Welcome to Story Time!

🛸 Press play to start your journey

📫 Hello, my dearest Story Time friend! Yes, I am talking to you. Welcome! I am so glad you have found your way to the Story Time headquarters.

It doesn’t matter how you got here; what is important is that you found me. Phew! I hope it wasn't too much of a challenge. I like to believe that, one way or another, life brought you to me just when the universe deemed it necessary.

Who is Shachem Lieuw?

Tap the card to flip it 🔄

In my home country of Suriname, I am known as Sharona Lieuw-On, but as a writer, I love using the name Shachem Lieuw. Think of it as my secret pen name for when I exchange these letters 📧 with you.

I’ll tell you something: a name, or the reputation that society attaches to it, doesn’t matter much. Nobody can know your entire story, and every story has different angles. Instead of sharing a list of achievements and accomplishments, I want to show you a glimpse of the raw version of me.

I am humble and down-to-earth, for my creative soul acknowledges that one day I, too, will become one with the earth again. 🌎 For one reason or another, I was born with a very caring heart—perhaps it’s a natural trait, or perhaps a reaction to childhood trauma. It is what it is; at the very least, I am a highly aware individual. I am open to learning, healing, and growing.

The Journey of a Storyteller

The way my journey has evolved is something you wouldn't believe even if I told you! That’s why I like to escape to a world where people believe in the impossible: my writing. I have loved creating stories ever since I could write my first sentences.

Being born in the only Dutch-speaking country in South America, people don’t always take writing seriously. That never diminished my love for a good story. It’s a pity I’ve lost so many drafts ✍️ over time—stories I could have shared with the world—but creativity has no limitations!

From "Gothic Poems" to a Global Blog

I’m a millennial winging it while figuring out this "adulting" thing. I love showing my human side, imperfections and all. I try and I try, and I don’t mind failing 1,000 times. I know that, in the end, that is the sacrifice a student pays to master any skill. (Oops, that Asian blood in my mixed heritage is speaking!)

Thirteen years ago, I started this blog without thinking much of it. I used it as a place to save my embarrassing "inner gothic chick" poems. I thought nobody would read them once I hit the post button. Every six months or so, I would add another poem. Eventually, I forgot all about the blog—until months later, when I received an email letting me know I had viewers and comments!

Ever since then, my blog has been a wild journey. I’ve discovered that not everything you read on the internet is true, but if I had never tried, I wouldn’t have made it this far.

• 13 years ago · the first embarrassing poem
• Every six months · one more poem
• Months later · an email about viewers and comments!
• Today · the Story Time blog 🛸

Welcome Home to Story Time

Ultimately, this is the result: my Story Time blog. Here, I decide what stories to tell and which direction they go. There is no limit to the plot twists! I wanted a place where the writer living inside me could feel safe to create.

I am open about this experience because I want others to learn from it, too. Don't worry, I’m not going to be one of those people who talks on and on about blogging just to sell you a course! 😆 I simply believe that whatever you do in life, you should put your heart into it. Watering the flowers takes time, but once they bloom, it’s worth it.

What you’ll find here

You can pick which category interests you in the Labels section of the menu. You might even find a few fun videos hidden in my stories! 📹

It’s nice to meet you, and I hope we have many fun adventures together. Don’t forget to subscribe when you see that Story Time U.F.O. pop up! 👽👾

Ready to join the crew?

Board the Story Time UFO 🚀