19 Comments
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Karan Kapoor's avatar

I still remember the rounds and rounds of edits. So worthwhile -- what a magnificent story! And the reading is a service to the world, miss. Thank you!

Shannan Mann's avatar

I'm madly in love with you

Elizabeth Evans Paine's avatar

“A thousand starlings fill the sky, swirling and careening with the wind, moving at first into a hive of wing and song, and then disbanding, meandering, falling like a dark deck of cards the clouds are shuffling.”

Like, pwew went my brain when I read that. What a beautiful mystic of a story, like breadcrumbs into a dark forest your mother always told you not to travel through alone. Loved it. And also so incredibly inspiring to hear how long it took you to write it—reminding us that great writing takes time. Thank you for sharing your years of toil with us!

Shannan Mann's avatar

Elizabeth, I'm honored for such a close reading and your kindness is sharing it too. Writing can feel like a lonely profession (or way of life) and most of us choose it happily, but it is always beautiful to hear form others what your words might mean for them! 💙

Elizabeth Evans Paine's avatar

I see you’re writing a novel, so I look forward to reading that when it comes!

Shannan Mann's avatar

Oh thank you! 😭 You will receive a free copy WHENEVER it comes out. I promise

Aeden Romeyn's avatar

This is a breathtaking story. I’ve read your work before, but I’m going to remember this one for years I think. Congratulations on getting published!

Edit, because I had more to say: I read this curled up on my kitchen floor on a very bad day, in pain and creatively drained, and this story smacked me in the face with a burst of creative energy I haven’t actually felt in weeks. A story that reinvigorates one’s passions for the craft are golden. “Shush” is one of those stories. Riveting, fascinating, intriguing, gorgeous, thought-provoking. Thanks for sharing 💛

Shannan Mann's avatar

Thank you so much Aeden, I feel heartened to have readers like yourself engaging with my work. And I am so so so elated that it gave you a burst of creative energy as you eloquently put it. I'm so happy to inspire others in some small way. Thank you my friend! 💙

Meg Freer's avatar

Holy wow! This is like nothing else I've ever read. Simply amazing. Congratulations on its publication!

Shannan Mann's avatar

Thank you so much dear Meg, it means a lot

Maggie May Ethridge's avatar

Gorgeous storytelling. Congratulations!

Shannan Mann's avatar

Thank you Maggie!!

EllenWrites's avatar

This is an amazing story! Congratulations on publication !!💜💜

Shannan Mann's avatar

Thank you Ellen!!

Evan Noren's avatar

Shannan this is a really beautiful piece!! I didn't see the ending coming in the slightest, but it was absolutely surreal and perfect!

(Gonna save this for future rereads now 😊)

Shannan Mann's avatar

You're so kind Evan, thank you so much for this note. Appreciate you saving it also.

Emily Tee's avatar

One of the very best things I've read in a long time! I will be thinking about it for many months, and returning to revisit it.

Arora's avatar

I'm speechless! This story is incredible; it has beautiful elements of magical realism, and the themes surrounding womanhood, autonomy, and colonialism are nuanced yet thought-provoking. I can't wait to read more of your stories :).

Aimee Wai's avatar

a beautiful and terrifying dream 🪺♥️