Shanna Lee James
Author · Storyteller
About the Author
A life shaped by resilience and story.
Discovering Purpose Through Story
Shanna Lee James transformed extraordinary life experiences into books that inspire hope, resilience, and purpose. In her twenties, she defied a devastating medical prognosis that predicted she would eventually spend her life in a wheelchair. Instead, she fought tirelessly to achieve her dreams. She entered nursing school, built a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in nursing, and eventually found another calling, writing.
Written for Seekers
How To Reserve Your Place In Heaven was written for readers who are uncertain about the afterlife - for skeptics, for those who have been hurt by churches or past experiences, and for anyone quietly asking what happens next. Drawing on her years as an Intensive Care Nurse, where she witnessed firsthand the fragility of life, Shanna approaches these questions through storytelling rather than judgment. The book gently addresses doubts, fears, misconceptions, common philosophies, and uncertainty - with compassion at its center.
It was also written intentionally to reassure members of the LGBTQ community that they are fully worthy of love, dignity, and acceptance.
Writing with Purpose
Shanna also writes to encourage anyone who dreams of writing their own story through her book You Don't Have to Be A Star to Shine, a practical guide that helps new writers from beginning to end.
Life Beyond Writing
Shanna lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and her beloved budgies, whose bright songs are a daily reminder that joy has a way of finding us - even in the quietest corners of an ordinary morning.
She is dedicated to protecting our world and nurturing a love of nature, wildlife, and animals. Shanna is a passionate advocate against animal cruelty and regularly uses her voice to encourage greater awareness and compassion for our planet.
Professional Background
A career of service and craft
Amazon Bestselling Author
Recognized for How To Reserve Your Place In Heaven.
40+ Years in Healthcare
A distinguished and rewarding career in nursing.
Institute of Children's Literature
Formally trained in the craft of writing.
Hundreds of Articles
Published in the health and wellness field.
The Timeline
Milestones along the way
The Diagnosis
A Turning Point
It was a cold and dark Halloween night. Shanna and her best friend, Brie, dressed up as nurses and strolled through the corridors of a hospital. Shanna said to Brie, "Walk in like you own the place!" "But heads are gawking!" Brie protested. "What if they stop us and ask what we are doing here?" "Just keep walking and avoid eye contact!" Shanna caught their reflection in a window and remarked, "You know, Brie, what are we doing with our lives? Our kids are going to be in school, but what about us? We need to do something with our lives while we can! Besides, look how good we look in white!" That Halloween night, Shanna and Brie decided to change hats from homemakers to nurses by enrolling in a nursing program and pursuing their dreams.
40+ Years
A Career in Healthcare
Shanna retired from her nursing career after four decades and was especially grateful for the years she worked closely with patients in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital. Looking back to the morning when a surgeon gave her the grim prognosis that she could expect to be in a wheelchair by the time she reached forty, determination and a burning desire within fueled her to press on. Had she not followed the path of her dreams, she would never have experienced the rich opportunities life had to offer. Shanna fondly remembers and shares many of those heartwarming stories throughout her books. Her hope is to inspire readers with one simple message: "Follow your dreams." Let them lead you to a fulfilling journey uniquely your own.
It Happened at Dawn
First Book Published
Her hybrid memoir arrives - a story of resilience and courage.
Bestseller
Amazon Bestselling Author
How To Reserve Your Place In Heaven becomes an Amazon bestseller.
Nursing School
Answering a Calling
As a young girl around seven years old, Shanna entertained herself by playing with her lifelike dolls. She pretended to be a nurse, and when her dolls were not feeling well, she opened her little nurse's kit and took out a tongue blade, a small stethoscope, and some "medicine" that was actually candy. Shanna loved helping people feel better, and even at that young age she knew she wanted to become a nurse when she grew up. The years passed, and Shanna fulfilled the dream she had carried since childhood.
The Institute
Graduate of Children's Literature
Formally trains as a writer at the Institute of Children's Literature.
Star to Shine
A Guide for Writers
Published a creative writing guide encouraging those who desire to write but don't know where to begin.
Today
Still Inspiring Readers
Continues writing and encouraging others from her home in the Pacific Northwest. Shanna also enjoys writing for children and is currently working on a delightful and uplifting children's book that is sure to bring smiles to young readers and their families.