I COLLECT STORIES LIKE SEASHELLS

by Leya Van Doren

Coming to you 11.22.25

This book is for those who’ve ever felt lost, unsure of their next step, yet still followed the quiet call of their heart.


For the seekers—of meaning, of home, of something more.


For those who’ve searched outside themselves, only to discover the answers within.


For the spiritually curious, the emotionally brave, the ones learning to sit with their shadow.


For anyone who longs to be seen, to be known, to redefine what love means.


For those drawn to travel, to stories that carry the scent of salt air and soul-searching.


For those on a journey—internal and external—toward belonging.

JOIN ME ON THE JOURNEY…

In the fall of 2021, I went on a journey - a three-month solo trip through Central and South America. I didn’t have a plan, just a calling in my heart to go. To discover. To experience.

What unfolded was an epic adventure - hiking volcanoes, sitting with a Mayan shaman, visiting Machu Picchu, and so much more. But the real journey, the one I didn’t know I was signing up for, was the one that happened within.

This book is the unfolding of that inner voyage — a story that invites us all to return home, to the place we’ve always belonged.

ABOUT THE BOOK

I Collect Stories Like Seashells is a hybrid collection of poetry and lyrical essays that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery across the landscapes of Central and South America. Weaving together themes of home, identity, belonging, and the search for inner truth, this work reflects on the deeply personal and universal experiences of navigating young adulthood.

Through vivid depictions of solo travel—whether attending a Mayan Fire Ceremony in Guatemala, visiting the sacred ruins of Machu Picchu, or savoring the simple joys of life in Mexico City—Leya Van Doren’s external adventures mirror her internal explorations of memory, self-reflection, and growth. This collection speaks directly to the modern wanderer, offering solace and inspiration to those facing their own uncertainties and "messy middles."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leya Van Doren is a writer and creative guide passionate about storytelling, soul work, and the sacred path of self-discovery. She’s the host of The Creative Soul Podcast and the author of Mermaid Musings: Stories of Sea, Sex, and Spirituality.

✨ Pre-Order Options

Choose the experience that speaks to you:

🌊 Digital Edition – $22

Receive a beautiful PDF copy of I Collect Stories Like Seashells delivered straight to your inbox on launch day.
Perfect for those who love to read on the go or keep words close on their devices.

🌿 Digital + Live Workshop – $36

Includes the digital PDF plus a spot in a live journaling + storytelling workshop hosted by Leya.
For those who want to reflect, write, and connect in community.
(Live on Zoom – recording available.)

💌 Signed Paperback – $30

A lovingly packaged, signed paperback copy of the book mailed to your door.
Hold the stories in your hands, star your favorite lines, and display it on your altar or bookshelf.

🔥 Signed Book + Workshop – $44

The signed paperback plus access to the live journaling workshop.
An immersive experience for those who love both tangible beauty and live connection.

🌺 Ritual Box Experience – $88

A sensory-rich, story-infused care package. For the collectors of stories and seashells.

Includes:

  • Signed paperback

  • Live workshop access

  • Guatemalan Cacao from an all-female cacao collective (featured in the book!)

  • Wildcrafted Herbal Tea Blend Inspired by my Travels

  • Curated surprises to nourish your creative soul

A curated box of treasures inspired by my travels across Central and South America. Think of it as a literary travel care package—something I might send you from the road, with love. Limited quantities available.

✨ Live Workshop: Stories Like Seashells

A virtual poetry reading + journaling circle with Leya Van Doren
📅 November, 2025| 💻 Held on Zoom (recording available)

Come join us for a live community gathering to celebrate the launch of I Collect Stories Like Seashells—part poetry reading, part journaling workshop, part story circle.

This workshop is for you if you’re craving time to reflect, write, and connect through story. This is a space to slow down and honor the messy, beautiful journey of becoming.

🌊 In our time together, you’ll experience:

  • Readings from the book, woven with backstories and behind-the-scenes glimpses

  • Guided journaling prompts that echo themes like home, identity, spiritual seeking, and self-discovery

  • Community storytelling, where you’ll be invited to (optionally!) share reflections

  • A sacred, soft space to feel, process, and be witnessed in your own internal and external journeys.

Bring a notebook, your favorite drink, and an open heart.

💫 How to Join:

  • Included in the Digital + Workshop, Signed Book + Workshop, and Ritual Box tiers

THANK YOU!

Thank you to those of you who are considering purchasing the book, attending the workshop, or splurging on the ritual box. As an independent artist, I’ve poured so much love into these stories and I’m so excited to share them with you all. I always teach people in my creative writing workshops that their creativity is a gift. And this is my gift, to you. Thank you for supporting and believing in my work. Thank you for witnessing my creative soul.