way to find your purpose, it’s okay to try different things to refill your cup, you can learn to trust following your heart.
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In one sentence, what is your chapter about?
How I gave up on a dream, to save myself, and my family.
Who do you hope reads your chapter? Who is your chapter written for?
My chapter is for women who are held back by the fear of failure and guilt and are afraid of letting others down.
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What impact do you think your chapter will have on our readersβ lives?
I hope that my chapter encourages women to take a brave step, to travel through all those hard scary emotions, and to choose to do what makes their heart fulfilled.
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What have you learned about yourself from participating in this project?
When walking through this project I learned that my fear of disappointing others is enough to keep me stagnant. I was too afraid to change, to take a leap of faith and trust the process.
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If you could go back in time, and give your 10-year-old self some advice, encouragement, or wisdom, what would you want her to know?
I would encourage my 10 year old self to follow whatever ridiculous dreams she had without fear of ridicule. We aren’t made for everyone and that’s okay, there will always be people who don’t like you, it doesn’t mean you’re broken. It’s not your responsibility to make everyone happy.
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Why should other women consider participating in a project/experience like this one?
I have always felt the art of writing very freeing. It forces you to stare directly at all those scary emotions you did your best to ignore, it teaches you more about yourself than you would ever have expected.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold. It keeps me on the edge of my seat!
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Starfish Stories: An Anthology is now available on Amazon.
If you, or someone you know would like to participate in our 2025 Anthology project, you can get on the waitlist now.
