The Road Less Traveled: How Personal Growth and Unlearning Led to a Publishing Dream

I came into the world a little different. Prim and proper, I didn’t touch the “pretties.” I was the kid who beat to her own drum—too formal, too serious. A personality of contradictions— Quiet and outspoken, fancy and frumpy,  perfect and messy. I could be dressed to the nines one day and barefoot on a country road in shorts the next. A country girl in a big city. When I see this picture of me on the beach, I see my authentic self shining through, my unique personality forming, me beating to my own drum, commanding the castle making and being fancy, frumpy and graceful all at once. That’s just who I am!

I was a go-getter with big dreams and an even bigger to-do list. Publishing and Print Design was my passion, and at 18, I had it all mapped out: no marriage, no kids—at least not right away. Career first. Of course, life had other plans. I was the first of my childhood friends to get married. The first to have a child. I paused school. Shifted gears. Eventually, I found my calling in museums—another kind of storytelling, one filled with artifacts and whispers from the past.

Life doesn’t always follow the plan. And it’s in those twists and turns where we grow the most.

Shedding the “Shoulds”

For years, I wrestled with what I should do. Society has a script: A comes before B, C must precede D. You’re supposed to get it all just right or risk being seen as “less than.” Add in religious expectations, and the weight only grows heavier. I’ve carried that weight. The pressure to be perfect, to fit the mold, to follow the rules without question. I’ve lived with religious trauma that took years to even name, let alone begin to heal. A couple years ago, I asked my husband of over 20 years to listen to a podcast by my former youth pastors—this one, in case you're curious. I still remember the look on his face when he listened to it.

That moment? It changed something. For both of us. It finally clicked for him.

I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching, unlearning, and reconstructing my beliefs. I’m healing. I’m learning to live on my terms. My faith-based actions now reflect my beliefs, not external pressures.

What This Has to Do with Publishing

So why am I telling you all this on a publishing blog?

Because when you’ve been conditioned to believe you’ll never be “enough,” or you need permission to do anything substantial taking a leap—especially a bold, public one—feels impossible.

But I leapt anyway. It’s a good reminder that our thoughts can hold us back. Author, Jen Sincero mentions this about thoughts, “Your thoughts inspire emotions that inspire action that forms your “reality.”

You must go for it, you must take inspired action!

About a year ago, I did just that—I  launched Janine Chellington Press. I started it to publish my debut historical fiction novel. What a terrifying first step. And yet—here we are.

One year later, I’ve (Jennifer Toelle) published three books:📚 Zoetic Solace

📚 Adopting the Forgotten

📚 Reaching for Reveries (coming next month!)

And here’s the most exciting part—we’re growing!

Stories That Deserve to Be Told

Janine Chellington Press is now more than just me. We’re a

community of authors with a shared mission: to tell stories that might otherwise be overlooked. Real. Raw. Resonant.

Jim Norton, Gold Badge Writing

In March, we released Ivey Badge 44 by Jim Norton, a gripping true crime tribute to a fallen hero. Jim’s next book, Murder at Matfield Green, is already in the works.

Terri Van Slyke

We’re thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Terri Van Slyke to our author family! Terri is a passionate fresh voice whose words are sure to move mountains. Terri’s mission is to impact, inspire, and empower others to rise through adversity using a strategy she developed called The RISE Playbook. In the coming months, we’ll be sharing some of her powerful content inspired. Drawing strength from her athletic journey and her deep faith in Jesus, Terri brings a unique and heartfelt perspective to her new book, Warriors RIS3.

These writers—and the ones yet to come—share one thing: a drive to give voice to the unheard. Check out their bios on Janine Chellington’s author and artists page.

Let’s Connect

If you or someone you know has been dreaming of writing a book—especially one rooted in real stories, emotional journeys, or history that needs telling—we’d love to connect. We offer support, encouragement, and the space to be bold.

At Janine Chellington Press, we believe in stories that matter.

Thanks for being part of this journey with us. The road may not be straight, but it sure is worth walking.

📬 Reach out. Share your story. Start your chapter.