Publications

Published Novels and Nonfiction Works

The Fire Painter, published in 2026, tells the story of Kate Letts, who loses everything in a fire and is left with the clothes on her back, her laptop, and a book bag. Before looking for an apartment, Kate, an oil painter working in retail, launches into an obsessive search to replicate her sentimental belongings by shopping antique shops and thrift stores. Her best friends hold a fundraiser for her so she can buy all new things instead, and at the event, she meets the wife of a late artist who lends her use of his studio. She attempts to recreate some of her art there, somehow magically bringing the artist’s paintings to life in a surreal way.

The lead singer for the Slingers punk rock band, Ty Banks, writes songs and plays the local circuit. He and Kate meet, realizing they have art in common, but Kate resists the idea of dating after an abusive ex and unaddressed childhood trauma. As Ty rises, Kate loses even more—her job, her dog, and her best friends. Just when Ty’s band goes national, she worries he’ll be her next loss. He returns to town for their joint art and music show, and as things heat up between them, she wonders if she can rise from the ashes.

50 Tips for First-Time Authors: Learn the Secrets of Writing for Publication, published July 7, 2020, provides practical advice on getting started with a writing project from a short story to a novel or collection of poetry. Shelley offers a few ways to find space and time for writing without making it too stressful. She delves into the writing process, as well as the differences among writing in the fiction, nonfiction, and poetry genres. She touches on methods for writing concisely and overcoming writer’s block, concluding with advice or effective and fast editing, the most important step to crafting the written word! By reading these tips, new and established writers will have a concise understanding of what’s involved in writing and editing a publication-ready book.

Short Story & Poetry Publications

In addition to her novels and poetry collections, Shelley has seen her work published in numerous anthologies and outlets. She also has a self-published booklet of writing and editing tips for authors,

Shelley’s Short Story Publications

Shelley’s Poetry Appearances

  • “My Plants at Night,” one of dozens of poems selected for “Free for All: A Community Art Exhibition!” at the Town of Windsor Museums’ 10th annual Windsor Community Art and Poetry Exhibition at the Windsor Art & Heritage Center, Sept. 13-Dec. 15, 2024.
  • “Word Shadows,” one of 31 poems selected for “Black & White” at the Town of Windsor Museums’ 8th annual Windsor Community Art and Poetry Exhibition at the Windsor Art & Heritage Center, Oct. 1, 2022-Jan. 15, 2024.
  • “The Leaf Dance,” one of 21 poems selected for the “Forces of Nature: A Community Exhibition!” at the Windsor Art and Heritage Center, gala Sept. 3, 2021, exhibit Fridays and Sundays, Sept. 4, 2021-Jan, 9, 2022.
  • “Flower Centers,” third place in the adult category, Poudre River Public Library District Battle of the Bards poetry contest, reading April 2017.
  • “Wings,” “Twitter Poem” and “Winter Visitors,” selected for the Northern Colorado Writers poetry collection, Sunrise Summits: A Poetry Anthology, published in 2016, launch party and reading November 2016.
  • “Where do Poems Hide?” a selection in the Poetry Ahead project in Loveland, Colo., to celebrate National Poetry Month in April 2015 with poems on display through the month.
  • “Dad’s Swing Sets,” third place in the adult category, Poudre River Public Library District Battle of the Bards poetry contest, reading April 2015.
  • “Catch a Poem,” first place in the adult category, Loveland Business Team Poetry Contest, reading February 2014.

To learn more about Shelley’s work, visit her Amazon author page or her Goodreads author page.