Jen’s Writing Journey

When I was 18 and headed to college, I imagined a future in design—creating eye-catching publications with the latest buzzword at the time: desktop publishing. But life had other plans. A few detours later, I found myself on an unexpected yet remarkable path—one that blended my love for storytelling with my passion for history.

Snappy Shots Camera, c1980

Looking back, the seeds of my creativity were planted early. As a Gen X child of the 1980s, I was always drawn to visuals and storytelling. I spent hours playing with my Snappy Shot, eagerly dunking the "film" in water and watching the images magically appear. My fashion plates and colored pencils let me design my own clothing lines, and I would spread out magazines, imagining myself as the mastermind behind their layouts—sometimes even sketching out how I thought the pages should be arranged. Long before I knew what it meant to have a "visual eye," mine was already taking shape.

An internship at a museum, meant to hone my marketing and design skills for my Communications degree, turned into something much greater. I fell in love with the museum world, where every artifact held a story waiting to be told. That passion shaped a fulfilling career, one I never saw coming but continue to cherish every day.

And yet, some dreams have a way of circling back.

Last year, I launched Janine Chellington Press, returning to my original passion but with a broader vision. Writing isn’t just about words on a page—it’s about the art of crafting a meaningful experience. I’m merging my skills in design, research, and storytelling to bring unique, untold stories to life.

Some may look at their lives and see the ordinary. I see something extraordinary in every person’s journey. No two lives are the same. No two moments are identical. The way we frame our stories is what makes them shine. My mission is simple yet powerful: to preserve, celebrate, and inspire. Whether it’s uncovering forgotten histories, giving a voice to those overlooked, or sparking curiosity through creativity, every story deserves its moment.

As I step into this next chapter, I’ll be sharing more through this blog—insights into my writing projects, behind-the-scenes looks at my process, and glimpses into the adventures that fuel my work. I’ll also be preparing for an upcoming trip to Montana, where some of my historical fiction takes place.

Stay tuned for my next blog, where I’ll dive into the powerful true crime story of my first client, retired police officer Jim Norton, and his book, Ivey Badge 44.

This journey is just beginning. I hope you’ll come along for the ride!