At the age of 49, Michelle Shores thought she had life figured out. But fate, wrapped in the pages of a book, had other plans.
The Maine native, mother of five, and seasoned sales and marketing professional, was about to embark on an unexpected adventure that would change her life forever.
“I picked up a nonfiction book about a little-known historical event here in Maine,” Michelle said. “It was Halloween night of 2015, and I had decided to skip the trick-or-treating because it made me sad. My kids were grown, and the house felt too quiet.”
Little did she know, that quiet night would spark an obsession.
The book chronicled the haunting of Nellie Butler, considered by many to be America’s first documented ghost sighting in 1799.
“I was fascinated, but not satisfied,” Michelle explained. “The research left too many questions unanswered. I wanted to know more.”
That desire for deeper understanding led Michelle to an extraordinary conclusion in the middle of the night: she would write the story herself.
A new chapter begins
At 50, with no prior experience in fiction writing, Michelle began crafting her own version of events. What started as a passion project evolved into a six-year labor of love.
“I’ve never been a fiction reader,” she admitted. “But I couldn’t shake the story. I had to tell it my way.”
In 2021, at 56 years old, she self-published “The Gathering Room: A Tale of Nellie Butler.”
“It was supposed to be a keepsake for my children,” she explained. “Just a ‘look what Mom did’ kind of thing. But the book had other plans.”
“The Gathering Room” went viral, winning four national book awards and becoming a bestseller.
“It was unbelievable,” Michelle recalled. “I quit my job as the advertising manager for the Maine Tourism Association just to keep up with all the book-related events.”
The ghostly tale that transfixed a town
Set in the late 1700s, Michelle’s novel explores the supernatural mystery of Nellie Butler, who reportedly appeared to deliver specific instructions to her grieving husband, George.
“Nellie wasn’t a witch,” Michelle noted. “She was a young woman who tragically died in childbirth. But her spirit allegedly returned with a purpose to ensure George remarried a local woman named Lydia.”
The haunting divided the town.
“Half the people believed it was divine, and the other half thought it was a hoax,” Michelle said.
The controversy grew so intense that the local church disbanded for three years.
“Imagine that,” she reflected. “The church was the center of community life. For it to dissolve because of a ghost story is incredible.”
Michelle infused her narrative with rich historical details while allowing her imagination to fill in the emotional gaps. She described how the sightings began subtly with knocking sounds and lights, which grew into full apparitions.
“People traveled from miles away, hoping to witness it for themselves,” she noted.
From second-grade scribbles to bestseller
Though she hadn’t pursued writing seriously until her 50s, Michelle’s gift was recognized early.
“In second grade, I remember my teacher told my mother, ‘She has a gift for writing,’” Michelle recalled. “Instead, I spent 20 years in sales and marketing. I raised five kids and didn’t give writing another thought until that book found me.”
Her fascination with the people behind the historical record drove her creativity.
“I wanted to know who these people really were,” she explained. “How did they feel? How did their lives intersect before and after Nellie’s appearances? That’s the part I fictionalized.”
Embracing the unexpected
Following the success of her first novel, Michelle dove deeper into history.
“I was contacted by descendants of the families in the story,” she explained. “They gave me even more details that led to new discoveries.”
That inspired her next project. It is a prequel tracing the Blaisdell family’s origins in 15th-century England.
“I spent two weeks in England, walking through castles and dungeons,” Michelle recalled. “It was surreal.”
Reinventing life at 50 and beyond
Michelle’s reinvention didn’t stop with writing. In 2023, she took on another challenge — running a 130-site campground situated on 55 acres.
“My son suggested it,” she noted. “He said, ‘You’d never written a book before, and look how well that turned out.’ So, why not run a campground?”
Despite having never camped herself, Michelle embraced the challenge and purchased Pleasant Hill Campground, which is a short distance from Bangor, Maine.
“We renovated a tired 1970s campground,” she explained. “We installed a new pool, new deck and modern amenities. We worked 12 to 17-hour days, but it was worth it.”
The result? A five-star rating and recognition as a top-rated campground in Maine. Running the campground was both rewarding and exhausting.
“It’s not retirement,” Michelle joked. “It’s hard work. But seeing families gather and kids playing made it all worthwhile.”
Finding purpose and joy
For Michelle, the key to success lies in staying open to new possibilities. Her gratitude for life’s unexpected turns is evident.
“If you’re over 50 and feeling stuck, then get up and do something. This has been the best decade of my life,” she reflected. “My 20s and 30s were hard. But you have to hit your lowest point in order to appreciate your highest. I wouldn’t change a thing.
“I do not think I would be so grateful for everything that has happened to me in my 50s if I had not passed through those trials in my 20s and my 30s,” she added. “The best piece of advice I can give anybody is to wake up every morning thinking that today will be the best day you’ve ever had. Because, if you think that way, then it will likely be the best day ever.”
Living life fully
Michelle’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of pursuing untapped passions.
“We are the creators of our own reality,” she explained. “Even if you only have today, make it the best day possible.”
With a thriving writing career, a successful campground, and a heart full of gratitude, Michelle Shores proves that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. As she continues to pursue new adventures, Michelle remains an inspiration for anyone looking to create their next chapter — no matter their age.
For more information
People can connect with Michelle on a variety of platforms including:
- Website = www.mshoreswriter.com
- Facebook = www.facebook.com/mshoreswriter
- Instagram = www.instagram.com/mshoreswriter
- X (formerly Twitter) = www.x.com/mshoreswriter
- LinkedIn = www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-shores-a076b4226
- Campground = www.pleasanthillcampground.com
Her book, “The Gathering Room,” is available on Amazon and in other bookstores.
If you order Michelle’s book from a link above, Forward From 50 may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.