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  • Maggie - Never Bitter
Maggie Never Bitter’ book cover by Taj Shotwell

MAGGIE: NEVER BITTER by TAJ Shotwell

 A young and loved teacher, Maggie, learns her father is dying, returns home, and becomes an unexpected prey for her deranged stepmother.     

A modern-day faith base take on Snow White. 

Family  drama/mystery musical.

Buy Book Here

MAGGIE: NEVER BITTER STAGE READING

NEW RELEASE!!

16 Songs with various artists and genres

SOLD ON ITUNES AND APPLE


Song Previews Here


PDF Viewer

Download PDF

Taj Shotwell Productions, LLC Theater Company

Never Bitter Best Song Award

  

Marlin Awards in St. Maarten - Best Song Contest  2022.   Lili Forbes stated:                                  

 · 

I won! My first award as a solo vocalist. 

I had to do a double take several times on line to let it sink in that Never Bitter Won in the category of Outstanding Contemporary Vocal Performance-Female. This is the soundtrack to the Musical " Maggie Never Bitter" It was Written by a local playwright Theresa Ann James Shotwell who commissioned me to compose the music. My team and I are over the moon. The Musical just debuted in Tallahassee as a staged reading at FAMU Essential Theatre Black Box, I'm excited to see where the Playwright takes it next. I don't own the rights to the song, so I will not be posting it online, I composed the music and coproduced the track with Jacki Waller Barineauand Ezekiel Haynes. Thank you to Kevin Minister K Harrisand the Marlin Awards …


MUSICAL AUDITIONS

 Seeking 13 Singers and Actors  

Ages 16-80

MARCH 26, 2022  12:30-4:00PM

PLEASE SHARE YOUR TALENTS

LEON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Taj Shotwell, Executive Producer

         Essential Theatrical Associates,            Co-Producer



FOR  SCREENPLAY OR STAGE    MANUSCRIPT

CONTACT

TAJ SHOTWELL

taj.shotwell@gmail.com

or text at

1 850-321-1991


MAGGIE: NEVER BITTER 

Best Musical Screenplay Award - IFFF Raleigh Studios Hollywood, CA 2016 



My Blog


Welcome to TAJ Shotwell Productions, LLC

Our Vision

At TAJ  Shotwell Productions, LLC, our vision is to be the leading provider of performing arts education and entertainment in the region.

Our Programs

We offer a wide range of programs including dance, theater, music, and more for students of all ages and skill levels.

Our Instructors

Our instructors are highly trained professionals with years of experience in their respective fields, dedicated to helping our students succeed.


MAGGIE: NEVER BITTER

A Fiction Novella by TAJ Shotwell

Genre: Modern Family and Faith Drama / Mystery / Romance / Musical

 

Logline

A beautiful young teacher returns home when her father falls ill, only to become the target of her jealous, mentally unstable stepmother. As her faith is tested and secrets unfold, Maggie discovers the healing power of love, forgiveness, and unexpected friendship.


Pitch

A modern-day fairy tale rooted in faith, betrayal, romance, and redemption, MAGGIE: NEVER BITTER is a genre-blending drama enriched with original songs that bring depth and emotion to every scene. Whether navigating the joys of teaching, the pain of loss, or the threat of betrayal, Maggie clings to her father's life mantra: "Never Bitter." In this deeply heartfelt story, TAJ Shotwell blends the realism of today’s social challenges with timeless lessons on grace, healing, and inner strength.


Synopsis

Maggie Brown, a cherished elementary school teacher and sole heir to her father’s fortune, is heartbroken to learn of his terminal illness. Her return home is meant to bring comfort, but instead, she’s met with hostility from her stepmother, Jennifer, a former model with a dangerous past and an even darker agenda.

As Jennifer’s jealousy spirals into madness, she devises schemes that put Maggie’s life in danger. Amid her grief, Maggie finds comfort in Douglass—a kind soul who gently restores her faith in love and life. But before they can build a future together, Maggie is abducted and left for dead—only to be rescued by the Dunkers, a tight-knit group of rural athletes who offer protection, wisdom, and a sense of belonging.

As Douglass searches desperately for Maggie, he uncovers chilling truths about Jennifer’s past. Meanwhile, Maggie's strength and faith are pushed to their limits as Jennifer reappears for a final confrontation. Can Maggie survive the trauma, forgive the unforgivable, and honor her father's dying wish to stay Never Bitter?

This powerful novella is framed with sixteen original songs, available as lyrics, sheet music, and full soundtracks, making it a musical reading experience unlike any other.


Key Features

  • Inspirational Christian themes rooted in forgiveness, faith, and resilience
  • A unique blend of family drama, suspense, romance, and musical storytelling
  • Custom-composed music and lyrics are designed to enhance pivotal moments in the story.
  • A compelling, grounded female lead facing the complexities of love, betrayal, and personal transformation.
  • A cast of memorable characters, from rural athletes to a noble love interest


What Makes This Book Special?

  • Musical Integration: Not just a novel, but a musical journey. Sixteen original songs are woven into the story with available sheet music and soundtracks.
  • Modern Fable Feel: Inspired by the essence of Snow White, but retold through a fresh, realistic lens that includes mental health, faith, and forgiveness.
  • Themes That Resonate: Readers will explore emotional topics such as loss, spiritual endurance, inner strength, family betrayal, and finding unexpected allies.


Perfect For:

  • Readers who love faith-based fiction with heart and depth
  • Fans of musical storytelling and books with an interactive element
  • Ideal for readers drawn to themes of healing, transformation, and inner strength.
  • Book clubs and faith groups exploring themes of modern morality, relationships, and redemption.

🎭 About Taj Shotwell & Taj Shotwell Productions

Dr. Taj Shotwell is a passionate advocate for education and the arts. As an accomplished author, educator, and producer, she founded Taj Shotwell Productions to bring stories of resilience, purpose, and empowerment to life. Her work bridges the gap between creativity and education, offering opportunities to those whose voices often go unheard.

Through her leadership at BAAI (Business of Art Academy International), Dr. Shotwell champions a unique educational model that blends performing arts with practical business skills—helping students build confidence, creativity, and real-world readiness. Her vision is clear: to equip the next generation to lead with both heart and skill. 

 Copyright © 2025 TAJ SHOTWELL PRODUCTIONS, LLC- All Rights Reserved

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