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August 11, 2009

Chelsey Shannon

Posted: 07:36 AM ET
Chelsey Shannon, 17, writes for the 'Louder Than Words' book series for teens.
Chelsey Shannon, 17, writes for the 'Louder Than Words' book series for teens.

Chelsey was 6 years old when her mom died of leukemia. She was 13 when her father was murdered. Desperate, but hard-pressed to find the resources or a way to cope with the death of two parents, she decided to tell her story.

She is an author for the “Louder than Words” memoir series, written by teens and meant for teens. "Writing gives me a really important outlet for my emotions. Especially right after my dad's death. All I did was write. It helped me put out my feelings of extreme sadness and hopelessness and put it into something constructive," Chelsey, now 17, says.

They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but maybe the pen also helps you deal with the sword’s might. Chelsey hopes it does for her, and that she can help other young people in the process.

Update: Watch the CNN.com Live interview

Filed under: Amazing talents • Under 20 • Worldwide reach


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Kelsie Rhodes   August 11th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

I am privileged enough to call this beautiful young lady my friend. Her story truly is incredible and I encourage you all to listen.
wsb - Bethesda, MD   August 12th, 2009 10:47 pm ET

I'm currious as to what Chelsey is looking forward to in the next few years? Someone so talented and expressive should be considering many great opportunities. I read the excerpt from her book and plan on giving copies to my cousins who lost their mother at a young age as well. I'm looking forward to the interview tomorrow. In fact, I'm going to reschedule my day so that I can watch it.
Lydia   August 13th, 2009 5:06 pm ET

This was a wonderful story. Chelsey is not only an amazing writer but a compassionate and unique friend. I hope that you all watch this report as well as read her book!
Girls at Compton Family Care   August 14th, 2009 3:52 pm ET

Chelsey, we all loved your book. You are an amazing young lady and we are very proud of you.
KGW   August 14th, 2009 4:46 pm ET

I was very impressed with Chelsey's appearance on LouderThanWordsTV last night. Very talented, creative young woman. Great book, I'm sure
Mary and Minnie   August 14th, 2009 9:55 pm ET

Dear Chelsey,

We are so proud of you and your writing. We just finished watching your CNN interview and the kyte.tv segment. Wow! You were so forthright and engaging with the answers to such varied and intriguing questions. We both wish you the very best in all your creative endeavors. We believe you'll be able to help many young people in their similar situations.

We love you, Mary and Minnie
Cousin Bonnie   August 15th, 2009 1:59 pm ET

Words cannot express how very proud I am of you Chels. I am not at all surprised that your writing has brought you down this road. I know there are great things in store for you in the future.

Love you much.
Bonnie
GF, Los Angeles   August 20th, 2009 7:20 pm ET

I read the excerpt of the book on your site and it was very moving. At 17 you are a terrific writer. I'm glad you have such wonderful support from your extended family. I can only imagine the pain you feel to have lost both your parents at such a young age. It's been hard enough losing my father and brother as an adult let alone trying to deal with it as a child. Best of luck to you!
Shelby   August 27th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

I love your story and I would love to read your work. I am a young poet and I appreciate young writers like you. There is hope for us teens and paper and pen can really heal a soul.
donna-Jakarta   September 3rd, 2009 1:25 am ET

Viva forever, Chelsey Shannon.
hydia.c   September 15th, 2009 10:00 am ET

I'm so sorry to hear about your parents.I just hope you stay strong.Remember that they are always with you.
Hanna   September 15th, 2009 1:32 pm ET

I also think that writing is a good way to get some of my emotions out. I think she is doing a good thing by writing about her problems and emotions and publishing them so other people can read them.
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Nicole LapinYoung People Who Rock is a weekly interview series focused on people under 30 - from CEOs to entertainers to athletes to community and political leaders - who are doing remarkable things. Nicole Lapin finds them and introduces them here by writing a weekly column that goes out in time for you to chime in before she interviews them Fridays on CNN.com Live.

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