Shelly Snow Pordea

Shelly Snow Pordea is a dynamic figure, renowned as a speaker, publishing consultant, and author of the captivating Tracing Time trilogy. This trilogy, a compelling narrative of women navigating the complexities of life while endeavoring to protect themselves and their loved ones, has consistently ranked among the top one hundred Time Travel Romance books on Amazon Kindle, attesting to its widespread popularity. ​

In addition to her success in fiction, Shelly has ventured into the realm of children's literature with her debut book, The Hug Who Had No Arms, an instant #1 bestseller on Amazon. Crafted during the pandemic to address the challenges of social distancing, this heartwarming tale encourages families to embrace unique differences and express love in diverse ways. Shelly's commitment to inclusivity is evident in the multilingual versions of the book, currently available in Romanian, Persian, and Spanish, reflecting her dedication to reaching a global audience. ​

Beyond her literary achievements, Shelly is a courageous advocate for survivors of spiritual, sexual, and institutional abuse. Drawing from her own experiences as a cult survivor and victim of childhood sexual abuse, she utilizes the power of storytelling to effect change. Her forthcoming memoir and screenplay shed light on her journey, amplifying the voices of those who have faced similar challenges. ​​

Shelly's latest fiction, The Cheating Wife, delves into a woman's struggle with the lingering aftermath of toxic manipulation and control. Drawing from her experiences within a megachurch system, Shelly skillfully guides readers on a journey depicting real-life struggles of a character grappling with the aftermath of post-traumatic events. ​

​As a screenwriter, Shelly collaborates with her brother, actor Jon Snow, in the production of a fictional adaptation for a series drama based on their personal story. Shelly Snow Pordea invites you to join her journey on social media, where she shares her insights and creative endeavors.

Amanda’s love of flying is such a central part of her character. What inspired you to make aviation—and the idea of being a “flight risk”—the foundation of her story?
I had the chance to be in the cockpit during a short flight for the first time when I was fifteen. The pilot let me hold the control wheel for part of the flight, teaching me different terms of his occupation, and from that moment, I was hooked on the adventure. I never pursued it as a profession, but aviation has always struck me as a kind of metaphor for life itself, and I’ve long been fascinated by the women who carve out space for themselves in that world. So, a couple years ago, when a friend’s daughter completed flight school and began sharing her own photos and stories, the pieces of Amanda’s character finally aligned in my imagination. Her love of flying—and the idea of being a “flight risk”—became the perfect way to capture both the danger and the beauty of chasing your own path.

Amanda transitions from pilot to flight attendant and then to undercover spy. How did you approach writing about these very different roles, and what kind of research did you do to capture them authentically?
I’ve been lucky enough to travel quite a bit, and having friends who are both pilots and flight attendants gave me a solid window into that world. The spy side is trickier—I don’t have firsthand experience there—but I’m a history buff, and digging into how power and politics really operate can be a bit of an obsession for me. I may not know all the secrets, but I like to think my theories are pretty plausible!

Romance plays against the backdrop of high-stakes espionage. How do you balance the tension of a spy thriller with the emotional pull of a love story without one overshadowing the other?
For me, the balance comes from weaving together questions that haunt me with truths that ground me. I’ve long been fascinated by shadows of the Cold War and the lingering realities of espionage, and those threads naturally pull me into darker, high-stakes storytelling. At the same time, my own life is anchored in love—quiet moments with a devoted spouse, a meaningful family life, and the belief that tenderness can exist alongside chaos. I wanted Amanda’s journey to reflect that same coexistence: the danger is real, but so is the love. And at the end of the day, I hold to the conviction I try to live by: life is messy, but love has the power to endure and, perhaps, to conquer all. So, love, love, love. 

The series takes Amanda across Rome, Tokyo, and beyond. How important was it to you to weave real-world travel and culture into the novels, and do you have a personal connection to these settings?
I do! It’s been so important to me. Every title and setting in the series carries personal meaning. Some are places where I experienced major life events, others are where I lived for an extended time (like Romania), and some hold a deep sentimental connection from my travels. Long before I ever dreamed up this series, I knew I wanted to capture the way travel shapes us—how landscapes and cultures leave their imprint. When Amanda’s story began to take shape in my mind, it became clear this was how I could finally bring those journeys to life.

Beyond the action and intrigue, what do you hope readers will take away about Amanda as a person and her journey of self-discovery?
Amanda is a complex, intelligent, and strong woman, but she’s also forgotten how to embrace her softer, nurturing side. I think many women can relate to that—we’re often expected to carry more than we should, and strength becomes a survival skill. For Amanda, that strength sometimes turns into a mask, a way of covering insecurities she hasn’t fully faced. As the mask slips away, I hope readers recognize the beauty in her vulnerability and see reflections of their own journeys in this deeply flawed and profoundly human woman.

Each book in the series peels back another layer of Amanda’s life. Without giving spoilers, what can readers expect as her “one secret” threatens to be exposed? The heart of Amanda’s secret is revealed early in the series, but the deeper truth—the reasons it has shaped her so profoundly—unfolds across all four books. What readers will discover is that the very secret Amanda fears will undo her may ultimately be the source of her greatest strength. At its core, her journey reflects a truth I believe deeply: no matter how dark, truth has the power to set us free.

You’ve lined up four releases in one year—a rare and exciting pace! What challenges and joys come with writing and releasing such a fast-moving series?
I truly love my readers, and pieces of this story have been living in my writing folders for years. When the idea struck me to shape it into a series, I knew I wanted to bring it to life quickly—and readers do love a series they can binge! The greatest joy has been delivering the story in a way that lets people stay immersed without long waits between books. The challenge, of course, has been keeping pace with pressing deadlines while balancing everything else in life. Thankfully, my editor was fully on board, and together we hit the ground running. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. That said, I doubt I’ll ever attempt such a whirlwind release schedule again!

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Website: https://www.shellysnowpordea.com/
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Purchase the book here: 
https://www.amazon.com/Night-We-Met-Flight-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DYF6XS1W/